Honeymooning at Oktoberfest

Nothing sets the stage for fall better than a beer and harvest festival, the traditional end of summer celebrations common in Eastern Europe and American cities with a large German, Polish, or Czech population. To share in the festivities, consider planning your honeymoon around an Oktoberfest celebration.

Munich's Oktoberfest

The largest of these festivals, by far, is the annual Oktoberfest in Munich. The event began in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Prince (late King) Ludwig I and has been going strong ever since. Held each year in late September, the event draws around six million visitors each year, the majority from within Bavaria. In 2007, Oktoberfest begins on September 22 and lasts through October 7. Next year, the dates are September 20 to October 5.

Beer and More

The festivities at Munich's Oktoberfest include parades, carnival rides, live music, and, of course, lots of food and beer. Between 28 and 30 tents, some holding as many as 8500 people, are set up within the festival site. Most of the tents are sponsored by the large Munich beer companies, such as Lowenbrau and Paulaner, and all have their own food and beer specialties. In fact, most breweries create a special Oktoberfest brew just for the event. Food offerings range from traditional German sausages to spaetzle to Bavarian cream puffs, even breakfast items.

What Else to See in Munich

Of course, you won't want to miss the other sights on Munich. These include the Marienplatz, the large town square with its Glockenspiel—the largest cuckoo clock in the world, shops, and cafes. You'll also want to see King Ludwig's castles, including Schloss Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Planning Your Trip

Munich is easily accessible from all over the United States and Europe, with non-stop flights from New York, Chicago, Charlotte, and Washington DC, and major European airports, such as Paris, London, and Amsterdam among other cities.

As popular as Munich's Oktoberfest has become, it's wise to plan your trip well in advance. A year in advance is not too early. Accommodations in Munich vary greatly. You can stay in a small bed and breakfast, a large commercial hotel, or a luxurious castle.

Oktoberfest is held at a large fairground southwest of the city center, called Theresienwiese (after Ludwig I's bride, Theresa). Parking is scarce at the Oktoberfest, but public transportation will drop you right at the front gate.

Most of the tents take reservations. Read more about the tents and about Oktoberfest at the event's official Web site

Can't make it this year? Watch all the fun from the Web cam.

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