Oktoberfest 2007 - Prepare For The Biggest Festival In The World

Are you planning a visit to the Oktoberfest? As with any travel destination, preparation is key. In case of the Oktoberfest, some additional rules apply.

Did you know that you can make a reservation for the big Oktoberfest tents? With several hundred thousand people a day, many of them trying to get a seat inside an Oktoberfest tent, your chances of getting a place to sit without a reservation are slim.

What many people don't know: no place to sit, no orders taken. So, even if you manage to get inside, without beer and something to chew on, you won't have much fun.

There are times throughout the two weeks the Oktoberfest opens its gates, where the tents are blocked from anyone entering them, because they are already overcrowded. If you find yourself facing a closed entrance with a rather unfriendly security guard blocking your way, your only choice is to try to find another tent or come back another time.

To make a reservation, you need to call the reservation hotline of the appropriate tent. Numbers can be found on the website of the Munich tourist office. After making your reservation it is advisable to get confirmation sometime around May or June.

Do not make the mistake of buying Oktoberfest tent reservations off eBay. All offers to buy reservations are invalid and will not get you a table in the tent of your choice. Reservations are not transferable, therefore your name will need to be on the reservation confirmation. Reservations that do not show you name will not be accepted by the tent personnel.

Reservations are free of charge, but minimum orders of beer and food apply and vary from tent to tent. Tables that can be reserved are limited and fill up fast. So the earlier you secure your table, the less stress you will have.

Make your visit to the Oktoberfest as pleasurable and stress-free as possible. There are many things you need to take into account, especially if you're traveling with children. The Oktoberfest can be a lot of fun, but only if you prepare for it.