Hi - I'd like to visit Munich in early October, but would like to avoid Oktoberfest to avoid expensive hotel rates. Will I miss the festival if I book the week of October 5th?

Thanks

I googled Oktoberfest and came up with this website wiht all your answers:

http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/article...eral+FAQs/751/

Oktoberfest 2009 ends Oct 4.

Thanks jamikins. I'm wondering when people tend to empty out of town. Do they leave as soon as the festival is over or would the following weeks (10/12 or 10/19) be a better bet to avoid the crowds and increased costs that most likely come with them. I'd like to take advantage of the relatively warmer weather in early-mid October, but would prefer to miss the festival this time.

Munich rapidly returns to normal after the final day, and hoteliers will be glad to see some new customers! Prices return to normal immediately too.

The week before is a consideration as well. Has anyone been in Munich the week or two before the festival? Do people arrive that early for it?

Thanks

I have never noticed a bigger crowd before the Oktberfest begins. The hotel where I stay and will be staying a few days during this Oktoberfest, increases it's prices considerably.

Great. Thanks VERY much everyone.

Oktoberfest was once in October but was moved up to mainly in September for better weather

ergo - the week before Oktoberfest may have much nicer weather than the week after - i travel often in this region in October and it can be cool and wet for days on end - or it could be rather nice - but more likely cool than wet than warm and sunny IME