Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

[CheapboatKev]

We had a bit of a sales spiff here at work..A 6 month contest deal..
Well I nailed it and am going to tour our German factory in Munich, then 4 days of Oktoberfest in the factories tent..
Best part...
All expenses paid...Just show up at the airport the end of Sept with a passport

Has anybody out there ever attended? I am going to try and get into drinking shape, but I aint 22 years old anymore...:facepalm:

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

There might be a bad moon rising on this trip Kev......You are going to have to ween yourself off of American Beer and train up with a few world beers which can have double the Alcohol content.
So if you are a Coors or Bud guy (light or regular)...you're going to get wiped out!!
Learn the Chicken Dance and get your Lederhosen ready!!...you'll have a blast, and quite a hangover.
BP

 

[57crestliner]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Bring Back Some Stein's! I get a new one every year from my sis in law. Her town is Munich! Check out the Mayor's table/tent. That is where the first keg of beer is opened.I have to make the trip there, someday.:redface: Her father is here 5 miles from my home. Every year most of the family meets here for his birthday. 86 year old Holicaust survivor, great guy. The beer Will be great.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Kev........ Start drinking what you "think" is the good stuff now...... then when you get over there you will learn.

Congrats on nailing the contest!!!

Good Job!

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Been there, done that. Munich is one of my favorite cities, and I've been visiting there since 1970. If you're a beer drinker, you'll think you died and went to polka heaven. The atmosphere is absolutely incredible in the meadow at the fairgrounds--where each large Munich brewery sets up a circus tent and hundreds of picnic tables. And, they actually listen to that music all the time.

I suggest you read RickSteves.com's Graffiti Wall section on beer halls, as Munich is not the only Oktoberfest in the area. The Augustiner Beer Hall over in Salzburg is especially a favorite for all serious beer drinkers. I've also heard great things about Kloster Andechs (about 30 miles southwest of Munich). The Brothers are great brewers in between prayers.

Let me warn you about the most touristy of Munich beer halls--the Hofbrauhaus. There are a number of unsavory people that hang out there, looking to take advantage of intoxicated tourists. Just be careful.

Don't forget that you're very close to Innsbruck, and the incredible sites of central Austria. It's a good day trip out of Munich--even by rail.

If you go into any small neighborhood bar and buy the bar a round of drinks, you'll not spend one euro the rest of the night. You will have the best night of your life.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Thanks Guys! Since I will be in the hands of my German guests, I will trust them to show me a good time.
There will be a bit of free time in case I am Oktoberfest'd out..Was thinking of getting to Frankfurt.
It's all very exciting to be honest!

 

[sasto]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Way to go Kev!......I'll bet your going to have a grand time. Take some pics if you can. I would love to be there with you.

Have Fun!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Summer of 1970, I arrived in Munich on my Triumph Bonneville. I pulled up to a grassy slope on the Iser river, in the center of the city, and noticed that people were sunbathing and swimming naked. Well now, I had just spent a good part of the day rattling my teeth out on that POS motorcycle so I figured When in Rome..... and joined the crowd.

After relaxing a bit and working out the tensions of riding the bike all day, it was off to the local pubs. At least back then, it was just like all the lore. Those hefty blonde Fraus could sure handle a fist full of sloshing steins. It was oh, so good.!

You should have a blast, especially with local guidance.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Was there in '69 had a blast. When I arrived I could not find a hotel vacancy anywhere so I went to a gasthaus and the lady rented my a space in her flower garden to sleep so I got out my sleeping bag and went to the garden to find 3 girls from California had also rented space there......it was a good night!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

There will be a bit of free time in case I am Oktoberfest'd out..Was thinking of getting to Frankfurt.

You will have a blast. I work for the company based in Erlangen which is right outside Nuremburg. It's Octoberfest anytime I'm in town. Heading back at the end of the month for a 2 week stay.

Frankfurt is just another big city. If you have sometime, go to Nuremburg or Rothenburg. Rothenburg is your typical middle ages, fairy book village. Dates from 950 AD.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Well done Kevo.
I went there with my dad years ago.
The beer is strong and lots! I seriously couldn't even smell the stuff for weeks when I came back. Made me heave just thinking about it!

You'll have a fantastic time just be careful of them Germans 'looking after you' trust me they'll have their cameras ready when they get you in the state that they will try and get you.
Little trick I learnt when surrounded by pals and you are expected to keep up......throw a few drinks when you feel it's getting too much, go for a wander and spill some without them knowing.
Could save the trip and your cred!

It 'aint cheating it's just like putting your PFD on. You know it makes sense and could just save the day

 

[bigdee]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

You will have a blast. I work for the company based in Erlangen which is right outside Nuremburg. It's Octoberfest anytime I'm in town. Heading back at the end of the month for a 2 week stay.

Frankfurt is just another big city. If you have sometime, go to Nuremburg or Rothenburg. Rothenburg is your typical middle ages, fairy book village. Dates from 950 AD.

Dachau is just a few miles outside of Munich.....a very serious and interesting WW-II concentration camp that has become a memorial/museum

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Less than 48 hours till the adventure begins..
Thanks to all that replied, I did look up Dachau, very interesting.
I do want to see historic WW2 areas, since I am a big history nut.
Heck, even the Hofbrou (sp?) house was used by that little guy with a mustache to give his crazy little speeches in the late 30's.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Dachau is a must see. It's done in very good taste. I'd like to take a tour of the BMW facility.

You're right about the Hofbrauhaus and Hitler. He was originally a little wimp preaching his crap on street corners. One night in the basement of the Hofbrauhaus, he mesmorized the crowd with his magnetism in a speech. This was the start of a long uphill run over the next few years--resulting in Hell on earth for millions. Most Germans don't want to talk about Hitler, and schools didn't teach their students much about that chapter in their history.

I just prefer other beer halls mentioned above. If you come out the front of the train station and turn right--turn another right and go about 5 blocks on the left. THATS where the real Germans drink beer without all the tourists. Oktoberfest is a few more blocks down in the fairgrounds meadow--and it's an incredible sight. You cannot help but have a great time.

Anyway it goes, be sure to purchase a bunch of Euros. Those liter mugs don't come cheap--and I always drink too many of them. Luckily, I'm walking, not driving.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Thanks..
I was sad to calculate 500 USD is a whopping 366 euros.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Had you made it to Jensen Beach this weekend, we would have gotten you into drinking shape!! Pre-pickle your liver and arrive in style with a BAC of .20!

 

[zopperman]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Well, Im jealous! I can't drink beer any more since I got sick. BUt I will second bamamam and say that you MUST see Dachau... it's very moving. I went with my dad when I turned 18..

 

[Big Island Lifer]

I have been 3 times. I have loved it every time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Volphin]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

That's going to be one great trip! Do post up some pics when you get back!

V

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich

Well the pics didnt turn out
Just got back last night.
A long 18 hr day of flying

Will post pics.

Did get to Austria...WOW..just wow