Every September, Munich transforms into a global gathering spot, welcoming millions of people for tradition, culture, camaraderie – and beer, of course.
Over the span of about two weeks, the Bavarian capital becomes the stage for Wiesn – better known internationally as Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival.
Behind the scenes, months of preparation ensure the festival feels seamless, and that includes a comprehensive security plan designed to help guests feel welcome, safe, and free to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
“A solid security concept is the essential foundation for experiencing Oktoberfest,” says Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter. “Only when guests, showpeople, and staff can feel safe and protected on the festival grounds is it possible to celebrate exuberantly, enjoy social togetherness, and work efficiently.”
Since 2018, the City of Munich has entrusted Securitas to make that possible.
A feast for the senses
Step onto the Theresienwiese festival grounds and you’re immediately immersed in the experience. Winding paths lead past colorful carnival rides and towering beer tents, where the music of brass bands and cheerful shouts of servus! (hello!) spill out.
Everywhere you look, festivalgoers are dressed in tracht, the unmistakable attire of Bavarian tradition, with their lapels often adorned with wiesn glupperl, custom wooden clothespins that have become a favorite festival souvenir. In the restaurants and shops hang another iconic keepsake: gingerbread hearts decorated with brightly colored icing, a sweet symbol of love and friendship exchanged between friends and family.
Delightful smells waft through the air. Among them are bratwursts, roasted almonds, soft pretzels, roasted chicken, and more. It’s a sensory feast – sights, sounds, and smells that combine to create a festival atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Inside the beer tents, long wooden tables invite people to sit shoulder to shoulder, raise a mug – maßkrug, or maß for short – and share priceless moments that become lasting memories. Here, people come to connect and experience a sense of community as rich as the traditions surrounding them.
It’s precisely this atmosphere that makes Oktoberfest what it is, and what makes securing it such a delicate task.
Keeping culture front and center
Ask anyone who’s secured Oktoberfest and they’ll tell you that sometimes the job is as much about protecting the atmosphere and traditions as it is about protecting the people.
“Wiesn is such an important part of Bavarian life and culture, and securing it is a responsibility I hold dear,” says Michael Lübke, Securitas supervisor-in-charge at Oktoberfest. “I’ve lived here most of my life, and I see my role as carrying on the traditions I grew up with and making sure others have the opportunity to experience them too.”
On opening day, security helps ensure the governor of Bavaria and the mayor of Munich can parade in with the first kegs without interruption. Later, officers keep a discreet watch on the famous hill behind the tents, where festivalgoers often retreat after a few too many drinks. And throughout the event, they’re on the lookout for “mug smugglers” attempting to take home maßkrüge – another favorite, albeit illegal, souvenir of guests.
These moments are part of a much larger, carefully orchestrated security operation designed to be visible but feel invisible.
As Mayor Reiter says, “A comprehensive security concept ensures that all guests feel comfortable and can celebrate without worries.”
Achieving that balance requires careful planning and close partnership, and for the sixth year, Securitas has played a central role as strategic advisor, working alongside the City of Munich to design the comprehensive security plan that governs the entire event. This includes setting ground rules for every vendor on-site, advising on crowd flow, and preparing contingency plans.
“The collaboration between the City of Munich and Securitas is characterized by a long-standing, trusting partnership and close coordination at all levels,” Mayor Reiter says. “The city and Securitas are in constant communication, define clear responsibilities, and closely align processes to be able to respond quickly and effectively to any situation.”
It’s a team effort making sure 84 acres remains a place where more than six million people can go to enjoy the culture of Oktoberfest freely and fully.
“It doesn't matter whether you’re a carnival operator, brewery owner, marksman, someone working the grounds in lederhosen or dirndl, or a security officer,” Michael says. “You’re all contributing to a team effort. You’re all truly part of Oktoberfest. And you ensure that the visit goes smoothly for everyone who comes out.”
Creating space for joy and connection
Across the festival grounds, more than 1,400 Securitas personnel – about 600 to 800 each day – join forces with city authorities, police, emergency services, and other providers. Their work spans everything from bag checks at entrances to securing access routes for emergency vehicles and keeping restricted areas clear.
“Securitas complements the police work at Oktoberfest with preventive controls and security patrols,” Mayor Reiter says.
The challenge: be everywhere, but never in the way. Create a safe space, but don’t interfere with the very atmosphere that makes Oktoberfest so beloved.
“You don’t want people to experience Wiesn as a high-security fortress but rather an open festival for everyone to enjoy themselves,” Michael says.
As with other large-scale events like this, the less you notice security, the more successful it is. And that balance – preserving the spirit of the festival while quietly enabling culture, community, and connection to flourish safely – is exactly where Securitas thrives.
