Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, is a must-visit event for young adults looking to experience Munich’s rich culture, delicious food, and, of course, the finest brews. To make the most of this incredible celebration, it’s essential to choose the right tour operator. In this guide, we’ll raise a stein to the top 10 Oktoberfest tour operators for young adults and provide tips on selecting the perfect tour for you.
Brief overview of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Germany, typically lasting for 16 days from late September to the first weekend in October. This world-renowned event is primarily a celebration of Bavarian culture and heritage, and is known for its lively atmosphere, traditional music, and of course, the beer.
The festival is particularly popular among young adults, who flock to Munich from all corners of the globe to partake in the festivities. The beer tents are the main attraction, with each one offering a unique atmosphere, music, and of course, plenty of beer. However, Oktoberfest is not just about drinking, as there are also a wide variety of traditional Bavarian foods to enjoy, such as pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken.
Read more: What you need to know about Oktoberfest in Germany.
Other: Best tour companies for young professionals.
Top Oktoberfest tour operators for young adults
When it comes to experiencing the world’s largest beer festival, top Oktoberfest tour operators cater to the tastes and preferences of the younger generation while providing a memorable and immersive experience. Some of the best operators that run Oktoberfest tours focus specifically on 18-35-year-olds, creating an energetic and sociable atmosphere for like-minded individuals to make new friends and celebrate this iconic event together. These operators offer tailored itineraries, affordable packages, and unique inclusions such as exclusive beer tent reservations, city tours, and themed parties, making them the go-to choice for young adults seeking an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience.
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However, it is worth noting that not all operators exclusively cater to the 18-35 age group. Some top Oktoberfest tour operators have a broader appeal, welcoming older travellers as well. These operators strike a balance between the youthful energy of the younger crowd and the more relaxed atmosphere preferred by mature travellers. Such operators typically provide a range of tour options and accommodation styles to suit different preferences, ensuring a diverse and inclusive experience for all attendees.
We have compiled a list of the best Oktoberfest tour operators catering to young adults, and we will review each of them below to help you choose the ideal option for your requirements.
Topdeck Travel
If you’re a young adult looking for a reliable and enjoyable Oktoberfest tour operator, Topdeck Travel may be the perfect option for you. Here are some of the reasons why:
Firstly, Topdeck Travel offers a range of Oktoberfest tour packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. Their packages include a range of accommodation options, from shared hostel dormitories to private hotel rooms, ensuring that you can select the option that suits you best. Additionally, their packages include various activities and entertainment, such as brewery tours, city tours, and traditional Bavarian meals, all of which will enhance your Oktoberfest experience.
Moreover, Topdeck’s tours have a maximum group size of 46 people, ensuring that you have a more personalised and intimate experience. Their tours are designed for 18-39 year olds, so you can expect to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are keen to enjoy Oktoberfest to the fullest.
Thank you Topdeck for making my dream of experiencing Oktoberfest a reality!
Feefo
Topdeck also offers high-quality accommodation options that are conveniently located near the festival grounds, ensuring that you can maximise your time at Oktoberfest. From shared hostel dormitories to private hotel rooms, Topdeck Travel ensures that you have a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a long day of festivities.
Lastly, according to reviews on TourRadar, previous customers have had positive experiences with Topdeck Travel’s Oktoberfest tours, praising the organisation and overall experience. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on TourRadar, it’s clear that Topdeck Travel is a trusted and reliable operator for Oktoberfest tours.
In summary, doing a Topdeck Oktoberfest tour is a great option for young adults looking to experience this festival in a fun and organised manner. With their variety of packages and activities, small group sizes, convenient accommodation, and positive reviews, Topdeck Travel is a solid choice for those looking to make the most out of their Oktoberfest experience.
Stoke Travel
If you’re under 35 and looking for an exciting Oktoberfest experience, Stoke Travel is an excellent tour operator to consider. They offer a range of packages that cater to different preferences, including camping, hostel, and glamping options.
