Oktoberfest in Munich

[Knut]

1) who has been to Oktoberfest, and who has tips for avoiding long-lines?? or... Any general tips for the event as a whole?

2) What other places in Munich are worth the vist??


one other question...... anyone have any experience with places to see/things to do in Prague or Budapest ?

[getbak]

Munich is a great city. Didn't go during Oktoberfest, but still had fun. One piece of advice I heard for avoiding long lines to get into the tents is to wear lederhosen. I remember seeing a lederhosen store not too far from the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, but it was closed when I went by (it would probably be equivalent to going to Lammle's during Stampede).

In Central Munich, they have the English Gardens, which is the largest urban park in Europe (including a nudist area - unfortunately, mostly nude guys). It's a beautiful park (and in true Bavarian fashion, even has a large beer garden).

Munich is also the home of BMW, and they have a big BMW museum. I didn't go, so I can't comment on its content.

A short way outside of Munich is the Dachau Concentration Camp. A pretty sombre place, it was the first Concentration Camp that Hitler set up after taking power. It is not a thrilling place to go, but you won't soon forget it.

On a lighter note, you can go to one of the best castles in all the world. Mad King Ludwig's dream castle, Neuschwanstein, is a couple of hours south of Munich (by bus or train), nestled in the Alps. It's the classic fairy tale castle that the castle at Disneyland was based upon. It's a really cool place to visit.

We did a bike tour around Munich, and saw most of the major sights in a couple of hours. The company is called Mike's Bikes: http://www.mikesbiketours.com and it was a good time (but not the nicest bikes you've ever seen). Their office was close to the Hofbrauhaus beer hall. I don't know if the beer halls are very active during Oktoberfest, but they are a fun experience.

-----

Prague is a gorgeous city, and dirt cheap, especially if you go off the beaten tourist path. We went to a small store close to our hotel, and I got a 1.5L bottle of water and an Aero bar (because I had to know what a Czech Aero bar tasted like -- answer: it tastes like cheap Eastern European chocolate) for 11 Crowns total (about 50 cents).

Beer at the Hotel bar (always an expensive proposition) was 40 Crowns (about $2 CDN) for a pint. At the bar we went to, it was 25 Crowns. Also, Czech beer is probably the best in the world (even better than Germany).

You have to go to Hradcany (Prague Castle & St. Vitas Cathedral), which overlooks the city, giving you an amazing view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

There are a lot of beautiful women in Prague. Unfortunately, I found the people to generally not be as friendly or welcoming of tourists as the rest of Europe, and English isn't very widely spoken, especially among the older generation. I assume this is a hold-over from 30 years of Communist rule.

Also, try to avoid any encounters with the Czech Police. They're really not friendly, and they don't even attempt to speak English -- not that I have personal experience or anything .

Prague was also the only place on my trip where I saw hockey on the tv (in Czech, and not NHL, but still it was hockey). I watched a period of a game between a Swedish team and a Russian team, and the only words I understood were "Alexander Ovechkin", "Phoenix Coyotes", and "Toronto Maple Leafs".

[Frequitude]

I was there for Oktoberfest in 2005. It reminded me of the stampede grounds...a big midway with 12 Nashville North sized beer halls instead of all the stampede stuff. There's one for each major beer...Hoffbrau, lowenbrau, etc. The only tip to getting into the tents is to be there before 11:00am. That's really about it, no lederhosen, beautiful women, or anything else will get you in. But each tent has a huge outdoor beer garden area. I was with a bunch of girls who wanted to sightsee, so I hit up the Hoffbrau gardens solo. Pretty soon I had made a bunch of friends and slammed 1L beers for 12 hours. Made off with 5 of the mugs as well. Another thing to see might be the Hoffbrauhouse. It Hoffbrau's massive massive beer house, not located on the Oktoberfest grounds.

Prague...cool city. Pretty self explanatory - there's a handfull of tourist sites like any city that will be obviously shown on any town map. I remember the castle at the top of the hill being cool. Otherwise, it's a great party town. Beer (0.5L bottles) are about $0.30 and bars/clubs seem to be open all night. Hit up the huge square in the town late at night. It's flooded with kids just boozing on the streets. The women are beautiful.

Budapest...don't remember much, but I was fortunate enough to unintentionaly end up there during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Saw a Renault party at some museum and Ferrari's home base at some hotel. There's not that much to see...the chain bridge, a huge church with some holy guy's severed hand in a box...just like any big city, grab a tourist map. It'll tell you the obvious sites. The women are beautiful.

Wear a money belt in all of these cities, but especially Prague. The women were not beautiful in Munich.

[enthused]

I'm going to Oktoberfest the last weekend in September I think. I'm so excited... but I really have no idea what to expect, other than copious amounts of drinking.

[Aeneas]

The Munich comments were excellent, I add a ringing endorsement for Dachau don't miss it.

Prague is likely my favorite city to visit in Europe. Never devastated by war, the center is large and beautiful. Just wander about, but make sure to see the Old Town square with clock tower and statue of Jan Hus; and the Charles bridge. Old Jewish cemetary is very interesting.

