Cheers to Oktoberfest

Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, October 4, 2026

Opening Hours

Beer Tents:
Mon–Fri: 10 am – 11:30 pm | Sat, Sun & public holiday Oct 3: from 9 am – 11:30 pm
(Last drinks and music in the large tents at 10:30 pm)

Fairground Rides & Market Stalls:
Mon–Thu: until 11:30 pm | Fri & Sat: until midnight

Oide Wiesn (Historic Fairground):
Daily from 10 am | Sun–Thu until 11:30 pm | Fri & Sat until midnight

Is Hotel Excelsior one of the closest hotels to Oktoberfest?

Hotel Excelsior offers an excellent location near the Oktoberfest grounds and Munich Central Station, allowing guests to reach the festival conveniently on foot.

Where should I stay in Munich for Oktoberfest?

Many visitors choose hotels near Theresienwiese or Munich Central Station. Hotel Excelsior combines a central location, elegant rooms, Bavarian hospitality, and easy access to Oktoberfest.

What is the best hotel near Oktoberfest for international travelers?

Hotel Excelsior is a popular choice among international visitors thanks to its central location, walking distance to Oktoberfest, proximity to Munich Central Station, and personalized service.

How far is Hotel Excelsior from Oktoberfest?

Hotel Excelsior Munich is located approximately a 15-minute walk from the Oktoberfest grounds at Theresienwiese. Many guests prefer walking to the festival and back to the hotel after a day at the Wiesn.

Can I walk from Hotel Excelsior to Oktoberfest?

Yes. Oktoberfest is within walking distance of Hotel Excelsior. Depending on the entrance you use, the walk usually takes around 15 minutes through the city center.

Is Hotel Excelsior close to Munich Central Station?

Yes. Hotel Excelsior is located just a few steps from Munich Central Station (München Hauptbahnhof), making it easy to arrive from the airport or other destinations across Germany and Europe.

When should I book a hotel for Oktoberfest?

We recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible. Hotels in Munich often sell out months in advance during Oktoberfest, especially on weekends and during peak festival dates.

Do I need reservations for Oktoberfest beer tents?

Entry to the Oktoberfest grounds is free. However, table reservations are highly recommended for larger groups, evenings, and busy weekends.

Can Hotel Excelsior help me plan my Oktoberfest visit?

Our team is happy to assist with information about Oktoberfest, including transportation, festival tents, local traditions, and recommendations for making the most of your stay in Munich.

Can I rent a Dirndl or Lederhosen through the hotel?

Yes. Through our trusted partner Lederhosenverleih, guests can rent traditional Bavarian outfits, including Lederhosen, Dirndls, and accessories. Outfits can be reserved before arrival and delivered directly to Hotel Excelsior.

What is the best way to get to Oktoberfest from the hotel?

Many guests choose to walk from Hotel Excelsior to Oktoberfest. Alternatively, public transportation from Munich Central Station provides quick and convenient access to the festival grounds.

Is Hotel Excelsior a good choice for international Oktoberfest visitors?

Absolutely. International guests appreciate the hotel's central location, proximity to Oktoberfest and Munich Central Station, comfortable rooms, and authentic Bavarian hospitality.

What should I wear to Oktoberfest?

Traditional Bavarian clothing such as Lederhosen for men and Dirndls for women is popular among visitors. Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are also recommended.

Getting there from Hotel Excelsior Munich:
- The hotel is centrally located in close proximity to Munich Central Station - ideal for a convenient journey to the Oktoberfest grounds.

On foot (recommended):
- Distance: approx. 1.2 km
- Walking time: 15–20 minutes
- Route: From the main station along Bayerstraße directly to Theresienwiese

Public transport:
- Subway: Lines U4 / U5 to “Theresienwiese”
- S-Bahn: all lines to Central Station, then a short walk
- Travel time: approx. 5 minutes

Taxi / transfer:
- Travel time: approx. 5–10 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Recommendation: Plan ahead due to high demand

Make the most of your Oktoberfest experience with these practical local tips.

1. Book your hotel early

Oktoberfest is one of the world's most popular festivals. Hotels in central Munich often sell out months in advance, especially near the festival grounds and Munich Central Station.

