Oktoberfest 2026: Where to Stay in Munich (Tips from a Local!)

As a local, I know the Oktoberfest is a festival the whole world talks about. Every year, it kicks off mid-September and runs until the first weekend of October. Preparations begin as early as July, so you can imagine—this isn’t just any festival; it’s a massive celebration of Bavarian culture!

But if you’re planning to visit the Oktoberfest, the big questions remain: Where to stay in Munich for Oktoberfest? Which are the best hotels in Munich near Oktoberfest?

Whether you’re traveling on a budget, looking for luxury, or want something unique, this guide will help you find the perfect accommodation for Germany`s (and the world`s) biggest beer festival.

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Location of Oktoberfest in 2026

Oktoberfest is held at the Theresienwiese, a large festival ground just southwest of central Munich.

“Wiesn,” as locals call Oktoberfest, means “meadow” in Bavarian and comes from the local abbreviation “Theresienwiese.” The first Oktoberfest was held here in 1810, and the Theresienwiese has remained its permanent home ever since.

Before I moved to Munich, I imagined Oktoberfest as a huge field filled with beer tents.
In reality, it feels more like an amusement park and state fair combined, with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, carnival games, food stands, and enormous beer halls.

The closest U-Bahn (local subway) station is Theresienwiese, on the U4 and U5 lines. For easy access while still staying in central Munich, hotels near Munich Central Station, Karlsplatz (Stachus), or Marienplatz are also well located.

Construction for Oktoberfest begins months in advance. For 2026, construction started as early as the beginning of July.

When Is Oktoberfest 2026?

Oktoberfest 2026 runs from Saturday, September 19, through Sunday, October 4, 2026. The Munich festival lasts 16 days and takes place at the Theresienwiese festival grounds.

Despite its name, most of Oktoberfest takes place in September. The original festival was held in October, but in 1872, its starting date was moved forward to take advantage of warmer weather and longer daylight hours.

Munich weather during Oktoberfest is difficult to predict. You may experience chilly temperatures of 5–10°C (41–50°F) or warm weather with 30°C (86°F).

Weekends are usually the busiest time to visit, as Munich residents join the many international visitors. Beer tents can reach capacity as early as noon, particularly on Saturdays.

From my experience, the best times to visit Oktoberfest are on weekdays or early on weekend mornings. On weekends, the festival grounds can already feel very crowded by around 11:30 a.m.

For the best chance of finding a table without a reservation, arrive when the beer tents open: at 10 a.m. on weekdays or 9 a.m. on weekends. The tents are still clean and freshly prepared, and empty tables are easier to find.

Hotels Near Oktoberfest in Munich

If you`re planning to visit the Oktoberfest in 2026, I highly recommend you book your accommmodation as soon as possible. The Oktoberfest is so popular that on the first weekend, more than a million people visit the festival.

Consequently, the best hotels sells out quickly during the Oktoberfest. In 2026, it starts on 19th September and ends on 4th October.

👉 If you’re planning to explore more than just Oktoberfest, check out my complete Munich itinerary with the best places to visit in and around the city.