A guide to Oktoberfest in Switzerland

Why go to Munich this year when you can soak up the festival atmosphere in Switzerland? They’ve got marquees, markets and music aplenty, no matter where in the country you are! So why not combine your festival experience with a night in one of our youth hostels?

• City

  • Oktoberfest Baden

    18–27 October 2018: A diverse programme, top bands, good food and famous guests guaranteed. And we’ve got a few surprises in store too! So don’t miss out – book now:

    More information on Oktoberfest Baden

    Suitable hostels: Baden Youth Hostel / Brugg Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Bern

    On 7 and 14 September 2018 with live music, bar, large beer garden, stalls and the Gasthof zum röhrenden Hirschen. Entry to the festival grounds, bar tent and Gasthof zum röhrenden Hirschen is free.

    More information on Oktoberfest Bern

    Suitable hostels: Bern Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Biel

    The ninth Biel Oktoberfest will take place from Thursday, 27 to Saturday, 29 September 2018. It’s the ideal opportunity to enjoy the Bavarian atmosphere with friends in Biel. With ice-cold beer, weisswurst, pretzels, whole roasted chicken and pork knuckles.

    More on Oktoberfest Biel

    Suitable hostels: Bern Youth Hostel / Solothurn Youth Hostel / Delémont Youth Hostel

  • Calanda Oktoberfest Chur

    Over three weekends in October, the Grisons capital will be awash with Oktoberfest fever. The perfect addition to a trip to the mountains.

    More information on Calanda Oktoberfest Chur

    Suitable hostels: St. Moritz Youth Hostel / For groups: Sils. i.D. Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Lucerne

    The doors are open from 6 to 22 September 2018. Enjoy typical Bavarian hospitality and delicacies in the Swiss Life Arena in Lucerne, where traditional Bavarian waiters will be serving up the tastes of Bayern in Lucerne. Alongside specialities such as obatzda, weisswurst and Bavarian-style roast chicken, guests can also enjoy the authentically decorated tent with room for over 1,400 people, plus fun & music with original Bavarian band Die Notenhobler.

    More information on Oktoberfest Lucerne

    Suitable hostels: Lucerne Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Winterthur

    The landmark 20th Winterthur Oktoberfest will take place from 18 October to 3 November 2018. On 21 October, ‘Oktoberfest rocks’ will hit the stage to mark the occasion. And don’t miss the traditional Oktoberfest Stadl party on Sunday, 28 October.

    More information on Oktoberfest Winterthur

    Suitable hostels: Zurich Youth Hostel / For groups: Fällanden Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Zofingen

    On Saturday 6, 13 and 20 October 2018, the Zofingen multi-purpose hall will receive an Oktoberfest makeover, with a live band and DJs to help get the party started.

    More information on Oktoberfest Zofingen

    Suitable hostels: Zofingen Youth Hostel

  • Züri Wiesn

    Zurich main station will once again be transformed into the Züri Wiesn from 13 September to 6 October this year. Three different bands will get visitors into the Oktoberfest spirit in the tent on the station concourse.

    More on Züri Wiesn

    Suitable hostels: Zurich Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Zurich

    Oktoberfest on the Bauschänzli island will take place from 12 October to 10 November 2018 for the 23rd and last time. Both in the evenings and at lunch, dirndl- and lederhosen-clad service staff will serve Bavarian specialities to the tunes of a real Oktoberfest band.

    More on Oktoberfest Zurich

    Suitable hostels: Zurich Youth Hostel

• Country

  • Oktoberfest Bronschhofen

    26 and 27 October near Wil with Bavarian-style roast chicken, weisswurst and beer. A free shuttle service will be available.

    More information on Oktoberfest Bronschhofen

    Suitable hostels: St. Gallen Youth Hostel / Kreuzlingen Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Egerkingen

    28–29 September and 5–6 October 2018: The Gäupark Egerkingen shopping centre presents Oktoberfest Gäu Egerkingen. The traditional festival is taking place for the 12th time at Gäupark!

    More information on Oktoberfest Egerkingen

    Suitable hostels: Zofingen Youth Hostel / Beinwil am See Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Ennetbürgen

    28 and 29 September 2018: It’s almost time: dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your friends, and head to the Oktoberfest at the Herdernareal!

    More information on Oktoberfest Ennetbürgen

    Suitable hostels: Lucerne Youth Hostel / Seelisberg Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Sarnen

    The fifth Oktoberfest with festival and Oktoberfest specialities will take place in Sarnen on the school playground/Aula Cher on Saturday, 13 October 2018 from 11 am to 11 pm. Typical Swiss folk rock band ChueLee and SIMMISAMMA – the original Oktoberfest band from the Munich hippodrome – will be on hand to get everyone into the festival spirit.

    More information on Oktoberfest Sarnen

    Suitable hostels: Lucerne Youth Hostel / Brienz Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Süri bei Bern

    Celebrations will take place on three October weekends in two halls in Süri bei Bern. A shuttle bus will bring you to Flamatt, and for the return journey you can catch the connecting trains and Moonliner to Bern or Fribourg.

    More information on Oktoberfest Süri

    Suitable hostels: Bern Youth Hostel / Avenches Youth Hostel

  • Tuggen Wiesenfest

    The second original Tuggen Wiesenfest will take place on 5 and 6 October 2018, when guests can look forward to traditional dishes, colourful Bavarian dress and typical Oktoberfest décor. The fun-filled evenings will also feature Oktoberfest games, animations and – of course – the renowned festival music. So what are you waiting for – join hands and sway along!

    More information on the Tuggen Wiesenfest (JPG)

    Suitable hostels: Rapperswil-Jona Youth Hostel / Richterswil Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Tannenbaum

    On 5 and 6 October 2018, Winznau near Olten will be getting into the Oktoberfest spirit with a wide range of bands and musicians to help get the party started.

    More information on Oktoberfest Tannenbaum

    Suitable hostels: Zofingen Youth Hostel

  • Oktoberfest Züri-Oberland

    The Züri-Oberland Oktoberfest will take place from 27 September to 13 October 2018 at the Landihalle in Uster. We’ll be aiming for a fondue record and playing Jass, while on ‘Bräzel-Sunntig’, there’ll be fun for all the family.

    More information on Oktoberfest Zürich-Oberland

    Suitable hostels: Zurich Youth Hostel / Rapperswil-Jona Youth Hostel / For groups: Fällanden Youth Hostel

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    Originally published by Swiss Youth Hostels