Safe Wiesn

Help in risky situations

Since 2003 three Munich women’s safety organizations have coordinated prevention, awareness-raising and assistance for girls and women. Those who have, for example, become separated from their friends, lost their keys or become disorientated can talk to the social workers at the Security Point. In an emergency the support workers can ring a taxi or drive the women home themselves. You can even charge your cell phone battery there. Each year around 200 girls and women use the service. Around three quarters of them are not from Munich or the surrounding area. They travel from the US, Australia, Italy or elsewhere in Germany. Initially the advice point was in a small mobile home; since then the shelter has a fixed location between the police station (“Wiesnwache”) and the first aid point.

Having fun safely in the Wiesn tents

At the beginning of your visit to the Wiesn you should decide a clear meeting point with your friends – it’s easy to get separated in the crowds. Then when you get inside the tent you can finally celebrate. Bringing a handbag is not advised. It’s better to use the pockets in your Dirndl (if you’re wearing one), in which you can put your smartphone, money and keys safely – and take them to the restroom safely too. If you need to use the restroom, you should get someone in your group to keep an eye on your drink. Speaking of drinks: never underestimate how strong Wiesn beer can be. When drinking this particularly strong beer, it’s advisable to drink something non-alcoholic between beers, like water or lemonade, and to eat something.

No means no!

Along with drinking, eating and dancing, many people enjoy a bit of flirting in an evening at the Wiesn. If your neighbor gets too insistent, however, often a clear “no!” is helpful. If he still continues, you should get help. If no-one else on the table can intervene, the best thing is to directly speak to someone; that often works better than just shouting “help!”. At any time you can also speak to the serving staff and, most importantly, the security staff in the tents.

Tips for planning your trip home before the Wiesn

At some point even the best evening at Oktoberfest must end. Then it’s time for most people to go home. You should plan in advance of your trip to the Wiesn how you are going to get home. The best thing is to go back with the group you came with. If you’re travelling home alone, you should choose routes that others are using too. If that doesn’t work, you can also get the staff at the Security Point to call a special women’s taxi – you don’t need a specific reason to.

Prevention and awareness-raising

If you’re visiting Oktoberfest for the first time, you can find information in advance on the website https://sicherewiesn.de/wordpress/en/welcome-to-sichere-wiesn-fuer-maedchen-und-frauen/ – in ten languages, including Bavarian dialect. Female visitors can also get tips and information at the entrances to the venue. In addition to flyers and guidance, team members of “Safe Oktoberfest” also distribute bracelets that you can write the address of your hotel on or important telephone numbers.

The Security Point for girls and women

The Security Point, 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.
Opening times: daily from 6 pm to 1 am, Saturdays additionally from 3 pm.
Telephone: +49 (0) 89 / 890 57 45 188 (only during Oktoberfest)

More information can be found at www.sicherewiesn.de, on the app “WiesnProtect”, by email at Enable JavaScript to view protected content. or from +49 (0) 89 / 890 57 45 119.