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Essential Information on Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration

Simultaneous Crisis Arises During Munich's 190th Oktoberfest: Essential Information on Tents, Beer, and Restricted Areas.

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2025 September 26 . 10:23 PM

2 min read

Essential Facts Regarding Oktoberfest Celebrations in Munich

Essential Information on Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration

The 190th Oktoberfest is currently underway in Munich, attracting visitors from around the globe. Here's a rundown of what you need to know before you head to the world-famous festival.

Reservations and Table Bookings

Most tables in the tents are already booked for evenings and weekends since spring, making it unlikely to secure a reservation. Rushing to a chosen tent in the morning when the festival begins might not guarantee a table either. It's best to plan ahead and arrive early if you're hoping to snag a spot.

Safety Measures

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann has assured that there are no specific threats, and that proven safety measures will be maintained. These include a fence around the Wiesn, entrance controls, the support of the "Wiesnwache" of the Munich police, Bavarian Bereitschaftspolizei, specialized pickpocket hunters, and international deployment forces. For emergencies, threats, or sexual assaults, some tents support the "SafeNow" app, which can be used to call security personnel with a single click.

Prohibited Items

The Federal Police has issued a general decree for the Oktoberfest period, prohibiting the carrying of dangerous tools, firearms, imitation firearms, cutting and piercing weapons, and knives of all kinds. Smoking is also not allowed on the Oktoberfest, as per Bavarian law.

Beer Prices and Varieties

Beer prices on the Oktoberfest are expected to increase this year, with a liter of beer costing between 14.50 and 15.80 euros. Six Munich beers are currently allowed to be served at the Oktoberfest: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. The taste of the Oktoberfest beers is subjective and varies among individuals.

Tent Atmospheres

There are 14 large tents on the Oktoberfest, each offering a unique atmosphere. The Augustiner tent provides traditional tranquility, while the Schottenhamel and Paulaner tents offer an exuberant party atmosphere. The Käfer tent offers a luxury version, and the Hofbräu tent hosts an "UN-Trachten-Hauptversammlung." For younger crowds, the Hacker-Festzelt is popular, the Hofbräu-Festzelt attracts a very international and lively party scene, and the Löwenbräu-Festzelt is favored by fans of TSV 1860 Munich.

Other Considerations

Second-hand deals for table reservations are discouraged due to the risk of scams. It's also important to avoid the small hill behind the tents on the west side of the Theresienwiese, known as "Kotzhügel." A similar knife ban has been in place on the festival grounds in previous years and has now been extended to the area around the Wiesn.

In 1997, a one-time visitor count using radar confirmed that the estimated numbers were quite accurate. The increase represents an average of 3.52% compared to 2024 prices, which ranged between 13.60 and 15.30 euros.

Traditionally, police officers from Italy are also deployed, especially during the middle "Italian weekend." Enjoy your time at Oktoberfest 2025!