Oktoberfest again – after a two-year break
The 187th Munich Oktoberfest is thus considered to have opened. The Oktoberfest was eagerly awaited by many after it had to be canceled for the past two years due to the corona pandemic. As soon as the doors opened at 9 a.m., thousands of Wiesn visitors in dirndls and lederhosen had stormed the festival grounds. This time the celebrations will be one day longer than usual because of the public holiday on October 3rd, which falls on a Monday.
40 tents and 180 rides
Around 40 tents with a total of 120,000 seats have been set up, as well as 180 rides and “amusements”. For example, the “Circus Circus” is new this year: a ride with twelve gondolas that rotate 360 degrees and float in wave movements. And then there are dozens of stalls on the festival grounds with offers ranging from fish sandwiches to gingerbread hearts and souvenir mugs.
For Americans, the Wiesn is cheap this year
It is possible that more than six million visitors will come to the Oktoberfest again, just like in the past. In any case, there are not many free rooms in Munich, says Wiesn host Christian Schottenhamel, who is also the district chairman of the hotel and restaurant association. Although there are fewer guests from Asia, there are more Americans. “We’re a cheap travel destination for them,” said Schottenhamel, referring to the exchange rate.
Saving energy at the Oktoberfest
A liter of beer now costs up to 13.80 euros. Food has also become more expensive. At least the rising energy costs are not yet having an impact – thanks to contracts that have been in place for some time. As a contribution to saving gas, the innkeepers in the beer gardens do without patio heaters. Wiesn city councilor Anja Berger (Greens) thinks that’s the right signal: “You couldn’t have taken it in good conscience that hot air was heated.”
Wiesnwache and Safe Space
The police will be represented by 600 officers over the 17 days of the festival. In addition, around 1,000 law enforcement officers are deployed. The site is fenced off again, and backpacks and bags are randomly checked at the entrances. A “safe space” was set up especially for visitors who feel unsafe or even threatened, where they can get advice and support.