Essential Facts Regarding the Oktoberfest in Munich
The 190th edition of the world-renowned Oktoberfest is currently underway in Munich, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. This year, the festival is expected to surpass six million attendees, as seen in 2023 with a record-breaking 7.2 million visitors.
The Bavarian Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, has assured that there are no specific threats, and the usual safety measures will be in place. The Bavarian Ministry of the Interior has implemented several security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. These measures include entrance controls to prevent prohibited items, a ban on weapons and objects that could be used as stabbing or blunt instruments, size restrictions on bags, and prohibitions on children’s strollers on busy days, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and animals except assistance dogs.
A knife ban has been enforced on the festival grounds and surrounding areas, and large bags cannot be taken onto the Oktoberfest grounds, requiring visitors to leave them at storage stations. The festival organisers have also established a "Safe Space" where visitors, especially women and girls, can seek help if they feel threatened or unsafe.
Smoking is not allowed on the Oktoberfest grounds, as per Bavarian law. However, six Munich beers are currently allowed to be served at the festival: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbrau, Loewenbrau, Paulaner, and Spaten. The range of atmospheres includes traditional tranquility in the Augustiner tent, wild partying in the Schottenhamel or Paulaner tents, luxury version in the Kafer tent, and an international party crowd in the Hofbrau tent.
It is not possible to reserve a table at most tents anymore, and rushing to a chosen tent in the morning at the start of the festival to secure a table is not recommended. Most tables in the tents are already booked for evenings and weekends since spring, and even special reservations for Munich residents are often gone.
Climbing onto a table in the tent and downing a liter on the spot is strictly forbidden and will result in being thrown out. Some tents at the Oktoberfest support the "SafeNow" app, which can be used to call security personnel with a single click.
The cost of a liter of beer on the Oktoberfest is expected to increase this year, with prices ranging between 14.50 and 15.80 euros. This is an average increase of 3.52 percent from 2024, when prices ranged between 13.60 and 15.30 euros.
Police officers from Italy are traditionally deployed during the Oktoberfest, especially during the "Italian weekend." The Federal Police has issued a general order prohibiting the carrying of dangerous tools, firearms, imitation firearms, cutting and stabbing weapons, and knives of all kinds during the Oktoberfest period, extending the knife ban to the area around the Wiesn.
The small hill behind the tents on the west side of the Theresienwiese is a no-go area. The "Wiesnwache" of the Munich police will be supported by the Bavarian riot police, specialized pickpocket hunters, and international deployment forces.
Which of the Wiesn beers tastes best is a matter of both taste and faith. The Oktoberfest runs until October 3rd, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique Bavarian culture and tradition. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the festival responsibly and respect the local laws and regulations.
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