If you are planning to attend this years Oktoberfest, then here are the golden rules every visitor should know:

1. Backpacks and large bags are generally forbidden within the festival area. Leave everything at home that you won't need. It'll be much quicker to get into the Oktoberfest if you don't have a bag or backpack with you.

2. Any bags and backpacks you bring must have a maximum holding capacity of three litres and maximum dimensions of 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm.

3. The following items are forbidden, regardless of the size of the bag: Aerosol spray cans with dangerous contents, substances that can irritate or stain, and items that can be used as weapons (stabbing, slicing or cutting). Glass bottles are also forbidden.

4. It's best to bring toddlers/small children to Oktoberfest in a buggy. Although large baby carriages are not forbidden, security will inspect them.

5. On all Saturdays and on October 3rd (German Unity Day), prams/buggies are not permitted (all-day restriction). On all other days of Oktoberfest, prams/buggies are not permitted after 6pm.

All timetables, general information, news and more about the Oktoberfest 2019 can be found on the official website https://www.oktoberfest.de/en

Do try to drink responsibly, as having an accident which requires treatment, while intoxicated, may cause problems with your travel health insurance - see here for more information.

 

If you are more of a nostalgic fan, a visit to the Oidn Wiesn is highly recommended, which will be back in 2019 again. In the southernmost part of Theresienwiese, in immediate proximity to the big wheel, stands a very special piece of Oktoberfest history: the Oide Wiesn. Here it will feel as though you have gone back in time. Anyone who takes a seat on the historical rides before sitting in a cozy beer tent to experience true Bavarian tradition will have an idea of how Oktoberfest was celebrated in former years. Over 200 years ago to be exact. That's how long Oktoberfest has been around. In 2010 at the 200th anniversary celebrations, the Oide Wiesn was intended to give festival-goers a glimpse into Oktoberfest history.

It was to be a one-off event only. The Oide Wiesn was met with such approval that it was decided it would become a permanent feature of Oktoberfest. Families with children enjoy spending time here especially - away from the hustle and bustle of Oktoberfest in a really child-friendly environment. Useful info: The Oide Wiesn shares its grounds with the Bavarian Country Festival [Bayerische Zentral-Landwirtschaftsfest], meaning it can't take place every fourth year. The next Oktoberfest without the Oide Wiesn will be in 2020. You can find more information about entry fees and opening times of the Oide Wiesn here: https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/beer-tents/the-oide-wiesn

 

E-Scooter Considerations

What E-Scooter drivers have to consider during the Oktoberfest: E-Scooters are the latest trend on Munich's streets. During the Oktoberfest stricter traffic regulations around the Theresienwiese (where the Oktoberfest takes place) apply in general and stricter rules additionally apply to all scooter riders. E-Scooters are only allowed to drive up to the ,,Äußerer Sperrring", on the event area itself any vehicles - including bicycles and inline skates - are prohibited. Five scooter collection points will be set up around the "Äußerer Sperrring" where you can park your vehicles. They will be collected by the rental companies.

Within a radius of approx. one kilometre around "Äußerer Sperrring" there is a ban on renting scooters during the Wiesn from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. The area in which you cannot rent an e-scooter during this period includes parts of the Westend and the area around the Central Station including Sendlinger Tor, Stachus, Bahnhofplatz and Hackerbrücke. The five suppliers will technically implement this through so-called geofencing. The alcohol limits are equal for electric scooters as to driving a car: From 0.5 per mil alcohol it is an administrative offence, from 1.1 it is a criminal offence. Also, it is forbidden to drive with several persons on an E-Scooter.

Enjoy one of the world's biggest parties, make memories and drink responsibly!