Oktoberfest - ein Fest der Landeshauptstadt München
Photo: Sebastian Lehner

Security at Oktoberfest: What can I bring with me?

Permitted bags, the Security Check, baby buggies etc.

Here you can find out which bags and rucksacks you can take into the Wiesn and which you should leave at home, how the security check at the entrances works and when you’re allowed to push your baby buggy across the venue.

What else should I know about the security at the Wiesn?

To ensure that people can celebrate in a relaxed manner at the world's largest folk festival, the City of Munich, together with the Munich police, has developed a comprehensive security concept that has proven its worth in recent years and is constantly being adapted. The cooperation is professional and routine.

The festival grounds are fenced off and a security service checks visitors at the entrances, supported by the police. The entire Theresienwiese is monitored by 54 cameras. There is also a loudspeaker system that reaches the entire festival area. A flight restriction zone with a radius of 5.5 kilometers is in effect above the Theresienwiese, and two barrier rings around the Wiesn secure traffic. Especially for women* and girls* there is a Safe Space of the campaign "Sichere Wiesn".

Which bags and rucksacks are allowed at the Wiesn?

Mobile, cash, MVV ticket, keys, Kleenex, lipstick – there are a few things you definitely need to take with you at the Wiesn. The bag you bring them in can be up to 3 liters in volume or no bigger than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx. 8 in x 6 in x 4 in). For example that is a small handbag or a mini-rucksack. At the entrances stand security personnel who check bag size and contents, where necessary, and give each bag a “security check tag”, which changes color each day.

At the entrance: Which items must stay outside? What can come along?

  • No matter how small the bag is - not allowed are gas spray cans with harmful contents, corrosive or coloring substances and objects that can be used as cutting, thrusting or stabbing weapons.
  • It is permitted to bring beverages onto the festival grounds - but not into the tents/beer gardens and not in glass bottles, these may not be brought onto the festival grounds.
  • Permitted are e.g. walking aids or medical devices, they will be checked and marked by the staff with the security check band as well.
  • Umbrellas are also allowed.

Is there luggage storage?

For bags and rucksacks that exceed the volume of 3 liters or the size of 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx. 8 in x 6 in x 4 in), there are storage options at the entrances – for a small fee. Baby buggies can also be parked here. The locations of the luggage storage are well signposted and the security personnel will help further – or you can download the official Oktoberfest app on your smartphone. On it is shown on a map where you can leave your bags while you go to the Wiesn.

Can you take buggies and push chairs into Oktoberfest?

Basically: Yes, even if it is advisable to choose a maneuverable buggy instead of a large stroller or to have babies close to you in a carrier. Nevertheless, strollers are also allowed (without a large diaper bag). They will be checked at the entrance. Attention: In 2022 on Saturdays, on Sunday 2nd October and on the holiday, October 3, buggies and strollers are not allowed all day, on the other days only until 6 pm. The so-called Kraxen (back carriers for babies) are always allowed.

Where is the police station?

The police are present with around 600 officers on the Theresienwiese and in the surrounding area and carry out checks in suspicious cases throughout the city. The police department's Oktoberfest station, which is manned around the clock, is located in the Service Center in the western area of the festival grounds (below the Bavaria, in the copper-colored box). In case of emergency you should immediately call 110 or go to the station. The police informs (not only in case of danger) about current police operations via Twitter and Facebook.