Skip to player
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
Search
Connect
Watch fullscreen
Like
Comments
Bookmark
Share
Add to Playlist
Report
Security check: How safe is Munich's Oktoberfest?
DW (English)
Follow
9/29/2024
Every year, around 6 million people hit the Oktoberfest. But high alcohol consumption has its downsides. DW runs a safety check.
Category
đź—ž
News
Transcript
Display full video transcript
00:00
I'm at Oktoberfest in Munich, the world's biggest folk festival
00:03
full of beer, cheer, and Bavarian tradition.
00:05
But there's also a dark side.
00:14
I'll be uncovering these hidden dangers
00:16
and share the best ways to stay safe
00:18
and ensure a successful Oktoberfest.
00:22
Every year, over 6 million people come here
00:24
for the massive steins of beer,
00:27
pretzels as big as your head,
00:28
and a feel-good party atmosphere.
00:31
What's your favorite thing to do here at Oktoberfest?
00:33
Drink.
00:34
I love to drink beer.
00:36
I think drinking beer in a tent.
00:38
Drink.
00:39
Of course, for many, it's all about the beer.
00:42
Last year, 6.5 million liters of beer were served,
00:45
with alcohol percentages starting at 5.8.
00:48
The heavy drinking can lead to some unpleasant situations.
00:52
The Bavaria statue on the grounds has certainly seen some things.
00:56
One infamous example is the notorious KotzhĂĽgel, or puke hill.
01:01
That's where intoxicated festival-goers often end up
01:05
to avoid any unfortunate encounters as best as they're clear.
01:09
The place is full of pickpockets, vomit,
01:11
and those who have exceeded their drinking limits.
01:15
That's why urgent medical services are crucial here.
01:18
At the Oktoberfest service center,
01:20
there's a fully equipped clinic with medical staff on standby
01:23
and even an intensive care unit, ready for emergencies.
01:27
Peter Eiche, the founder of Ambulanz Eiche,
01:30
shows me the operation center and some other features
01:32
that are necessary at Oktoberfest.
01:36
For two years now, there have been so-called overnight guests,
01:41
who are allowed to come down a bit from the alcohol level in the evening
01:44
and stay overnight, looked after by the doctor and the paramedics.
01:49
The facility is open around the clock,
01:52
and when they are reasonably well again in the morning, they can just leave.
01:56
Then they can go home and have a lot of explaining to do.
01:59
But we looked after them well.
02:03
On the first day, they already see nearly 700 patients.
02:07
With the goal to transfer as few as possible to avoid overwhelming hospitals,
02:11
they even have a CT scanner on site.
02:14
You can always reach emergency services by dialing 112.
02:18
Or call the police at 110.
02:20
Last year, in 2023, there were over 1,800 police involvements,
02:25
including physical assaults, fights with beer steins,
02:28
back thefts, assaults on police officers and drunk driving.
02:31
And there are even more sobering reports.
02:34
With the alcohol-fueled atmosphere, there is an air of anything goes,
02:37
and women are often sexualized.
02:39
It is unfortunately not uncommon to hear of sexual assaults,
02:42
harassment, upskirting and drink-spiking incidents.
02:47
In 2023, there were 73 reported sex crimes,
02:50
among them six rapes, according to police reports.
02:54
There may have been more cases that went unreported.
02:56
Just like anywhere else, women often have to stay aware of their surroundings.
03:02
You have to be careful.
03:03
You have to be very aware of your situation.
03:06
I think a lot of people, when they get drunk, they change a little bit.
03:10
You know, people like to touch people, so yeah, take care of yourself.
03:17
There are several initiatives focused on women's safety and respect in general,
03:21
such as the Wies'n Gentleman Campaign.
03:24
They raise awareness with visitors on site
03:26
and give out the Wies'n Courage Award to those who step up to help others.
03:30
Festival-goers can submit stories of civil courage online
03:32
to be nominated for prizes.
