Essential Information About Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration
Bayern Munich's Oktoberfest Kicks Off, Bringing Six Million Expected Visitors
The 190th Oktoberfest is underway in Bayern Munich, with around six million visitors expected to attend this year, although the previous record in 2023 saw a staggering 7.2 million. The festival, known for its lively party atmosphere and traditional Bavarian culture, has strict rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Smoking is not permitted on the Oktoberfest grounds, as it is prohibited by law in Bayern. Additionally, a knife ban has been extended to the area around the Wiesn during the festival.
When it comes to the beer, six Munich breweries—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten—are approved for serving at the event. The alcohol content of the beers ranges from 5.9 to 6.3 percent.
Reservations for tables in the tents have been filled quickly, with most already booked for evenings and weekends since spring. Rushing to a tent in the morning at the start of the festival might not secure a table. Climbing onto a table in the tent and drinking there is strictly forbidden and could lead to being thrown out.
The range of tents includes traditional tranquility in the Augustiner tent, a lively party atmosphere in the Schottenhamel or Paulaner tents, a luxury version in the Käfer tent, and an international party crowd in the Hofbräu tent. The Schottenhamel tent is considered the best for celebrating at Oktoberfest 2022, as it is the largest tent with around 9,000 places and is central to the opening ceremony where the mayor taps the first keg, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Other popular tents for a great party atmosphere include the Hofbräu Festzelt, known for its international party crowd, and the Paulaner Festzelt, noted for good beer, food, and a great audience.
Security measures on the Theresienwiese include a fence around the area, entrance controls, and support from the Bavarian Bereitschaftspolizei, specialized pickpocket hunters, and international deployment forces. For emergencies, threats, or sexual harassment, some tents support the "SafeNow" app, which can be used to call security personnel with a single click.
In international comparison, beer on the Wiesn is still relatively cheap. For example, in Las Vegas, a large Bavarian tavern charges 24 dollars for a liter of beer.
Traditionally, police officers from Italy are also on duty during the Oktoberfest. The expected price for a liter of beer on the Oktoberfest this year is between 14.50 and 15.80 euros, marking an average increase of 3.52 percent from 2024. The counting of visitors involves experience, estimates, and actual counting, as well as considering parameters like beer consumption, electricity, gas, and water usage.
So, grab a stein of beer, put on your lederhosen, and join the festivities at the Oktoberfest in Munich! Prost!
