Welcome, bienvenue!
You know Oktoberfest from Kitchener-Waterloo? Then it's time for the original. Here you'll find places to stay in Munich and practical tips for your trip.
With Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Canada hosts one of the largest Oktoberfests outside Germany. No wonder many Canadians want to experience the original on the Theresienwiese at some point.
Because the journey is long, most visitors combine the Wiesn with a tour of Bavaria and the Alps. A central place to stay with good rail connections makes day trips to Neuschwanstein, Salzburg or Lake Königssee easy.
Accommodation
During Oktoberfest, Munich is the most expensive city in Germany to stay in. Pick the right category, book early, and you will still find your room.
approx. €40–130 per person/night
Tent camps, campsites, hostel dorms and simple rooms outside the city – ideal for backpackers, groups and anyone who mainly comes to party.
Our tip for you
Hostels at Central Station are a great base for round trips: long-distance trains, the airport S-Bahn and the Wiesn are all close.
approx. €150–350 per room/night
Private rooms, guesthouses and mid-range hotels – with your own bathroom, a quiet night and good connections to the Theresienwiese.
Our tip for you
An apartment with a kitchen saves a lot of money on longer stays. Sendling and Maxvorstadt are well connected and quiet.
from approx. €350 per room/night
4- and 5-star hotels and design apartments within walking distance of the Wiesn or in the old town – with concierge, spa and breakfast until noon.
Our tip for you
Treat yourself to a hotel within walking distance of the Theresienwiese to end your Europe trip – handy if you want to stay until the last toast.
Rough guide prices for the Oktoberfest period, no guarantee. Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive; Monday to Wednesday is often much cheaper. Booking 9–12 months ahead gives you the best choice.
Location
The Theresienwiese is central. U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains get you there quickly from almost every neighbourhood – and staying outside the city often saves a lot of money.
5–15 min on foot
Right next to the festival grounds. Perfect for walking home after the tent – but lively, loud and the first area to sell out.
10–20 min on foot
The largest choice of hotels and hostels, direct S-Bahn to the airport and long-distance trains. A little hectic around the station at night.
1–3 stops on U3/U6
Quiet residential areas with cafés and beer gardens, close to the south entrance via Goetheplatz and Poccistraße. A good balance of location and price.
15–25 min by U-Bahn
Museums, university buzz and lovely cafés. Ideal if you want to combine the Wiesn with sightseeing and a bit of calm in the evening.
15–30 min by S-Bahn
Pasing, Laim, Giesing or the area around Ostbahnhof are cheaper. Get off at Hackerbrücke – from there it is about a 10-minute walk to the Wiesn.
20–60 min by regional train
Often half the price of Munich. Plan your last train back – late-evening trains on Oktoberfest weekends are packed.
Practical tips
Canadians can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. At your first border crossing, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints and photo – allow a little extra time.
In Germany 5–10 % is customary. Tell your server the total including tip when you pay rather than leaving money on the table.
A Maß is a litre of festival beer at around 6 %. Start slowly, drink water and eat something – roast chicken and pretzels help.
Neuschwanstein, Salzburg and the Alps are easy to reach by train. Plan excursions on weekdays – trains are packed on Oktoberfest weekends.
Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted, but cash is fastest in the tents. You'll find cash machines at the Wiesn entrances.
Get travel health insurance. Emergency: 112, police: 110. The Canadian Embassy in Berlin helps in emergencies.
FAQ
No, you don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Before you travel, check whether the EU travel authorisation ETIAS is already mandatory.
The Munich Wiesn is much bigger: around two weeks, huge festival tents with thousands of seats, rides and millions of visitors. That's why you need to book accommodation much earlier.
Ideally 9–12 months in advance, especially for weekends. On weekdays prices and availability are often better.
Who is it for?