I liked Budapest very much. Again I just wandered about, but did have a local guide from Szekesfehervar to help out. Castle hill and cathedral are a great see, and view from there. The parliament buildings start a huge list of architechtural sights to see on other side of the Danube. We took a boat ride to Szetendre, but didn't dee exactly what we meant to...If I return I would definitely take the boat to Szetendre and to Estergom.
The Hungarian women are right up there with the Czecks and Slovaks too. I lean towards the CZ and SK, but all my German friends say Hungary is the best in Europe for ladies. If that matters...

[simmer2]

Went to Oktoberfest in Sept 04 and had a blast. My advice would be to get there reasonably early, because you have to be seated somewhere in order to buy a beer. I'd recommend going to the Augustiner Brau tent; this is the beer of choice in Munich. You'll be loaded by 2 or 3pm, so I would make sure you know where your hostel is and your friends are, otherwise you'll end up wandering around the grounds and will have to pick up a larger 30 year old and her friend so you can stay at their place.....

Prague - Make sure you check out Kunta Hora, the name of a town where there's a church entirely made of human bones. Over 30,000 remains or something. It was pretty creepy, something right out of a Harry Potter book. Great beer too, enjoy a Krusovice for me.

Budapest - Lots of cougars there, ha. Really pretty city at night, make sure you go to the top of the lookout overlooking the Danube.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by fotze

When in germany, be sure to call the women my username, guaranteed to get some muschi after that.

its guaranteed to get you something!!

[troutman]

Strange thing is, they have Oktoberfest in September.

We are putting on another Oktoberfest party this fall for those of you that can't get to Munich.

Look for info soon at our web-site:

www.germaneducationcalgary.ca

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

The Munich comments were excellent, I add a ringing endorsement for Dachau don't miss it.

Prague is likely my favorite city to visit in Europe. Never devastated by war, the center is large and beautiful. Just wander about, but make sure to see the Old Town square with clock tower and statue of Jan Hus; and the Charles bridge. Old Jewish cemetary is very interesting.

I liked Budapest very much. Again I just wandered about, but did have a local guide from Szekesfehervar to help out. Castle hill and cathedral are a great see, and view from there. The parliament buildings start a huge list of architechtural sights to see on other side of the Danube. We took a boat ride to Szetendre, but didn't dee exactly what we meant to...If I return I would definitely take the boat to Szetendre and to Estergom.
The Hungarian women are right up there with the Czecks and Slovaks too. I lean towards the CZ and SK, but all my German friends say Hungary is the best in Europe for ladies. If that matters...

What about that crazy gypsy-witch that put a curse on us in Szetendre?

[Incogneto]

I can echo just about everything Getbak said. I have been to Prague twice, and would go back again in a heartbeat. And as it was mentioned above, they have the best and cheapest beer in the world. Have a Budvar (original budweiser....tastes nothing like the horsepiss here) for me! ....and make sure you take part in an Absenthe, as well.

I liked Budapest, but if you are going to hop on a train for 6-10 hrs to go to another city, I would reccommend Krakow, poland instead. One of the coolest cities I have ever been to. Also, Just outside of Krakow was Auschwitz, which was one of the most chilling experiences of my life. I've heard Dachau is good, but Auschwitz is great...I have never been to Dachau, though.

Munich itself is one of the greatest cities in the world. Enjoy that city...It's tough NOT to have fun there. I am sure you will go to the Haufbrau house (oldest beer house in the world), but if you want the true 'local' experience, make sure you go to the Augustenier Beer house, as well. It's where the locals hang out.

Another very cool place is called Salzburg, Austria. Its about a 2-hr train ride from Munich, and 3 from Prague....a good stop over. Not a party place, but one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen is from the very top of the castle. Well worth the 5 Euro's it costs to get in.

If you have any more questions, Please feel free to ask away. I backpacked through that region twice, and can't get enough of it, and love talking about it!

[troutman]

Originally Posted by InCoGnEtO

Another very cool place is called Salzburg, Austria. Its about a 2-hr train ride from Munich, and 3 from Prague....a good stop over. Not a party place, but one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen is from the very top of the castle. Well worth the 5 Euro's it costs to get in.

I hear Salzburg is nice. Aeneas and I were there, and we don't remember very much about it. Lots of beer was had, and introducing Austrians to the "moose game".

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by troutman

What about that crazy gypsy-witch that put a curse on us in Szetendre?

Yes, that's why we didn't see all that we expected in Sztendre! I still see her in my dreams...just kidding. It's fun being cursed especially when you get the running translation from someone who understands her.

I thought you'd bring up the disco train. Or the crazy running girl that came to Europe with us from Canada, and we lost her in Hungary; no loss actually.

Someone else mentioned Salzburg. Troutman and I went to Salzburg. We remember nothing of touristic interest, but it was probably the best night of the trip!

edit: You type fast!

