Oktoberfest Tours 2010 - Munich's Beerfest, Germany

Event and PP Tour Information

Oktoberfest Munich - Europe's Premier Beer Festival and event! 17 days, 6 million litres of beer, nearly 7 million visitors - there is no doubt Munich's Beer Fest is big, well, GIGANTIC actually. But it not just the sheer size that makes this event a must - when it comes to carnival atmosphere and simple pure fun - the Oktoberfest is immense!

Sorry, all hotel beds have now sold out - but camping and coach packages are still available ... BOOK NOW, to avoid disappointment!

PP Travel is renowned for operating the most fun and professionally organised tours to the big party destinations - and there is no argument about the size of the Oktoberfest! We are the Munich Beer Fest specialists offering a wide variety of great value 2010 Oktoberfest packages covering all three weekends of the fest. Whether you require a coach/camping tour, a hotel or short flying tour we have something to suit you and your budget. You can also book just hotel accommodation or camping accommodation only packages.

Already 2010 is proving to be a record year for Oktoberfest bookings with PP with nearly 2000 passengers booked on. So you best hurry if you are planning to go to Munich this year.

Every year a huge park in the centre of Munich called the Theresenwiese is transformed into what appears to be the world's party central. Half of the park is filled with amazing rides, side shows, food stalls and Schnapps tents. The other half boasts 14 beerhalls. Like everything about the Oktoberfest the beerhalls or beer tents are huge. They sit over 4000 people inside and more in the beer gardens. In fact around 100,000 people can be seated at Munich Beer Festival tables! You are served steins (1 litre jugs) of the local brew by the frauliens, entertained by Oompah bands - the atmosphere is fantastic. The Oktoberfest always finishes on the first Sunday in October. This year's great German Beer Festival runs from noon on Saturday September 18 2010 to Monday October 4 - an extra day has just been added!!.

It is free to enter the fest grounds and beerhalls - unfortunately you have to pay for your beer! See at the rear of this page for further info on the beerhalls.

Great Value PP Travel Oktoberfest Tour Packages

• Coach Tours from just £229
• Accommodation from just £99!!
• Fly/camping packages from just £249

Coach
We offer economical 5 day coach Oktoberfest tours from London for all three weekends of the Munich Beer Festival. Over the opening weekend you also have the choice of a 7 day coach/camping tour, a 7 day tour based in an awesome lakeside Austrian chalet or the ultimate party combo, our 9 day Munich Beerfest/Amsterdam tour!

Hotels
We offer 7 different Munich city centre hotels all walking distance from the Oktoberfest, for all weekends of fest. Sorry, all hotel beds have now sold out - but camping and coach packages are still available.

Flights
With our flight booking service we will assist in finding the most economical fares available from our own set of group flights, scheduled and web-based fares. Simply add the flight to your hotel or camping package. Alternatively organise your own transport and book our beds or camping packages as accommodation only.
Group Flights Our 2010 group flights are now on sale. Select from scheduled Lufthansa direct flights from London Heathrow, below. Cost, including taxes, is GBP189.
Flight 1A - 17-Sept-10 LHR-MUC 1110/1400 LH4753, 20-Sept-10 MUC-LHR 1905/2005 LH4764 SOLD OUT
Flight 1B - 17-Sept-10 LHR-MUC 2005/2255 LH4763, 20-Sept-10 MUC-LHR 1905/2005 LH4764 SOLD OUT
Flight 2A - 24-Sept-10 LHR-MUC 1110/1400 LH4753, 27-Sept-10 MUC-LHR 1905/2005 LH4764 SOLD OUT
Flight 2B- 24-Sept-10 LHR-MUC 2005/2255 LH4763, 27-Sept-10 MUC-LHR 1905/2005 LH4764 SOLD OUT
Flight 3A - 1-Oct-10 LHR-MUC 1110/1400 LH4753, 4-Oct-10 MUC-LHR 1525/1625 LH4758 SOLD OUT
Flight 3B - 1-Oct-10 LHR-MUC 2005/2255 LH4763, 4-Oct-10 MUC-LHR 1525/1625 LH4758 SOLD OUT

Note: We act as agent of the German Travel Centre (ATOL licence 2977). Your flights only are protected as part of their licence. Land based arrangements (accommodation etc) are not covered by this ATOL.

Camping in Munich - Stay at the legendary Thalkirchen Campsite
If you are planning to do a camping tour to the Beerfest there is only one place to stay - Munich's famous Thalkirchen camping ground, where everyone meets! PP Travel is the largest specialist festival tour operator staying at Thalkirchen. This huge camp is just 3km away - a short PP coach shuttle or just three train stops - from the festival grounds. We offer coach/camping tours, fly/camp and accom-only packages for all 3 weekends of the fest.
Dorm option now available! Excllusive to PP - 4 and 10-bedded dorm packages from just £129pp. Very limited availability.

Full Oktoberfest shuttle service
With our Munich-based transfer coach - as well as our London tour coaches - we provide shuttles to and from the beerhalls every day of the fest!