Stoke Travel’s group sizes are small, with a maximum of 30 participants, providing a more personalised experience for their customers. The tour operator caters to a youthful demographic, which creates a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the trip.
Their Oktoberfest tour packages include a wide variety of activities, such as guided tours of the festival grounds, party nights, pub crawls, and traditional Bavarian events. Stoke Travel’s packages also include an unlimited supply of beer and sangria, which makes for a fantastic party atmosphere.
You get food and unlimited booze at the campsite which saved me so much money. The atmosphere was always upbeat and everyone was always up for a good party. The guides took us to the best beer halls!
Go Overseas
Stoke Travel’s Oktoberfest accommodation options include their infamous glamping experience, which features large tents with comfortable beds, carpets, and heaters to keep you warm on colder nights. Glamping also includes access to a private lounge, hot showers, and flushable toilets.
Stoke Travel has received excellent reviews from TourRadar, with previous customers praising the tour operator’s exciting atmosphere, friendly staff, and the variety of activities and events included in their packages.
In conclusion, Stoke Travel is a great option for young adults who want an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience. Their small group sizes, youthful demographic, extensive activity packages, and glamping accommodation options create a lively and unique atmosphere. Their excellent reviews from TourRadar confirm Stoke Travel as a highly-regarded and reputable tour operator that is sure to provide an enjoyable and unforgettable Oktoberfest experience.
Thirsty Swagman
If you’re looking for a reputable Oktoberfest tour operator, Thirsty Swagman is an excellent choice. They offer a range of packages at affordable prices, making the festival experience accessible to young adults.
Thirsty Swagman offers tours with small group sizes, providing a more personalised and intimate experience. Their Oktoberfest tours are suitable for under 35’s, but they also include older travellers, so it’s not going to be exclusively for 18-35 year old travellers. This creates a diverse group that fosters new friendships and connections.
Their tour packages include VIP access to the best beer tents, which is essential to ensure you get the most out of your Oktoberfest experience. Additionally, Thirsty Swagman includes a variety of activities, such as bike tours of Munich, traditional Bavarian dinners, and even a pub crawl.
I’ve been on a number of Oktoberfest tours and Thirsty Swagman and their crew unquestionably took the festival to the next level for me. I absolutely recommend them and can’t wait to make it on another one of their tours!
TripAdvisor
When it comes to accommodation, Thirsty Swagman offers comfortable and convenient options, including camping and hostel-style stays. The accommodation is located near the festival grounds, providing easy access to all the Oktoberfest action.
Thirsty Swagman’s Oktoberfest tours have received glowing reviews on TourRadar, with many customers praising the tour operator for their excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and the unforgettable experience they provided.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a well-rounded Oktoberfest experience with like-minded individuals, Thirsty Swagman is a top-notch tour operator to consider. Their affordable prices, small group sizes, included activities, convenient accommodation, and excellent reviews on TourRadar make them a top contender for the best Oktoberfest tour operator.
Contiki
Contiki is a highly regarded tour operator that offers unique and thrilling Oktoberfest tour packages for young adults. Their packages cater to a range of budgets and preferences, and their prices are competitive, providing excellent value for money. Their packages are typically all-inclusive, with accommodation, transportation, and activities all covered, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festival without worrying about logistics.
Contiki’s Oktoberfest tours are designed for young adults aged 18-35 and offer an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people from all over the world. Their group sizes are typically small, with an average of 25-30 people, providing a personalised experience with plenty of opportunities to socialise.
Their packages include a variety of activities and entertainment, such as guided tours of the festival grounds, access to the best beer tents, traditional Bavarian dinners, and various optional activities like bike tours or river cruises. They also offer accommodation options that are comfortable, clean and in close proximity to the festival grounds.
The Contiki Oktoberfest tours have received excellent reviews on TourRadar, with many customers praising the quality of the tour guides and the well-organised itineraries. They have received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making them one of the top-rated tour operators on TourRadar.
