40 tents and 180 rides
About 40 tents with a total of 120,000 seats have been set up, as well as 180 rides and “entertainment”. For example, “Circus Circus” is new this year: a ride with twelve gondolas that rotate 360 ​​degrees and float in wave movements. And then there are dozens of stalls on the festival grounds with offerings ranging from fish sandwiches to gingerbread hearts and souvenir mugs.
For Americans, Wiesn Is Cheap This Year
It is possible that more than six million visitors will again come to Oktoberfest as before. In any case, Munich doesn’t have many free rooms, says Vision host Christian Schottenhamel, who is also district president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association. Although there are fewer guests from Asia, there are more Americans. “We are a cheap travel destination for them,” Schottenhamel said, referring to the exchange rate.
Energy Saving at Oktoberfest
A liter of beer now costs up to 13.80 euros. Food has also become expensive. At least the rising energy costs aren’t having any effect yet – thanks to contracts that have been in place for some time. As a contribution to save gas, the servants in the beer gardens work without patio heaters. Vision city councilor Anja Berger (Greens) thinks it’s the right sign: “You couldn’t have taken it in good conscience that the hot air was hot.”
Wiesnwache and Safe Places
The police will be represented by 600 officers over the 17 days of the festivities. In addition, about a thousand law enforcement officers are deployed. The site is closed again, and backpacks and bags are randomly checked at the entrances. A “safe space” was set up specifically for visitors who feel unsafe or even threatened, where they can receive advice and support.