Getting into a Beerhall
While it is free to enter the Oktoberfest grounds and there is also no entry fees into any of the 14 beer tents, with 6 million visitors, it is extremely busy. Often on weekends the beer tents close their doors when full, meaning looking for seats in their outside beer gardens or lining up. We operate shuttles to the fest from first thing in the morning for those who want to get in early or you may consider booking a table. It is not imperative that you pre-book a table, but it can make life much easier at the fest. Booking a table is not all that easy and you must individually book with the the specific beer tents directly and this should be done months in advance. For further info on all the beer tents and their contact details click here: Beer tent official information

Accommodation

Camping in Munich - Staying at the legendary Thalkirchen Campsite
If you are planning to do a camping tour to the Beerfest there is only one place to stay - Munich's famous Thalkirchen camping ground, where everyone meets! PP Travel is the only specialist festival tour operator staying at Thalkirchen. This huge camp is just 3km away - a short PP coach shuttle or just three train stops - from the festival grounds. We offer coach/camping tours, fly/camp and accom-only packages for all 3 weekends of the fest. PP's Munich Thalkirchen base on Google Maps

Hotels
Sorry, all hotel beds are now sold out.
We offered 6 different Munich city centre hotels - all walking distance from the Beerhalls. All are good quality clean German hotels. All include breakfast. Prices vary according to their standard, number of people per room and whether rooms have private or shared facilities. All hotels are booked for three nights - Arrive Friday and depart Monday. In some occasions (depending upon availability, extra nights can be arranged or weekend dates can be altered slightly. All hotels require a minimum of 3 nights stay. All Hotels are pre-booked September 17-20, September 24-27 or October 1-4, 2010.

Mariandl Hotel-Pension:
Great old-world character hotel-pension in top position only a few minutes walk from the Beerfest. Available all 3 weekends of the Beerfest. The accommodation is above its own fantastic jazz bar/restaurant which is open well after the fest closes. With live music nightly, it is ideal for groups really looking to party.
The Mariandl has a variety of rooms, nearly all with private facilities - twins, doubles, triples, quads and 6 bedded rooms. Most rooms ensuite, some with a private bathroom (with a key) outside the room. This popular hotel always sells fast due to the great location and atmosphere.
Latest availability:2010 beds now on sale! Available all three weekends of the fest.
Hotel accommodation only priced: GBP209p.p for the six-bedded rooms, GBP219 - GBP229 p.p for triple and quad rooms, GBP249p.p. for twin and double rooms

Mariandl on Google Maps

Hotel Senator
Excellent standard hotel, with it's own bar in a sensational position just outside the main gate of the Oktoberfest. Available all three weekends of the Oktoberfest. All rooms with full facilities.
The Senator also offers a massive buffet breakfast - arguably the best in Munich. Twin, Double, Triple and Quad rooms offered. This hotel is always EXTREMELY popular, so book early.
Latest Availability:2010 beds now on sale! Available all three weekends of the fest.

Hotel accommodation only prices: Twin/Double GBP 289.00p.p, Triple GBP 259.00p.p, Quad GBP 229.00p.p

The Senator on Google Maps

Margit Hotel-Pension
Good standard hotel-pension in excellent position, just a couple of minutes walk from the Oktoberfest and about 10 minutes walk from the central train station. All rooms with private facilities. Breakfast is included.
Latest availability: Latest availability: 2010 beds now on sale! Available 1st and 2nd weekends of the fest.

Hotel accommodation only prices: Double/Twin GBP 269.00p.p, Triple GBP 239.00p.p, Quad GBP 229.00p.p
Fly/Hotel: as above plus the cost of the flight
The Margit on Google Maps

Hotel Mirabell
Excellent standard family run hotel, just a few minutes walk from the main central Hauptbahnof station and a 10 minute walk to the fest grounds. All rooms with private facilities. Breakfast included.

Latest Availability: 2010 beds now on sale! Available only the opening weekend of the fest.

Hotel accommodation only prices: Twin/Double GBP 299.00p.p.

The Mirabell on Google Maps

Hotel Mark
The Hotel Mark is another excellent standard hotel. It is in a very good position, situated very close to the central station and a short 10-12 minute walk from the Oktoberfest grounds. Available first weekend only. Includes top buffet breakfast. All rooms with full facilities. Twins, doubles, triple and quad rooms available.
Latest availability:: 2010 beds now on sale! Available only the opening weekend of the fest.
Hotel accommodation only prices: Twin/Doubles GBP 308p.p, Triple GBP279p.p, Quads GBP259p.p
Fly/Hotel: Prices as above plus the flight cost.
The Mark on Google Maps

Flora Hotel-Pension
Family-run basic German pension 5 minutes walk north of the main train station and 15-20 min walk to Oktoberfest. Variety of rooms on offer. Some rooms with private facilities some without. Breakfast included daily.
Latest availability:2010 beds to be released.