An amazing experience with diverse individual with great attitudes. Made the trip that much enjoyable when assimilating to the group was so easy. Perfect way to enjoy Oktoberfest!
TourRadar
In addition to their Oktoberfest tour packages, Contiki also offers European tours that incorporate Oktoberfest into their itineraries. This is a great option for young adults who are planning a larger European trip, as it allows them to experience the festival in the context of a broader European adventure. It also provides an opportunity to explore other European destinations, such as Paris or Amsterdam, while still enjoying the highlights of Oktoberfest.
Overall, Contiki is an excellent choice for young adults looking for an all-inclusive, fun-filled Oktoberfest experience. Their packages are well-priced, cater to a range of budgets, and offer an excellent mix of activities, accommodation, and entertainment. Their tours have received excellent reviews from previous customers, and their incorporation into larger European tours make them a versatile and convenient option for young adults who want to experience Oktoberfest within the context of a broader European adventure.
Euroadventures
If you’re a young adult looking for an exceptional Oktoberfest tour operator, Euroadventures is definitely worth considering. They offer a range of Oktoberfest tour packages, tailored to meet the diverse needs and preferences of young travellers. Their packages are competitively priced, starting at around €300, which includes three nights’ accommodation and access to the festival grounds.
Euroadventures’ group sizes are relatively small, typically consisting of around 30 participants, making it possible to meet like-minded individuals and create lasting friendships. While their tours are suitable for under 35’s, they also include older travellers up to 50 years of age, so it’s not going to be exclusively for 18-35 year old travellers.
Their packages include a variety of activities, such as beer tent reservations, guided tours of the festival grounds, and Oktoberfest-themed parties. They also provide opportunities for adventure activities, such as bike tours and hikes, which are great for travellers seeking a break from the festival.
Would definitely recommend this trip as Munich and Oktoberfest are beautiful and super fun and Euroadventures put together a great trip and great itinerary.
TourRadar
Euroadventures’ Oktoberfest accommodation options include hostels, hotels, and apartments, located in the heart of Munich, providing easy access to the festival grounds. Their accommodations are well-maintained, comfortable, and safe, ensuring you have a pleasant stay.
Reviews from TourRadar speak highly of Euroadventures’ Oktoberfest tours, with many previous customers praising their knowledgeable tour guides, friendly staff, and well-organised itinerary. Overall, Euroadventures’ Oktoberfest tours provide an unforgettable experience that is sure to satisfy the expectations of young travellers.
Smart Trip
Smart Trip is a highly regarded tour operator that offers a range of Oktoberfest packages for young adults. Their tours are specifically designed for 18-30 year olds, ensuring a fun and social experience with like-minded individuals.
Smart Trip’s Oktoberfest packages are reasonably priced and cater to different budgets, starting from as low as €149. They offer a camping package which is a great option for young adults who are looking for affordable accommodation during the festival. While the tours only include camping accommodation, Smart Trip provides high-quality tents that are spacious and comfortable, ensuring a great night’s sleep after a long day at the festival.
The group size of Smart Trip’s tours is limited to 30 people, ensuring a more personalised and intimate experience. This smaller group size also enables the tour guide to offer more one-on-one attention to each participant, providing a more enriching and rewarding experience.
Smart Trip’s Oktoberfest packages offer a range of exciting activities and entertainment. Included in their tours are guided walking tours of Munich, VIP access to the beer tents, and the opportunity to experience traditional Bavarian culture through events such as the costume parade.
When it comes to reviews, Smart Trip is highly rated on TourRadar, with many customers praising the quality of the tour guides and the overall organisation of the tour. Customers also appreciate the value for money that Smart Trip offers, with many noting that the tours provide an excellent Oktoberfest experience at an affordable price.
