Packing for the Oktoberfest

Packing for the Oktoberfest, by Packing my Suitcase.

It is once again that time of the year when many people find my blog because they typed into Google “packing for the Oktoberfest” or “what to pack for the Oktoberfest”. Well, from now on, you will find your answers here, simple tips given by an expat living in Munich for more than 3 years, who also goes to the Oktoberfest every year: me.

For those who did not know, the Oktoberfest starts in September, on the third weekend of the month, lasting until the first weekend of October. During these 2 weeks and 3 weekends, the city gets pretty busy with tourists coming from all over the world.

Now, imagine that if Munich has 1,5 million inhabitants and the Oktoberfest receives around 6,3 million visitors each year, over 4 million suitcases will be packed only for this event! Crazy, I know. So aiming to help these 4 million people to pack their suitcases, here are my packing tips for the Oktoberfest:

But first, some small notes:

At this season of the year, temperatures may vary a lot. It can be chilly, sunny, and it can rain too. Check the weather forecast before your trip.

The quantity of each item below depends on you, and how long you are staying.

For women

Packing for the Oktoberfest, by Packing my Suitcase.

Image: Pixabay

Clothing

Long and short sleeved t-shirts
Pullover/Hoodie/Cardigan – maximum one of each is fine
Jacket/Trench coat
Jeans
Shorts – if so, you will need tights
Leggings
Underwear
Bras – get a push up one if you plan to wear a Dirndl
Socks and tights
Scarves
Tracht – blouse, apron, dress, necklace and earrings, shoes, maybe a hat. If you don’t have one and don’t plan to buy one, feel free to wear jeans and a t-shirt with a cardigan, no one will judge you. However, the locals will know you are a tourist; just saying!
Learn more about how to wear and where to buy a tracht by reading “The Traditional Bavarian Costume“.

Shoes

Ballerinas
Sneakers
Ankle boots
High heels – in case you want to wear with the Dirndl, but if you do, good luck!
Flip flops – for the shower

Toiletries

Shampoo and conditioner
Soap – if you don’t want to use the ones at the hostel/hotel
Towel – in case you are staying in a rented apartment or at a friend’s house
Deodorant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm for dry lips
Body lotion
Perfume
Make-up
Hair spray
Kleenex
Hand sanitiser
Hair accessories – hair ties, brush, comb, hat, or whatever you normally wear
Medicine – especially Aspirin and a hydrolytic in case you have more beer than you can handle; just saying!

Accessories and gadgets

Purse and small purse to wear with the dirndl
Wallet – cash, health insurance, credit card, etc.
Passport/personal documents
Umbrella – I told you, it might rain!
Book
Adapters and chargers
Earplugs
Phone
Camera
Laptop/Tablet

For men

Packing for the Oktoberfest, by Packing my Suitcase.

Clothing

Jeans
Shorts
Long and short sleeved t-shirts
Jacket
Hoodie/pullover
Striped shirt – to wear with the tracht or with jeans/shorts
Underwear
Socks
Tracht – plaid shirt, lederhosen, traditional shoes, socks, hat. If you don’t have a tracht and don’t plan to get one, wear jeans/shorts with a plaid shirt and you will be fine. Otherwise, read “The Traditional Bavarian Costume” to learn how to wear and where to buy a tracht.

Shoes

Sneakers
Sport’s shoes
Any other of your choice

Toiletries

Shampoo and conditioner – if you have hair, of course
Soap – if you don’t mind the ones from the hotel
Towel – in case you are staying in a rented apartment or at your friend’s house
Razors
After shave
Perfume
Deodorant
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Condoms – who knows, it’s better to be safe
Medicine – especially Aspirin and a hydrolytic in case you can have more beer than you can handle, which you probably will anyway!

Accessories and gadgets

Wallet – cash, health insurance, credit card, etc.
Passport/personal documents
Umbrella – I told you, it might rain!
Adapters and chargers
Earplugs
Phone
Camera
Laptop/Tablet

Of course that there are many other items you can take to your trip, but these are the essential ones. Packing them will be enough to make your stay in Munich even more unforgettable.

 

Let’s get packing, because the beer is waiting!

Packing for the Oktoberfest, by Packing my Suitcase.

 

 

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Packing for the Oktoberfest, by Packing my Suitcase.