欢迎 – Welcome to Munich!
The Wiesn is the world's most famous folk festival – and a highlight of the Europe trip for many visitors from China. Here you'll find places to stay and tips on visas, payments and etiquette.
More and more travellers from China experience Oktoberfest – often combined with Neuschwanstein Castle, the Alps and other European cities. Since you need a Schengen visa to enter, accommodation is one of the first things to arrange.
Your visa application requires proof of accommodation. So book early and, if possible, with free cancellation – that way you're covered if your dates change.
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 with private rooms near Central Station are an affordable and safe choice. Make sure you get a booking confirmation you can submit with your visa application.
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
Mid-range hotels at Central Station or in Maxvorstadt are ideal for groups and families and well connected to the airport and the old town.
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
Many large hotels in the old town offer multilingual service and help with table reservations and trips to Neuschwanstein.
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
Apply for the Schengen visa at the German consulate or visa centre no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before your trip. Appointments are scarce in autumn – plan generously.
Choose accommodation with free cancellation. You can use the booking for your visa application without losing money if plans change.
Some shops and department stores accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. In the tents, however, cash rules – bring euros and a Visa or Mastercard.
When saying „Prost“, look each other in the eye and clink mugs. At the long tables you sit with strangers – that's normal and sociable.
For tour groups, a table reservation in a tent is worthwhile. They are often taken months in advance – ask your tour operator or hotel early.
Emergency: 112, police: 110. The Chinese Consulate General in Munich helps with lost passports and emergencies.
FAQ
Yes, Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa. Among other things, you need proof of accommodation and travel health insurance with at least €30,000 cover.
Partly, mainly in shops and department stores. At the Wiesn and in many restaurants you should carry cash in euros or a credit card.
As early as possible – ideally 9–12 months ahead and with free cancellation, so you can use the confirmation for your visa application.
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