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