Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich: An updated traveler’s guide

EDITOR'S NOTE: Much of the information available here has been previously published.

TOWER BARRACKS, Germany - With more than six million guests a year, the Oktoberfest in Munich, taking place this year from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6, celebrates Bavarian tradition with delicious food, Munich beer and countless rides and attractions.

The Oktoberfest, also called "Wiesn," takes place every year on the largest fairground in Munich, the Theresienwiese. The fairground is located centrally in Munich, slightly southwest of the city center.

Below is information to help first-time visitors (and those returning) navigate the fest tents, rides and more.

Oktoberfest is open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Oct. 2 (the day before a public holiday), from 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

The beer tents open at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 (the opening day), but only non-alcoholic beverages will be available until the officially opening beer tap takes place at noon. Otherwise, tents are open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Oct. 3 (German Unity Day).

For more on opening times, including for small tents, fest stalls and more, visit the link here.

Admission to the Oktoberfest festival area is free.

Concerning what visitors may bring, small handbags and other belongings will be checked at all entrances. All backpacks and large bags, or anything with a capacity of more than three liters, are strictly prohibited at the festival, Munich police said. Exceptions may be made on a case-to-case basis for justified reasons, such as support for handicapped people.

Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and similar items are not allowed at Oktoberfest. Drones are also not allowed. Animals, save for service dogs, are not allowed.

Other prohibited items include glass bottles, spray cans and any items that can be used as a weapon. Strollers and buggies are allowed, except on Saturdays, German Unity Day on Oct. 3 and all other days after 6 p.m.

Festgoers should bring the following:

• A passport or official ID,
• A copy of the passport or official ID,
• Euros for food and drink.

Optionally, festgoers can wear traditional festival clothing (Trachten), which includes Lederhosen and Dirndl.

While individuals can always try to get seating in a tent, groups should reserve a place beforehand since non-reserved seating is quickly occupied. Entry into the beer tents is free. Nevertheless, a reservation, which includes tokens for beer and food, is highly recommended.

More information on how to reserve a table can be read here.

Transportation

Getting to Oktoberfest is not a matter of hopping in the car and driving into downtown Munich and parking next to the fest. Driving is not recommended, due to heavy traffic congestion around the city and limited parking. Drivers are encouraged to use Park-and-Ride areas or take public transportation.

You can find the fest grounds by taking the underground lines U4 and U5, exit at "Theresienwiese" or "Schwanthalerhöhe," or take the street cars S1 - S8 and exit at "Hackerbrücke."

From the main train station, the festival "Oktoberfest" can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes.

More useful information:

Register for Alert! to receive alerts and security messages from the garrison.

Check out the Wiesn-Barometer to see a schedule of the festival's busiest days and times.

Police, first aid, lost-and-found department: the Service Center

Just behind the Schottenhamel tent is the Theresienwiese Service Center. Here the most important contact points for those seeking assistance can be found. Among others you can find:

• The Wiesn Police Station

The central police station, which sends out continuous patrols across the Wiesn, can also be directly sought out here.

• First aid

For minor injuries you can get a band-aid or something more. In emergencies please always call 112 and give as many details as possible. The tent entrances have a letter for the compass direction and a number - naming these helps the emergency services to find you.

• The Security Point

For female guests there is, following the campaign "Safe Wiesn," a contact point in case of harassment, theft or if you lose contact with your group. You can also order a taxi from this point.

• The lost child point

Lost children can be left and collected here. You can also find baby changing and breastfeeding areas around here.

Important Phone Numbers:

• Federal Police Inspection Munich:+49 89 515550-111
• Police (Wiesnwache): +49 89 500-32-20
• Emergency: 112
• Fest Management: +49 89 233-82801
• Security Point for children and women: +49 89 8905745188
• Lost and Found: +49 89 233-45904 (to make an appointment after the Oktoberfest)
• Taxi: +49 89 21610 or +49 89 19410
• Munich Traffic Association: +49 89 41424344

Important Notes

• Be aware of pickpocketing and keep your personal belongings in secure location.
• Do not take beer mugs outside Oktoberfest tents. It is a criminal offense, and violators will be forced to pay a heavy fine. Official mugs can be purchased as souvenirs from vendors.
• Do not stand or dance on tables. Standing on benches is allowed.
• Avoid disputes. Parties involved in physical fights may be arrested, and use of a beer mug as a weapon is considered "assault with a deadly weapon" by German law.
• Oktoberfest beer has high alcohol content. One "Mass," or liter, of traditional Oktoberfest beer has about the same alcohol content as a six-pack of American beers
• Do not smoke inside the tents. Smoking is permitted at designated outdoor smoking areas only.

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