In summary, Smart Trip is an excellent option for young adults looking for a well-organised, affordable, and fun Oktoberfest experience. Their camping accommodation options, smaller group sizes, and included activities make their tours an attractive choice for those on a budget. The positive reviews from TourRadar customers further attest to the quality and value of Smart Trip’s Oktoberfest tours.
Travel Talk
If you’re a young adult looking for an exciting Oktoberfest tour operator, Travel Talk is a popular choice that offers a range of packages to suit different preferences and budgets. Their Oktoberfest tour packages are affordably priced and include accommodation, airport transfers, and guided tours of the festival grounds, with VIP access to the beer tents.
Travel Talk caters to a broad age range, from 18 to 60-year-olds, and their groups are usually small, ensuring a more personalised experience.
Their Oktoberfest tour activities include traditional Bavarian feasts, beer tasting sessions, and cultural tours of Munich.
Accommodation options provided by Travel Talk range from 3 to 4-star hotels and hostels, all located within walking distance of the festival grounds. According to online reviews on TourRadar, Travel Talk’s Oktoberfest tours are highly recommended for their quality services, informative tour guides, and a vibrant atmosphere that fosters new friendships.
Travel Talk Tours are popular with Australian and New Zealand expats in the UK, making it a great option if you’re looking to make new friends from Down Under. Overall, Travel Talk is an excellent choice for young adults seeking a memorable Oktoberfest experience that offers both affordability and high-quality services.
Bus2alps
Bus2alps is a highly recommended tour operator for young adults looking for an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience. Their packages are tailored to meet the needs of 18-30 year olds, making them an ideal option for those seeking an exciting and sociable trip to Munich.
Their Oktoberfest tour packages include a 3-day weekend experience, offering guided tours of the festival grounds, VIP access to the beer tents, a welcome dinner and breakfast each day, and optional activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, and paragliding. Additionally, they offer a range of accommodation options, from camping to hotel rooms, all located within walking distance of the festival grounds.
Bus2alps also pride themselves on their small group sizes, with a maximum of 35 people per tour, allowing for a more personalised experience and the chance to make lasting connections with other like-minded travellers. Their packages also include a variety of included activities and entertainment, such as traditional Bavarian beer hall visits, and evening events like pub crawls and club nights.
I had the best time at Oktoberfest! The bus2alps crew always helps out a ton. So far this has been one of my favourite trips!
TripAdvisor
When it comes to reviews, Bus2alps has an impressive reputation on TourRadar, with customers praising their friendly and knowledgeable staff, seamless organisation, and fun-filled itineraries. Many reviewers have commented on the excellent value for money offered by Bus2alps’ Oktoberfest tours, with the added benefit of being part of a sociable and inclusive group.
Overall, Bus2alps’ Oktoberfest tours are an excellent option for young adults seeking an exciting and unforgettable experience at one of the world’s most famous festivals. With a range of packages and accommodation options, small group sizes, included activities and entertainment, and positive reviews from previous customers, Bus2alps is a tour operator that you can trust to deliver an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience.
Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations is a well-known tour operator that provides tours for various destinations worldwide, including Oktoberfest. Insight Vacations offers Oktoberfest tour packages that cater to a wide range of age groups, providing a more diverse experience for participants. They pride themselves on providing luxurious and comfortable accommodation options in proximity to the festival grounds, ensuring a convenient and relaxing stay for their guests.
Insight Vacations tours are not limited to 18-35-year-olds, as they cater to travellers of all age groups, making their tours a good choice for families and groups of mixed ages. However, this may not be ideal for young adults who are looking for a tour that specifically caters to their age group and provides a more immersive experience for younger travellers.
Their Oktoberfest tours are known for providing an enjoyable and exciting experience, with activities such as guided tours of the festival grounds, VIP access to the beer tents, and traditional Bavarian entertainment. The tour also includes a visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, offering a well-rounded Bavarian experience.
