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A Backpacker’s Guide to Oktoberfest

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Posted By Phin Upham

Backpacking is a European staple, and the country side is gorgeous and relatively easy to traverse. Oktoberfest is a good reason to be in Germany, but flying there directly can be expensive. Use this guide to get into the festival on foot, then set up base camp and enjoy your days in one of the world’s most exciting celebrations.

Where to Fly

Flying directly into Munich, even into Germany during Oktoberfest is costly. It’s even pricey to fly from Europe, so flying into London with the hope of a connecting flight from there is a no go if your goal is to save money. Instead, set your destination to a nearby city like Salzburg and hike in from there. You can even arrange rail service to carry you part of the way.

Where to Camp

Chances are that the accommodations for Oktoberfest are outrageously expensive or already booked. The cheapest hotels in Munich tend to disappear quickly, and they aren’t ideal for someone on an extremely tight budget. Fortunately, you can camp near the festival.

What to Pack

Aside from the basic gear you need for a camping trip, you’ll want to pack some essentials just for the festival. Make sure you pack lightly, as you won’t want to carry 30 pounds on your back in the hot sun. Be sure to pack lederhosen as well, because you will be the only person not in costume. Sunscreen is also a good thing to have, and international travelers should keep their passports handy.


About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Facebook page.