We will be flying out from Munich in late September. The Oktoberfest will be going on and we would like to stay in a small town really close to Munich. Have any suggestions?

Landshut is a real nice (not small) town about 1 hr from the Munich airport. Not so good for going into Munich -- but good for the airport, and very interesting in its own right.

Lynda, <BR>The S-bahn (suburban rail)line 6 goes to four villages on the Starnberger See about 20 km south-southwest from Munich. You should be able to find reasonably priced accommodations in gasthausen in any of the four villages, Starnberg, Possenhofen, Feldafing or Tutzing. I'll see what I can dig up as far as addresses and contacts and Email you directly.

Starnberg is a charming village, near the lake, that is beautiful as a destination in itself! <BR>If you are still looking for accomodations, try contacting the German Nationall Tourist Office and ask about hotels or "Pensionen" in that area.

Lynda, <BR>These resources may be of help: <BR> <BR>Reservations can be made for any hotel, inn or pension in Germany by contacting ADZ (Allgemeine Deusche Zimmerreservierung). The telephone number is 0 69/ 74 07 67; FAX is 0 69/ 75 10 56. English is spoken. You may have to give a deposit. They usually ask for a couple of weeks advance notice of intended dates of stay. <BR> <BR>Bavarian gasthauses are all very similar. The similarities include immaculate premises, sumptuous breakfasts of cold meats, cheeses, fruit, breads and coffee. You'll usually find a small restaurant on the premises that is populated by locals. Also similar is the extremely modest cost of such accommodations. <BR> <BR>One final bit of advice. Almost every village in Bavaria has its own local tourist office. Many of these tourist offices also serve as bed and breakfasts. If all else fails, you might want to contact the following village tourist office for information about accommodations, public transportation or local events and festivals. It's in the town of Starnberg (on the northern shore of Starnberger See) Fremdenverkehrsverband Starnberger Funfseenland Tel: 0 81/ 51 13 274 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Lynda- There are several small towns on the S-Bahn (#8) between Munich and the airport. You can go to one of these, get a room ,drop your car off at the airport, then go to the 'Fest before you <BR>catch your plane. (Don't try to drive to or from the 'Fest if you drink.) Hallberg-moos and Ismaning are 2 that come to mind- Also, the taxi between Freising or Erding (which are close to the airport)and the airport is probably less than $20. Busses also go directly to the airport from these 2 towns. And a different S-Bahn will get you from Freising (#1)or Erding (#6)to the 'Fest and back. You certainly don't want to be that close and not go to the 'Fest! Have a good time! Maybe I'll see you under the Lion! <BR>