Oktoberfest is the world’s biggest Volksfest — and with over 6 million visitors, things can get… intense. Between overflowing steins, packed tents, and carnival rides that spin harder than your last breakup, a little preparation goes a long way.
Whether you lost your way, need a bit of a break from the excitement, a place to charge your phone or even need to get some help with a ride home, there are many wonderful resources available.
Here’s your 2025 guide to staying safe at Oktoberfest — from bag rules and pickpocket warnings to how not to lose your friends (or your dignity). And yes, we’ve included where to find help if things don’t go as planned.
Quick Oktoberfest Safety Facts for 2025
- Police presence: 600+ officers on site daily.
- First aid: Multiple medical stations around Theresienwiese.
- Bag rule: Bags larger than 3L capacity not allowed.
- Lost kids: “Security Point for Children” near Wirtsbudenstraße.
- Lost & found: At the Servicezentrum Theresienwiese.
Table of Contents
Bag & Security Rules
- Backpacks are banned. Bring only small bags (max 3 liters capacity, 20Ă—15Ă—10cm).
- Bags are checked at the entrances.
- Leave valuables at home — seriously.
👉 Pro tip: Bring a belt bag or crossbody (or biker shorts with pockets underneath for the dirndl clad crew) You’ll thank yourself later.
Watch Out for Pickpockets
Crowds + beer = easy targets. Keep your phone and wallet close, ideally zipped inside your jacket or secured with a money belt.
👉 Pro tip: Never leave your phone on the beer table — it’ll disappear faster than a Maß on opening day.
Drink Smart (Yes, Really)
- Oktoberfest beer is stronger than your average pint (6% ABV).
- Alternate beer with water — every tent has free tap water if you ask.
- Know your limits. You don’t want your evening ending in the Red Cross tent.
👉 Pro tip: Pace yourself. A Maß is a marathon, not a sprint.
Sichere Wiesn Safe Space
What Is The Sichere Wiesn?
Sichere Wiesn (Wiesn as in Oktoberfest) translates as Safe Wiesn.
As Oktoberfest is a world-known event, a great number of people come from all over to attend. It is inevitable that circumstances will arise when so many people gather together (with so many liters of beer) that immediate assistance will be necessary.
Therefore, in 2003, the Sichere Wiesn initiative was put in place to support event attendees-especially focusing on the women and girls
The Sichere Wiesn Safe Space in the Service Centre, which is located around the corner from the Bavaria statue and behind the Schottenhamel tent beside the “Erste Hilfe” (“first aid”) entrance where the police are also stationed.
Who Is Sichere Wiesn For?
The Sichere Wiesn program is designed specifically to meet the needs of women and girls who attend Oktoberfest. In the event of harassment, this initiative is there to support and assists female (identifying and or queer) visitors.
How Can Sichere Wiesn Help?
There is a tent at the safe Wiesn where women, girls, and women with children can go if they are harassed, feel threatened, lost, fatigued, or sick.
A phone charging station is also available, and they will be glad to assist you in locating a safe journey home and provide support to all sexual harassment victims.
Transport Safety
Getting Home With The Train
- The U-Bahn is your best friend: Theresienwiese (U4/U5) and Goetheplatz (U3/U6) are the main stops.
- Taxis line up around the Wiesn, but expect long waits at peak hours.
- Night trams and S-Bahn run late during Oktoberfest, but be ready for crowds.
👉 Pro tip: Decide a meeting point before you enter the tents. Phones die, signals drop, and drunk texts don’t deliver.
Frauen Nacht Taxis / Women’s Night Cab
Since 2020, the Frauen Nacht Taxi (women’s night taxi) program has offered vouchers to reduce the cost of taxis between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., helping women (inclusive of trans*, non-binary, and gender-diverse folks) get home safely and affordably.
Check all the details here in our full post: Frauen-Nacht-Taxi Munich (2025): How the €10 Night Taxi Vouchers Work Now
Emergency Contacts & Where to Find Help
Even with the best planning, things happen. Luckily, Oktoberfest has extensive safety services:
First Aid / Red Cross (BRK) Stations: Clearly marked tents across the Wiesn for medical help, dehydration, or minor injuries. There are multiple locations around the festival grounds, make sure to keep these in mind:
- Next to the Bavaria statue.
- Near the Theresienwiese Ubahn
- In the Oide Wiesn
- Near Esperantoplatz
Contact number: +49 (0) 89 222089
Police Station at Oktoberfest: Located near Esperantoplatz (north entrance). Lost something? Lost someone? Go here.
- Phone number: +49 (0) 89 5003220
Support For Lost Children:
- Phone number: +49 (0) 89 23382821
Lost & Found (Fundbüro): Also near Esperantoplatz. Phones, wallets, IDs, jackets — it all ends up here.
- Phone number: +49 (0) 89 23396045
Emergency Numbers in Germany:
- 110 – Police
- 112 – Ambulance/Fire
👉 Pro tip: Save these numbers in your phone before you arrive. And if your battery dies? Ask a server or security — they know where to send you.
Final Prost
Oktoberfest is magical — but it’s also a logistical beast. With a little planning (and maybe a backup power bank), you’ll avoid most of the chaos and enjoy the festival stress-free.
So drink responsibly, keep your wits about you, and remember: Munich’s got your back if you need help. Prost to a safe Oktoberfest 2025!
FAQ Section
What should I do if I lose my phone at Oktoberfest?
Go to the Lost & Found (FundbĂĽro) near Esperantoplatz or ask tent staff for help.
Is Oktoberfest safe at night?
Yes, but stick with friends, use public transport, and avoid wandering alone after midnight.
Where can I find medical help at Oktoberfest?
The Red Cross runs multiple First Aid stations across the grounds — look for BRK signs.
What number do I call in an emergency?
Dial 110 for police or 112 for ambulance/fire. Both work EU-wide.