Insight Vacations offers high-quality accommodation options for their guests, ensuring a comfortable stay during the festival. The hotels are situated close to the festival grounds, providing easy access to the festival and ensuring that guests can fully immerse themselves in the Oktoberfest experience.
Online reviews from TourRadar indicate that Insight Vacations has received positive feedback for their Oktoberfest tours, with customers expressing their satisfaction with the quality of the tour, accommodation, and activities provided. However, some reviews also mentioned that the tour might be too focused on sightseeing and not provide enough time for guests to experience the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Overall, Insight Vacations is a good tour operator for Oktoberfest tours, providing a comfortable and diverse experience for all age groups. Their tours may be ideal for those looking for a more luxurious and less party-focused Oktoberfest experience. However, young adults who seek a more immersive and energetic experience may need to consider other tour operators catering specifically to their age group.
Evergreen Tours
Evergreen Tours is a reputable tour operator that offers Oktoberfest tours to Munich, Germany. They provide a range of tour packages that cater to a variety of preferences, including budget and duration. Their tours are designed for individuals and groups, making it suitable for everyone. Their Oktoberfest tour packages include guided tours of the festival grounds, VIP access to the beer tents, and a range of traditional Bavarian foods to enjoy.
The group size on Evergreen Tours is relatively small, ensuring that participants receive personalised attention and an intimate experience. Unlike other tour operators that cater exclusively to young adults, Evergreen Tours is open to all age groups, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the Oktoberfest experience in the company of individuals from different age ranges.
Evergreen Tours offers a wide range of included activities that cater to different interests. Along with guided tours of the festival grounds, participants can enjoy a range of activities, including cycling tours, brewery tours, and traditional Bavarian cooking classes.
Regarding accommodation options, Evergreen Tours provides comfortable and safe accommodations that are conveniently located near the festival grounds, making it easy for participants to access the Oktoberfest festivities.
According to online reviews on TourRadar, Evergreen Tours has received positive feedback from previous customers, with many praising their tour guides for their professionalism and knowledge of the Oktoberfest festival. Overall, Evergreen Tours is a highly recommended tour operator for those looking for an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience that caters to different age groups and provides a range of activities and accommodations.
How to choose the right Oktoberfest tour operator
Choosing the right Oktoberfest tour operator can be a daunting task for young adults, but with the following factors in mind, you can make a well-informed decision:
- Packages and prices: Look for tour operators that offer packages that suit your budget and preferences. Compare prices and what is included in each package to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Group size and age demographics: Consider the size of the tour group and the age range of the participants. Look for operators that offer tours with like-minded individuals, and small group sizes that allow for a more personalised experience.
- Online reviews from TourRadar: Check online reviews from previous customers on websites like TourRadar to get an idea of the experiences others have had with the tour operator. Read both positive and negative reviews to gain a balanced understanding of the tour operator’s performance.
- Included activities and entertainment: Review the itinerary of the tour operator and check for the activities and entertainment included. The best Oktoberfest tour operators offer a variety of fun-filled activities that cater to different interests.
- Assess accommodation options: Consider the quality and location of the accommodation provided by the tour operator. Ensure that the accommodation is comfortable, safe, and conveniently located near the festival grounds.
- Incorporation into existing European tours: If you’re planning a larger European trip, look for tour operators that incorporate their Oktoberfest tours into existing European tours. This will save you time and money while providing you with a well-rounded European experience.
For those looking to do an Oktoberfest tour with a lively and party-oriented atmosphere, we highly recommend booking with either Contiki, Topdeck, Stoke Travel, Smart Trip or Bus2alps. With a guaranteed age range of 18-35 (or up to 39 for Topdeck), you can be sure that you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are ready to have an unforgettable time.
Tour operators Thirsty Swagman, Euroadventures, Travel Talk, Insight Vacations and Evergreen Tours have a more inclusive age limit, which could impact the overall atmosphere of the tour. While this may suit some travellers who prefer a more diverse group, it’s important to consider if this aligns with your personal preferences.
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