03:36
There is also a safe space for women by the Sichingen Wies'n Campaign,
03:39
which you'll find in the service center.
03:41
Women and girls can seek assistance if they feel lost or unsafe.
03:44
They can charge their phones, file police reports,
03:46
get counseling in several languages,
03:48
and even get taxi vouchers to get home safe.
03:51
The safe space is located in the service center
03:53
and is open daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
03:56
and from 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and on October 2nd and 3rd.
04:00
Last year, they helped over 300 women and girls.
04:05
And here are a couple of Oktoberfest tips from visitors.
04:08
I think it's a good thing to go with friends.
04:11
The later the evening goes on, make sure you go to the toilet together.
04:15
Don't bring a huge bag.
04:16
Don't look for trouble.
04:18
Between every beer you have to drink, one water.
04:21
The safety campaigns also suggest having a meeting point with your group
04:25
and handwriting important phone numbers in case your phone dies.
04:28
Another well-known tip is to wear bike shorts underneath your dirndl,
04:31
especially if you want to hop on the classic Teufelsrad ride.
04:35
While the responsibility shouldn't just be on women,
04:38
wearing shorts is a practical tip,
04:40
adding protection against unwanted glances
04:42
and letting you enjoy the thrill with confidence.
04:45
So yes, come and join all the festival fun at Oktoberfest,
04:49
but by practicing good safety and being aware,
04:51
you'll make sure the good times last.
Recommended
3:05
|
Up next
Short track-Do you know what happens During sexual arousal inside the body_ what is the clitoris_
A To Z Videos
10/5/2022
1:32
Oktoberfest By The Numbers
Newsweek
9/21/2018
1:00
'Great German tradition': Thousands pour into Oktoberfest to celebrate the best of beer
euronews (in English)
9/21/2024
1:15
How To Rock Oktoberfest
Condé Nast Traveler
9/28/2016
5:21
A day as a waiter at Munich's Oktoberfest
DW (English)
10/1/2022
0:50
'O zapft is!': Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival opens
euronews (in English)
9/21/2019
1:13
Oktoberfest tightens security after deadly knife attack in western Germany
euronews (in English)
9/19/2024
0:38
Munich Celebrates the Final Day of Oktoberfest 2023
Buzz60
10/3/2023
2:00
Oktoberfest, the famous German beer festival, is back.
euronews (in English)
9/17/2022
1:01
Beer and merriment flow at the 189th Oktoberfest in Munich
FRANCE 24 English
9/22/2024
2:32
Maidstone residents hope popular beer festival won't end in disaster
KentOnline / KMTV
11/19/2021
1:42
Everything to Know About Oktoberfest
Good Housekeeping
8/24/2022
2:33
As Oktoberfest kicks off, Munich enhances security
DW (English)
9/21/2024
1:23
Oktoberfest 2022 in pictures: Germany's booziest folk festival returns
euronews (in English)
9/20/2022
1:39
Oktoberfest Festival opens under heightened security
AFP English
9/22/2024
2:20
Giant beers, tips and 15-hour shifts: A day in the life of an Oktoberfest waitress
euronews (in English)
9/28/2019
1:54
It's the month of Oktoberfest
The Star
8/14/2020
1:31
The History of Oktoberfest
Vanity Fair
10/15/2018
2:24
Oktoberfest 2024
The News, Portsmouth
11/3/2024
1:15
Oktoberfest returns following 2 year hiatus - in pictures
euronews (in English)
9/17/2022
4:37
Munich: Oktoberfest on a small budget
DW (English)
10/5/2023
1:06
"Die Vorfreude war riesig": MĂĽnchner Oktoberfest begann
DER STANDARD
9/18/2023
7:49
Oktoberfest
footeo-clubeo
10/2/2018
1:04
L’Oktoberfest arrive en France !
Gentside
3/11/2022
4:51
150 years at Oktoberfest: a family's story | DW English
DW (English)
9/22/2017