Oktoberfest - when is it least busy (beginning, middle, end)?
 

Hi,

My husband and I are considering a trip to Germany and Austria this fall (if not, then for sure next spring), and would like to take in a bit of the Oktoberfest, but I do not do well with large crowds. I can handle it for a day or two in Munich, but am wondering if the surrounding region (Fussen, Rothenburg, Salzburg) will be excessively crowded too?? Also, does anyone know if it would help to go right at the end of Oktoberfest, or is it really busy then too?

Thank you!!

-Abbynicole

>will be excessively crowded too?
No
> if it would help to go right at the end of Oktoberfest
No, it only gets more crowded. The first few days are the best.

One of the nicest attractions at the Octoberfest is the parade on the first day. All of the beer companies have their own teams of horses and wagons and they are all decked out for the parade from downtown to the fields where the Octoberfest takes place. You are less likely to encounter the worst crowds earlier in the day and avoid weekends. It does get really crowded though...from your description you probably could enjoy just a half day there and then take off!!

Thank you for the replies. I think then that we will either travel mid-September and finish off with the opening of Oktoberfest, or just not bother at all and travel mid-October.

Or, just go next spring, depending on finances!!

>or just not bother at all and travel mid-October.
Oktoberfest isn't really that interesting. Just a bunch of drunken tourists...

Yes, I'm starting to see that. My husband loves German beer, and I am a travel agent, so I thought that it might be a good experience to have under my belt to increase my knowledge and value. But I'm thinking except for the parade at the beginning, it's probably not worth it.

I have not been to Oktoberfest, but we went to Germany last summer and had a blast. We spent several days in Munich and there was no shortage of beer :)

Personally i've found my several visits to Oktoberfest to be exhilarating experiences - an incredible connivial atmosphere and each tent is decorated differently - thousands of folks singing en mass old favorites. This is something special that i would not dismiss just as a bunch of folks getting drunk, which is also true. I can see where Germans may be blase to it as they have their own similar though less ballyhooed fests in their own towns but to me Oktoberfests will always linger in my mind as one of the most enjoyable things i've experienced in Europe. Tents are less crowded i think weekdays before 5 or 6 after which locals, yes locals though there were many Americans i've carefully scrutinized the crowds and most are indeed Germans, including many companies and corporations who reserve whole blocks of seats for their employees, etc.
That there are folks from all over the world as well as many Germans all making merry together i find very refreshing.

Never go on a weekend. There will be too many drunken American soldiers. I was there one day when the estimate was 2 million people. If you have to get around, walk behind a beer wagon. Just watch out for the dung. The night tents are almost 100% reserved by companies, so you really have to go during the day, unless you can get a company to 'adopt' your for the evening. Germans love to get Americans drunk and take them on the much faster rides (than in the US). You can imagine the results. If there is any business included on the trip, bring a bottle of Tequila to get back at the Germans. After being there 4 times, that was enough for a lifetime. The bumper cars are fun because they are far faster than the American versions.

This will be my 3rd year going, and it's always crowded. I can't speak for the end, but I'd imagine it to be quite busy (only rolls around once a year and those Germans love their beer. I will say that "Opening Day" last year was insane... it was how I'd imagine the running of the bulls getting into the tents.

I can't wait to go back though-- it's unreal! We visited Salzburg just after O-fest last year, and it wasn't super crowded, but being only an hour by train from Munich, I'm sure they see their crowds increase during the weeks surrounding O-fest. Salzburg is a must-see in my opinion though...beautiful countryside, and a really pretty casino too if you like to gamble.

Have fun! :)

Another alternative is to go to a local Oktoberfest.

These are held in small cities and towns in Bavaria, and finish before the one in Munich. If you want to get the feel of the celebration. but not the crowds, maybe finding out about a smaller festival would be the way to go. Try www.google.de and hope for English translations