From September 19th to October 4th, 2026, it is time for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Known worldwide as the “beer festival” (though it is much more than that), this celebration returns once again to bring joy to the city and to anyone passing through. However, be careful not to make the mistake everyone else makes: limiting the city to just that label. Munich is not “only” Oktoberfest; if you decide to vacation there, you should explore the city center and the surrounding areas to discover a truly unique destination. We are here to help—also by providing the perfect chauffeur-driven vehicles for a comfortable, tailor-made trip. Let’s get started!
What is Oktoberfest and how to experience it?
To learn what Oktoberfest is and, above all, to read the detailed program, visit the official website , available in German and English.
This world-famous festival actually commemorates… a wedding banquet! It was the feast that King Maximilian Joseph I of Bavaria hosted for the entire city on October 12th, 1810, in order to celebrate the marriage of his son, Ludwig, to Princess Therese. Following the ceremony, the entire population was invited to a banquet, which was followed by days of festivities (rides, games, and horse races). The celebration was such a success that it was repeated annually to mark the royal couple’s anniversary. It was interrupted for a period between 1820 and 1855 due to wars involving Bavaria, and when the tradition resumed, it went through significant changes.
Today, the world calls Oktoberfest “the beer festival”.However, the beer is merely a backdrop to days filled with dancing, competitions, events, and—of course—tastings of traditional Bavarian food. Many people wander about in traditional clothes, and sampling various types of beer is certainly the main attraction… but you can also enjoy the fairground rides—ranging from vintage classics like the “Krinoline” or the “Witches’ Swing” to modern thrills like the Olympia Looping. Let loose on the “Devil’s Wheel” (Teufelsrad)—a seatless ride that tests your balance, where the last person standing wins—or catch the “horror” magic shows at the “Schichtl Show” and the acrobatic motocross stunts at the “Pitts Todeswand”.
For about sixty years, there has also been a spring version of Oktoberfest: the lesser-known Frühlingsfest.
Getting to the festival grounds
The festival takes place almost entirely at the Theresienwiese, a 420,000-square-meter area just outside Munich—the very same site used for the original horse race held during the royal wedding! Entrance to the grounds is free, though you pay for food, drinks, and certain shows.
To get there after landing at Munich Airport (MUC), rely on our chauffeur service; we will pick you up at the Arrivals area and take you wherever you wish to go. Our drivers can remain at your disposal throughout your stay, should you desire. The Theresienwiese is just a 45-minute drive (38 km) from the airport. Yet, beyond Oktoberfest, there is also Munich itself—the city. Seeing one while ignoring the other would be a real mistake, as there is far more here than just beer and fun. Munich is a fascinating city that deserves to be discovered, appreciated, and… loved. You might even happily return to visit it in the summer!
Do you know Munich?
Originating from a medieval military camp that became a fiefdom—and rapidly a duchy and a kingdom—Munich is a city as “eccentric” as its history, yet simultaneously elegant and lively. Here, Bavarian tradition, art, and modernity coexist harmoniously, revolving around a beautiful, historic heart: Marienplatz, the city’s main square.
The square is dominated by the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), an impressive Neo-Gothic building dating back to the 19th century. It houses the famous Glockenspiel, a clockwork carillon that stages scenes featuring figures and characters from Bavarian history every day. Just a short walk from Marienplatz lies the Frauenkirche—recognizable by its two tall towers topped with green domes—which stands as one of Munich’s iconic landmarks. The Viktualienmarkt, a historic open-air market, is also well worth a stroll; it is the perfect place to sample local specialties, cheeses, cured meats, bread, and other regional products.
Art enthusiasts can visit the three main art museums—the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne—which house works spanning various eras and artistic movements. It is worth dedicating a few hours to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of the Wittelsbach family, set amidst magnificent gardens. Other highlights include the Residenz (the first royal palace), the Hofbräuhaus (Munich’s oldest and most famous beer hall), and the Theatinerkirche (the elegant Theatine Church). Beyond Marienplatz, two other Munich squares deserve attention and a photo: the fashionable, bustling Karlsplatz and the green, classical-style Königsplatz.
For lovers of German cars, this city is a true paradise: BMW Welt and the nearby BMW Museum offer an engaging alternative to the standard museum tour and are sure to delight automotive enthusiasts.
Munich’s green surroundings
To immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city, the English Garden is a must-visit. As one of the world’s largest urban parks, it features vast lawns, walking paths, and the famous Eisbach stream, where you can watch surfers riding the waves right in the heart of the city. While Munich boasts beautiful green spaces of its own, it is also surrounded by fascinating places worth exploring.
One of the most famous landmarks is the Olympic Park, built for the 1972 Olympic Games. Beyond its sports facilities, the park offers expansive lawns, trees, ponds, and trails perfect for relaxation or outdoor activities. It is easily accessible from Munich’s city center.
Another interesting area is Forstenrieder Park, a large woodland located southwest of the city. Here, you can wander along trails surrounded by greenery and—with a bit of luck—spot wildlife such as deer and wild boars. South of Munich lies Perlacher Forst, a vast forest that is a local favorite. It is ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature.
For those wishing to admire Alpine scenery, it is worth venturing further afield to the Bavarian Alps. This region is home to numerous lakes—such as Lake Starnberg and Lake Tegern —and the mountain village Garmisch-Partenkirchen, renowned for its views and the proximity to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
From Munich to…
You can easily reach various fascinating destinations starting from the center of Munich. A drive of just over an hour takes you to Augsburg, while Stuttgart or the historic city of Nuremberg can be comfortably reached in less than a three-hour trip on the road. Alternatively, stay within the region to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—one of Bavaria’s iconic landmarks; it overlooks a spectacular mountain landscape and inspired the imagery behind countless fairy-tale castles. Nearby, you will also find Hohenschwangau, another historic residence linked to the Bavarian royal family.
