Munich’s Oktoberfest saw dramatic scenes last weekend when overcrowding on the Theresienwiese nearly led to a dangerous situation. Witnesses reported screaming, crying children and visibly overwhelmed staff as police closed entrances and attempted to redirect visitors.
According to city officials, around 300,000 people were on the festival grounds at the same time on Saturday afternoon – an unusually high concentration. In the central “Wirtsbudenstraße,” crowd movements became so dense that authorities feared possible stampedes.
Confusion over announcements
To relieve pressure, police and city staff decided to close the main entrance and reroute visitors. However, loudspeaker announcements reportedly caused confusion. Some visitors were told the grounds were closed without explanation, prompting fears of a security threat. At one point, crowds were directed in the opposite direction of what had been planned, heightening tension.
The situation eased after about half an hour, with video surveillance showing a gradual dispersal of the crowds. Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter later expressed relief that “nobody was seriously harmed.”
Police frustration, city promises reforms
The incident has sparked criticism within law enforcement, with officers reportedly dissatisfied with the handling of visitor management. City officials have now announced reforms:
From Thursday, a “crowd spotter” will monitor real-time footage from surveillance cameras.
From 2026, digital crowd measurement will be introduced, replacing the current estimates based on mobile phone data.
Trained speakers will take over public announcements, rather than leaving them to police officers.
The city stressed that the goal is to prevent panic and ensure safety at what remains the world’s largest folk festival.
