Essential Insights on Munich's Oktoberfest Celebrations

Munich enters an exceptional state this weekend as the 190th Oktoberfest commences.

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2025 September 27 . 11:50 PM

2 min read

Essential Insights About Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration

Essential Insights on Munich's Oktoberfest Celebrations

The 190th Oktoberfest in Munich is currently underway, attracting a record-breaking crowd of 7.2 million visitors, surpassing the previous high of 6 million set in 2023.

Safety is a top priority at this annual event, with a robust security system in place. The festival grounds are encircled by a fence, and entrance checks are carried out to ensure the safety of all attendees. The Munich police, Bavarian Bereitschaftspolizei, specialized pickpocket hunters, and international deployment forces are all on hand to maintain order.

Visitors are advised to be patient when rushing to a tent at the festival's opening, as finding a table may not be immediate. It's also recommended to avoid dealing with second-rate providers to ensure a pleasant experience.

The taste of Wiesn beer can be surprising, even to those who claim to be connoisseurs. Six Munich beers are allowed to be served at the Oktoberfest: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.

For emergencies, threats, or instances of sexual harassment, some tents support the 'SafeNow' app. Smoking is banned on the Oktoberfest grounds, as it is in beer gardens throughout Bavaria.

The small hill behind the tents on the west side of the Theresienwiese, known locally as 'Kotzhügel,' is discouraged due to its name. In 1997, a one-time visitor count using radar confirmed that the Wiesn's estimated visitor numbers were quite accurate.

The Oktoberfest grounds host 14 large tents, each offering a unique atmosphere. From the tranquil Augustiner tent to the wild Schottenhamel or Paulaner tents, there's something for everyone. The Käfer tent provides a luxurious version of the Oktoberfest experience, while the Hofbräu tent caters to an international party crowd.

Reserving a table in most tents was done in the spring, making it unlikely to find available tables for evenings and weekends. Visitor counting at the Oktoberfest involves experience, estimates, and actual counting, as well as factoring in beer consumption, electricity, gas, and water use.

Security measures around the Theresienwiese and its surroundings have been expanded for Oktoberfest 2023. This includes an extended weapons and dangerous items ban zone, prohibiting the carrying of knives, and the restriction of e-scooters due to safety concerns. These steps are the result of intensified cooperation between city officials and police to ensure visitor safety based on past experiences.

The Federal Police has issued a general decree prohibiting the carrying of dangerous tools, firearms, imitation firearms, cutting and piercing weapons, and all types of knives during the Oktoberfest, including Munich Central Station and Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station.

Climbing onto tables in the tents and downing a stein in one go is strictly prohibited and results in immediate expulsion. Beer prices on the Wiesn have increased this year, with a liter of beer costing between 14.50 and 15.80 euros. Despite the price increase, beer on the Wiesn remains relatively cheap in international comparison.

In 2023, Walter Weitmann, the largest innkeeper on the Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart, had doubted the high Wiesn numbers and initiated a radar count, but the count showed that the Wiesn's estimated numbers were actually too low.

Whether you're a beer lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Oktoberfest in Munich is not to be missed. So, grab your lederhosen or dirndl, and join the festivities!