Hotel accommodation only prices with bathroom: Double GBP235p.p, Triples GBP209p.p, Quads GBP 199p.p.
Hotel accommodation only prices without bathroom: Double and Twins GBP220p.p, Triples GBP199p.p, Quads GBP189p.p.Fly/Hotel: as above plus flight cost
The Flora on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions about Oktoberfest

The PP Oktoberfest Experience

To successfully cover an event as huge as the Munich Beer Festival, you need to be both professional and certainly experienced. This will be PP Travel's 20th year of operating Oktoberfest tours - and we certainly can't wait for midday on September 18 when the mayor of Munich taps that first keg!

To say we have an affinity with the Beer Fest, is an understatement. We truly love it - well festivals and parties are our life - and it is not just the beer. It is the whole gigantic carnival atmosphere of this great German festival, set in one of Europe's most beautiful cities that make us count down the days to our first stein. It is this passion combined with a wide and large well-run operation that has made the "Party Professionals" the choice of thousands of revellers each year at the Oktoberfest.

With six to seven million guests descending upon the Beer Festival grounds each year, it makes travelling to Munich and finding accommodation quite a task. However, with our experience and choice we are confident we can offer the right Oktoberfest package for you. Based in Munich's famous centrally located Thalkirchen campsite - we offer value coach/camping packages that cover the opening weekend, the middle weekend or the closing. We are by far the largest operator at this legendary camp, and whether you coach it in, fly in or make your own way to large Munich base, our team of friendly professionals will do their very best to ensure your Oktoberfest camping experience is fun.

A bit more comfort you are after? Wanting to walk back to a warm bed after a fun day at the Beer Festival? Our central hotel packages will suit perfectly. We offer a choice of hotels close to the Oktoberfest on each of the weekend - but with millions attending the fest - especially at the weekends - the demand for our beds always outstrip supplies.

Extra choice: looking for a bit more than just beer? All our coach tours do free excursions to Dachau concentration camp and the beautiful Andechs monastery (well, for more beer actually). We also offer a 7 day coach camping tour on the opening weekend that spends a day in Austria as well as attending our Austrian beerfest party in the alps. We also offer a 7 day tour that is based the entire time in an Austrian chalet, with daily excursions to the Oktoberfest .

History

The Oktoberfest's "Wiesn" - from a wedding to the largest public festival in the world!

The history of Munich Beer Fest is pretty simple really. A long time ago, the local prince and princess got married. They had a party and invited the locals. The locals, being Bavarians, enjoyed the shing-dig, and naturally had a few beers to toast the bride and groom. They enjoyed it so much, they decided to get together the following year for a few quiet beers. And the following year and the following ...

Yes, the 2009 Oktoberfest will be the 176th event - the biggest celebration of its kind in Europe and it all began on October 12, 1810 with the wedding of the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig (later known as King Ludwig I) to princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen (hence the name of the Theresienwiese, where the Oktoberfest is staged each year - or Therese's green - known to the locals as the "Wiesn"). Five days later, the National Guard organized a large public horse race to ensure that the Bavarian folk could also partake in the wedding celebration. It was decided that the festival should be repeated at the same time the following year, which marked the birth of the "October-Festivals".

In 1811, the Bavarians additionally celebrated an agricultural festival. In contrast to the horse race, this festival has held to this day. Every four years this "central agricultural festival" takes place on the southern part of the Theresienwiese.

The enormous entertainment spectrum today didn't exist in the past: A couple of carousels and several beer stands were all at that time - the first beer tents started in 1896.

As Munich was considerably smaller in the past, the proprietors and event organizers went out to the Wiesn for the starting ceremonies. This tradition is still reflected today with the entry of the tent proprietors on Saturday morning in the parade.

The mayor Thomas Wimmer first started the well-known tradition of tapping the beer keg in the 1950s. The mayor taps the first keg on the first Wiesn-Saturday at exactly 12:00pm and calls out "O'zapft is'!" (which means the keg has been tapped). Since then, the mayor has always tapped the first keg.

But the Wiesn also has its dark side: 13 visitors were killed in a bomb attack at the main entrance in 1980 and over 200 were seriously injured. The Wiesn has been cancelled a total of 24 times in its history. The reasons were: war, cholera and inflation.

Oktoberfest Photos

Munich Oktoberfest 2009 19/09/2009	Munich Oktoberfest 2008 20/09/2008	Munich Oktoberfest 2006 16/09/2006
Munich Oktoberfest 2005 17/09/2005	Munich Oktoberfest 2004 18/09/2004	Munich Oktoberfest 2003 18/09/2003
Munich Oktoberfest 2002 - Austria Party 23/09/2002	Munich Oktoberfest 2002 Part II 20/09/2002	Munich Oktoberfest 2002 Part I 19/09/2002
Munich Oktoberfest 2001 Reunion 04/10/2001	Munich Oktoberfest 2001 21/09/2001	Munich Oktoberfest 2000 Reunion 28/09/2000
Munich Oktoberfest 2000 16/09/2000

Videos