Two Scots new to the Oktoberfest need advice

Hello Everybody,
I am goin to try and pick your brains on some friendly advice on Oktoberfest 2008.
My friend and I, have decided after 40 odd years (cough, cough) to embark on an Oktoberfest expedition.
Now I know it is a bit late and finding accommodation near the festival will be a pain. But it seems as though a lot of the advice on the net is for larger groups of people not just a few blokes wanting to take in the atmosphere.
So here goes:
1. As we are arriving on the 21st till the 24th (mon-wed), will we still have major problems trying to find a beer tent we can visit? Or do you think we can get in quicker? As the tents are only finding space for 2 of us? Or are we better to try and book in advance?
2. My friend has told me that the ICE train is very efficient, and that i should try and find a hotel out of Munich, but on the main ICE line. I think this sounds like good advice, and was hoping that someone could recommend a town to stay in, that is a shortish journey and has trains running after the beer fest finishes?

That is about all I need to know at the moment. But I am sure more questions will arise.
So thanks in advance for any advice that is forthcoming.
Cheers
Alastair

There's a tonne of similar questions on this board so search laddie...

But as you ask: Wear kilts and you'll be in a tent much easier than just dressed in jeans. Seriously. Two blokes will have less trouble getting in than a large group but it's not always easy, again search and you will find answers and strategies for getting in, busy times when it will be difficult etc. Forget booking, it's not worth it for you and impossible now anyway as you're too late, rely on natural charm and guile. Apart from going with the company I never reserve and have always got in somewhere.
The ICE will drop you at the main station (Hauptbahnhof) which is a 15 minute walk from the 'fest (or Wiesn as the locals call it) if you know the way. One route by train is London -> Paris -> Strasbourg -> Munich which is TGV all the way. Very easy. accommodation in Munich will be tough, there's no doubt, but you may be in luck as the Wiesn is still some time away.

Not to mention that you can't reserve less than six seats. Don't worry, laddies, you'll be very welcome.
As to accommodation, cast around in the S-Bahn area, digs in town are more expensive and hard to get by now.

wow! super quick replys.
Kilts! Hellesangels! You have gotta be kidding me, will it not be (as they say in Scotland) BALTIC?
Anyway, my knees are not the most attractive ( i have heard it said that, people have seen more meat on a sparrows)
We are flying into Munich airport late on the Sunday. So no need for trains from London to Munich.

Hi Sarabyrd,
I will do a google search for the s-bahn areas hotels. And see what i come up with. Thanks for the heads-up.
Much appreciated.

As Scotsmen you are duty bound to turn up in the good frock! I always do and it gets the Chicas talking to you quite quickly I can tell you!

Checkout the Public transport network and Google for hotels or guesthouses ("Pensionen") in some of the villages or towns in outlying areas. Even up to a few days before you can strike lucky as they often get last minute cancellations from tight Scotsmen people who decided not to come at the last minute.

Here's a thread on Munich 'cheap hotels', although not all are cheap, and prices will be higher during Oktoberfest. But worth checking out, as people give some good recommendations and advice on location in town.

Cheap Munich Hotels

The weather for the Wiesn is anything from snow to 25C, usually around 10-18C so perfect for traditional dress. Many people wear lederhosen so you won't look out of place in your traditional garb. Good luck!

The ICE is indeed very efficient, but it's designed for fast travel over longer distances, so if you're looking for a satellite town to Munich then the regional trains will be just as good. They'll also be a lot cheaper thanks to the Bayern Ticket.

You're also visiting during the week - you will have no trouble getting into a tent at almost any time of the day.