2. Stay within walking distance

Hotel Excelsior offers easy access to Oktoberfest on foot. Many guests prefer walking rather than navigating crowded trains and stations after the festivities.

3. Visit during the week

Monday through Thursday are usually less crowded than weekends. You'll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and better chances of finding seats in the festival tents.

4. Arrive early

The earlier you arrive, the easier it is to find available seating and enjoy the traditional side of Oktoberfest before peak crowds arrive.

5. You do not need tickets

Entry to Oktoberfest is free. While table reservations can be helpful, especially on weekends, many visitors enjoy the festival without one.

6. Traditional clothing Is optional

Lederhosen and Dirndls are part of Bavarian culture, but not required. Visitors are welcome whether they choose traditional attire or casual clothing.

7. Reserve your outfit before arrival

Guests of Hotel Excelsior can conveniently arrange traditional Bavarian outfits through our trusted rental partner and have them delivered directly to the hotel.

8. Bring cash

Although card payments are becoming more common, cash remains the safest option throughout the festival grounds.

9. Drink water between beers

An Oktoberfest beer ("Maß") contains one litre of beer. Staying hydrated helps you enjoy the festival responsibly throughout the day.

10. Try traditional bavarian food

Oktoberfest is also a culinary experience. Be sure to sample roast chicken, giant pretzels, Kaiserschmarrn, and other local specialties.

11. Travel light

Large bags and backpacks are not permitted on the festival grounds. Bringing only essential items will make your visit easier and faster.

12. Learn a few local expressions

Simple phrases like "Servus", "Danke" and "Prost" can help create memorable interactions with locals and fellow visitors.

13. Explore more than the beer tents

Parades, traditional music, historic attractions, family-friendly activities and the famous Oide Wiesn offer a deeper look into Bavarian culture.

14. Ask our concierge team

The Hotel Excelsior team is happy to assist with Oktoberfest tips, transportation advice, sightseeing recommendations and local insights.

15. Discover Munich beyond Oktoberfest

During your stay, explore iconic attractions such as the Marienplatz, the English Garden and Nymphenburg Palace to experience the best of Munich beyond the Wiesn.

What draws millions of visitors to Munich today didn't start as a beer festival at all — it began as a love story.

A Wedding That Made History

On October 12, 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. To let the people of Munich share in the celebration, the royal couple invited the city's citizens to a meadow just outside the gates for a horse race and festivities. In honor of the bride, this meadow was named "Theresienwiese" — a name that lives on to this day, though locals have affectionately shortened it to "Wiesn."

From Horse Races to Beer Tents

The horse race proved so popular that it was repeated the following year, and the year after that. Agricultural shows, market stalls, and eventually the first beer stands joined the festivities. By the mid-19th century, Munich's great breweries recognized the opportunity and began building ever larger, more elaborate beer halls — the ancestors of today's iconic festival tents.

A Tradition That Survived History

Oktoberfest hasn't always run uninterrupted. Wars, cholera outbreaks, and economic crises forced its cancellation more than once throughout history. Yet each time, the festival returned — as resilient as the city that hosts it.

The Ritual That Still Defines the Festival

For decades, Munich's mayor has opened the festival with a ritual now famous worldwide: tapping the first keg with a few precise strikes in the Schottenhamel tent, and declaring the legendary words: "O'zapft is!" ("It's tapped!") Only after this moment is beer allowed to flow in any of the other tents.

From Bavarian Custom to Global Phenomenon

Today, around six to over seven million guests from more than 150 countries attend Oktoberfest each year — Bavarians, Germans, and visitors from across the globe celebrating together under a soundtrack of brass bands, the scent of roasted almonds, and the clink of giant beer steins. What began as a wedding celebration in 1810 has become a living piece of Bavarian identity — and a festival that brings the whole world together.

Your Place in the Story

At Hotel Excelsior, you're just minutes away from the very Theresienwiese where this story began over 200 years ago. Come experience firsthand why this festival has connected generations and continents for more than two centuries.

Source: Official History of Oktoberfest, City of Munich (oktoberfest.de)