Security check: How safe is Munich's Oktoberfest?

DW (English)

Every year, around 6 million people hit the Oktoberfest. But high alcohol consumption has its downsides. DW runs a safety check.

Transcript

00:00I'm at Oktoberfest in Munich, the world's biggest folk festival

00:03full of beer, cheer, and Bavarian tradition.

00:05But there's also a dark side.

00:14I'll be uncovering these hidden dangers

00:16and share the best ways to stay safe

00:18and ensure a successful Oktoberfest.

00:22Every year, over 6 million people come here

00:24for the massive steins of beer,

00:27pretzels as big as your head,

00:28and a feel-good party atmosphere.

00:31What's your favorite thing to do here at Oktoberfest?

00:33Drink.

00:34I love to drink beer.

00:36I think drinking beer in a tent.

00:38Drink.

00:39Of course, for many, it's all about the beer.

00:42Last year, 6.5 million liters of beer were served,

00:45with alcohol percentages starting at 5.8.

00:48The heavy drinking can lead to some unpleasant situations.

00:52The Bavaria statue on the grounds has certainly seen some things.

00:56One infamous example is the notorious Kotzhügel, or puke hill.

01:01That's where intoxicated festival-goers often end up

01:05to avoid any unfortunate encounters as best as they're clear.

01:09The place is full of pickpockets, vomit,

01:11and those who have exceeded their drinking limits.

01:15That's why urgent medical services are crucial here.

01:18At the Oktoberfest service center,

01:20there's a fully equipped clinic with medical staff on standby

01:23and even an intensive care unit, ready for emergencies.

01:27Peter Eiche, the founder of Ambulanz Eiche,

01:30shows me the operation center and some other features

01:32that are necessary at Oktoberfest.

01:36For two years now, there have been so-called overnight guests,

01:41who are allowed to come down a bit from the alcohol level in the evening

01:44and stay overnight, looked after by the doctor and the paramedics.

01:49The facility is open around the clock,

01:52and when they are reasonably well again in the morning, they can just leave.

01:56Then they can go home and have a lot of explaining to do.

01:59But we looked after them well.

02:03On the first day, they already see nearly 700 patients.

02:07With the goal to transfer as few as possible to avoid overwhelming hospitals,

02:11they even have a CT scanner on site.

02:14You can always reach emergency services by dialing 112.

02:18Or call the police at 110.

02:20Last year, in 2023, there were over 1,800 police involvements,

02:25including physical assaults, fights with beer steins,

02:28back thefts, assaults on police officers and drunk driving.

02:31And there are even more sobering reports.

02:34With the alcohol-fueled atmosphere, there is an air of anything goes,

02:37and women are often sexualized.

02:39It is unfortunately not uncommon to hear of sexual assaults,

02:42harassment, upskirting and drink-spiking incidents.

02:47In 2023, there were 73 reported sex crimes,

02:50among them six rapes, according to police reports.

02:54There may have been more cases that went unreported.

02:56Just like anywhere else, women often have to stay aware of their surroundings.

03:02You have to be careful.

03:03You have to be very aware of your situation.

03:06I think a lot of people, when they get drunk, they change a little bit.

03:10You know, people like to touch people, so yeah, take care of yourself.

03:17There are several initiatives focused on women's safety and respect in general,

03:21such as the Wies'n Gentleman Campaign.

03:24They raise awareness with visitors on site

03:26and give out the Wies'n Courage Award to those who step up to help others.

03:30Festival-goers can submit stories of civil courage online

03:32to be nominated for prizes.

03:36There is also a safe space for women by the Sichingen Wies'n Campaign,

03:39which you'll find in the service center.

03:41Women and girls can seek assistance if they feel lost or unsafe.

03:44They can charge their phones, file police reports,

03:46get counseling in several languages,

03:48and even get taxi vouchers to get home safe.

03:51The safe space is located in the service center

03:53and is open daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

03:56and from 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and on October 2nd and 3rd.

04:00Last year, they helped over 300 women and girls.

04:05And here are a couple of Oktoberfest tips from visitors.

04:08I think it's a good thing to go with friends.

04:11The later the evening goes on, make sure you go to the toilet together.

04:15Don't bring a huge bag.

04:16Don't look for trouble.

04:18Between every beer you have to drink, one water.

04:21The safety campaigns also suggest having a meeting point with your group

04:25and handwriting important phone numbers in case your phone dies.

04:28Another well-known tip is to wear bike shorts underneath your dirndl,

04:31especially if you want to hop on the classic Teufelsrad ride.

04:35While the responsibility shouldn't just be on women,

04:38wearing shorts is a practical tip,

04:40adding protection against unwanted glances

04:42and letting you enjoy the thrill with confidence.

04:45So yes, come and join all the festival fun at Oktoberfest,

04:49but by practicing good safety and being aware,

04:51you'll make sure the good times last.

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