[simmer2]

Originally Posted by InCoGnEtO

I can echo just about everything Getbak said. I have been to Prague twice, and would go back again in a heartbeat. And as it was mentioned above, they have the best and cheapest beer in the world. Have a Budvar (original budweiser....tastes nothing like the horsepiss here) for me! ....and make sure you take part in an Absenthe, as well.

I liked Budapest, but if you are going to hop on a train for 6-10 hrs to go to another city, I would reccommend Krakow, poland instead. One of the coolest cities I have ever been to. Also, Just outside of Krakow was Auschwitz, which was one of the most chilling experiences of my life. I've heard Dachau is good, but Auschwitz is great...I have never been to Dachau, though.

Munich itself is one of the greatest cities in the world. Enjoy that city...It's tough NOT to have fun there. I am sure you will go to the Haufbrau house (oldest beer house in the world), but if you want the true 'local' experience, make sure you go to the Augustenier Beer house, as well. It's where the locals hang out.

Another very cool place is called Salzburg, Austria. Its about a 2-hr train ride from Munich, and 3 from Prague....a good stop over. Not a party place, but one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen is from the very top of the castle. Well worth the 5 Euro's it costs to get in.

If you have any more questions, Please feel free to ask away. I backpacked through that region twice, and can't get enough of it, and love talking about it!

Yeah, I'm the same way. I travelled through the region and whenever I hear of somebody heading over there, I love chatting about it. I also went to Krakow and you're right, it really is pretty spectacular.

If you do have a bit of time in Prague, you may want to head south to Cesky Krumlov, which is a town of around 20,000 but is really really pretty. There are 3 hostels there so it's a pretty good party town too, but mainly for backpackers.

[Knut]

Thanks for the tips....

I am heading over with my brother, so we really need a mix of things to do.... he is more about drinking everyday than seeing the sights... but i want to try and "culture" him.

It is a short trip so it will be tough to do it all.. unfortunately.. just cant get the time off/money earned to go for a long period of time.

London - Budapest - PRague - Munich - Amsterdam - London is the basic trip in 14 days.

Anyone ever rent a car while there ??? I as doing some research and found that it is cheaper and quicker to rent a car one-way than to take the trains everywhere.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Thanks for the tips....

I am heading over with my brother, so we really need a mix of things to do.... he is more about drinking everyday than seeing the sights... but i want to try and "culture" him.

It is a short trip so it will be tough to do it all.. unfortunately.. just cant get the time off/money earned to go for a long period of time.

London - Budapest - PRague - Munich - Amsterdam - London is the basic trip in 14 days.

Anyone ever rent a car while there ??? I as doing some research and found that it is cheaper and quicker to rent a car one-way than to take the trains everywhere.

There also many discount airlines now that can fly you VERY cheaply around Europe.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by troutman

I hear Salzburg is nice. Aeneas and I were there, and we don't remember very much about it. Lots of beer was had, and introducing Austrians to the "moose game".

hmm, I too have had a lost weekend in Salzburg

Hesla that's an awesome trip you are planning, Prague, Amsterdam, London, Munich, Budapest (in some sort of approximate order) are some of my favorite cities to visit in Europe

another incredibly beautiful place to visit which is a short(ish) train ride from Munich is Innsbruck, Austria.

[the_only_turek_fan]

I went to Munich and Amsterdam last year Aaron.

As someone said earlier go to Dachau and check out the concentration camp. It is a really wierd place, and I got the chills being there. There is a lot of WW2 posters and memorabilia in the place. There is also a video that they play with actual footage from the camp.

The Hauptbrau haus is also a pretty neat place. Good place to take in liter mugs.

I never got a chance to see the BMW museum, but I saw the Porche museum and the Mercedes museums in Stuttgart and those were cool, so I am betting the BMW one is pretty cool as well.

Do NOT rent a car in Europe. Take the ICE (inter city express) trains. It is a part of the European experience.

As for Amsterdam..........have fun! Thats all I can say. Check out this place called the banana bar. When I was there a pretty good looking girl did a skit where she put a half peeled banana somewhere (use your imagination) and had a volunteer from the crowd eat it. I think it cost 45 euros for the whole show and it was all you can drink.

Go to the Rembrant/Heineken/Van Gough museums as well during the day.

[Incogneto]

http://www.ryanair.com
http://www.easyjet.com

[Aeneas]

I rent a car (or borrow) every time and I find it's a good fit for me to get around. However, if you are really going from London to Budapest, that is a long drive. You may want to take a train for that leg, as you only have 14 days total. Then drive Budapest-Praha- Munchen. Again a long drive from Munchen to Amsterdam.

[Knut]

Flights out of London and Amsterdam are not the issues....

it is the Budapest to Prague. Prague to Munich. Munich to Amsterdam that is proving tough to find cheap flights.... that is unles you want to connect in Oslo or Milan on the way. Even the discount airlines are expensive when flying to/from Oktoberfest.

Next question..... in regards to the trains in these areas... is it worth it to book tickets before you go.. or is just showing up at the station an hour before the train ok ?