What’s new at the Oktoberfest?
On Thursday (September 18), the most exciting new attractions at Oktoberfest and Oidn Wiesn were presented to media representatives and invited guests in warm late summer weather. Several rides were tested and the winner of the Oktoberfest music competition was introduced.
New exhibition in the Museumszelt (Oide Wiesn 38)
The new exhibition "Every Picture a Hit! Photography at the Fair" in the Museumszelt at Oidn Wiesn sheds light on the development of fairground photography from its beginnings in the 19th century to the digital present. Visitors experience artifacts from showman booths, apparatus, and their images, as well as activating elements, including prank photographs taken on site by showman Chris Doherty and an immersive installation by artist Romain Mader. The exhibition shows how photography once emerged as an attraction and souvenir at fairs and continued to evolve with technology. Today, photography has merged with smartphones and is available to everyone at all times. Thus, photography booths have become a nostalgic pleasure that continues to thrive at Oktoberfest.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with the Munich City Museum and with the support of the Historical Society of Bavarian Showmen e.V. The Kohlndorfer Foundation.
Geisterhöhle (Ghost Cave) (Oide Wiesn 13)
The Geisterhöhle (Ghost Cave) at Oidn Wiesn is a classic family-friendly ghost train from 1965. It offers a thrilling mix of horror and adventure, and its elaborate scenery and eerie effects provide a real thrill.
Photopoint at Olympia-Looping
Olympia-Looping (Street 5, No. 30) In line with the Olympic decision, there is a photo point at the Olympia-Looping this year. Here, visitors can take a fun snapshot, in line with the Olympic spirit: being there is everything!
Ride „Happy Sailor“ (Schaustellerstraße 10)
The Happy Sailor, built in 1979, is currently the only remaining seaside funfair in Germany. It has 20 gondolas in the shape of boats that move rapidly in a classic up-and-down motion—forward, backward, and even sideways. Children as young as eight can ride alone, making the Happy Sailor a genuine family ride for kids, teens, and adults.
„Sky Lift“ (Straße 3 Ost, Nr. 5)
In the four gondolas of the Sky Lift, guests can enjoy the view of the city from 71 meters above. The special floor window allows a view of the festival grounds below. While two gondolas rotate at the top of the tower, the other two are on the ground. Each gondola can hold 20 people. Access to the gondolas is guaranteed to be barrier-free.
New Weißbiergarten „Isarschänke“ (Straße 2 Ost, 4)
The Weißbiergarten "Isarschänke" is a traditional beer garden with Bavarian charm. At the center of the garden is a fountain that contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. A special delight for young and old is the monk who pedals back and forth on a rope stretched over the beer garden.
Ride „Montgolfiere“ (Straße 3, Nr. 18)
The children's ride "Die Montgolfiere" is a high-rise carousel that spreads nostalgic flair with its hot-air balloon design. The gondolas move gently up and down on a mast to a flight height of 8.5 meters.
„Café Theres´ (Straße 3, Nr. 16)
The press tour ends at Café Theres', which is run by Katharina Wiemes and, since this year, Oliver Wendel.
Tradition is sustained by progress. Katharina Wiemes has transformed her family's café tent into a modern café and wine tent that is on the pulse of the times and fun. In 2021, the tent was renamed "Café Theres'," a tribute to the Bavarian Queen Therese, the namesake of the Theresienwiese. A small, stylish festival tent, with detailed paintings of her beloved Munich on the wall, equipped with custom-made wooden furniture and interesting people.
Other culinary innovations
Among the culinary novelties is also the Breznbäckerei by Oliver Krems in Straße 4 Ost 4.
The Breznbäckerei (built in 1999) is a bakery that prepares fresh pretzels in various variations on the spot. Creative brezn are offered, from classic to topped and baked.
