Safe space at the Oktoberfest: Assistance for girls and women
The Oktoberfest is a peaceful, enjoyable Volksfest with approximately 6- 7 million visitors annually from around the world. When so many people come together, there can always be situations in which quick help is needed. That's why the successful campaign "Safe Oktoberfest for girls and women" has been in existence since 2003. This campaign informs female visitors in advance and assists them in unpleasant situations, for example if they are harassed.
Help in risky situations
Since 2003, three Munich associations have been working on prevention, education and help for girls and women as part of the "Sichere Wiesn" campaign. At the local Safe Space (formerly known as Security Point), any girl or woman in an emergency, feeling insecure, disoriented or threatened can find support. Anyone who has lost their friends, keys or orientation, for example, can turn to the staff at the "Safe Space" with confidence. They help the visitors to make their way home safely. But even in difficult situations such as experienced physical or sexual violence or psychological crises, the Security Point staff provide support. The police and the district administration department (Kreisverwaltungsreferat) also provide support to all victims.
The Safe Space for girls and women
The Safe Space, at which all girls and women can get help with questions and problems, is located in the Service Center, which is near to the Bavaria statue and behind the Schottenhamel tent by the “Erste Hilfe” (“first aid”) entrance, where the police are also stationed.
„Sichere Wiesn“ (Safe Oktoberfest): Prevention and awareness-raising
First-time visitors to Oktoberfest can find information in advance on the website sicherewiesn.de. Visitors can also obtain these tips and details from flyers available at locations such as many hotels near the festival grounds or the tourist information center at City Hall. On average, 22 people received help and support at the service point each evening in 2025. Last year, 354 people received counseling and assistance—a sign of growing visibility and effectiveness. Initially housed in a small caravan, the safe space now has a permanent location between the police station (*Wiesnwache*) and the first aid station.
Opening hours and contact:
- Daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.;
- Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and on October 2 and 3, from 3:30 p.m.
- Phone: +49 (0) 89 / 890 57 45 188 (only during Oktoberfest)
- The Safe Space is located in the Service Center on the Theresienwiese, behind the Schottenhamel tent ("First Aid" entrance).
