Hi Everyone,<BR><BR>My husband and I will be in Munich from October 1st-5th and plan on attending Oktoberfest at least twice. Does anyone have any good advice on the good times to go, cost, or things not to be missed?<BR><BR>Also what tents are the best and do you have to buy some kind of a ticket to get in? Excuse what may sound like stupid questions but I have never been over for Oktoberfest before so I would like some help if anyone is willing to share their experience.<BR><BR>Thanks so much! <BR><BR>Heidi<BR><BR>

Heidi- Combining one answer to 2 postings- since you are arriving by train @ 7 AM, why not pick up the car at the Bahnhof- That way you don't have to catch the Sbahn to the airport(around 30 to 40 minutes). Of course if you are going to stay in Munchen (I hope you already have hotel reservations) you should not pick up the car until you leave. The public transportation system in Munchen is marvelous and easy to use.<BR>As far as the 'fest goes, the weekend will be very crowded if the weather is nice. Go in the afternoon to get seats inside of the tents or to set outside in the sun where there is less smoke. <BR>There is no charge to get into the tents- and you should wander around to discover which tents you like the best. <BR>The afternoons during the week are the least crowded. Watch out for the horse droppings from the beer wagons. <BR>A liter of beer was around $5 US last year as I remember. The prices seem to go up about 5 to 10% every year. So I suspect it will be about 6 Euros this year.<BR>Have a good time and remember the beer is stronger than in the US-<BR>

This is real old information from our two Octoberfests in the 70s but they did not charge admission then.<BR><BR>There is a parade to open the first day that is fun to see but you will probably miss that. We watched the parade and then followed the last marchers into the park.<BR><BR>I was in the US Army at the time and one of my friends, a 1st Lt. in Army, came dressed in all the official lederhosen and complete German outfit. His highlight was when a lady from the US asked him in broken German if he would pose for a photo with him. He nodded yes without talking. Her husband took the photo of this "real" German...not knowing he was from Wisconsin and in his country's Army. We had a good laugh on that one.<BR><BR>The Lowenbrau people have a great tent. Get in the middle, order a beer and sing some songs. Great time! Just locate all the restrooms before you start.

http://oktoberfest.sat1.de/en/<BR><BR>Check out this official Oktoberfest website for details

1 - If there on a weekend, get to the beer tents by noon or 1 at the latest. Very difficult to find spots if you arrive later, especially in good weather.<BR><BR>2- Price of a beer this year is 7 euro<BR><BR>3- Costs nothing to go in the tent<BR><BR>4- Best tents are said to be the Hacker and Paulaner tents. Augustiner and Lowenbrau and Hofbrau are also good of course. I spent the weekend in the Paulaner tent, and can attest to the crazy fun atmosphere. Oh and learn the song "Hey Baby".

There was an interesting report on the German TV last night about this year's Oktoberfest. They asked a Kellnerin (waitress) at Paulaner beer tent (I think) which nationality they liked best. Here were her answers:<BR>1. Americans. They are great! Jovial and BEST tippers!<BR>2. Italians. They prefer wine. Don't drink much beer....<BR>3. Japanese. Very well behaved. Again no great drinkers.<BR>4. Australians/Kiwis. They are the jokers.<BR>4. Germans, esp local M&uuml;nchner. The best. Maybe because I'm from Munich myself, but anyway they really create the atmosphere and know how to have a good time.<BR><BR>So I say, good luck and Prost!