Germany’s famous festival, Oktoberfest, attracts plenty of dirndl- and lederhosen-wearing merrymakers to Munich, Bavaria. This year, it runs from September 16 until October 3.
Yet unpleasant incidents can occur with millions of people gathering at the Wiesn, the area in Munich where the festival takes place, and beer flowing. The “Sichere Wiesn,” or “Safer Oktoberfest,” campaign supported by Munich’s city health department assists female visitors in cases of harassment. This year, the campaign has helped 143 women and girls who felt unsafe during the festival’s first week, including seven suspected cases of drink spiking.
These women sought help at Sichere Wiesn’s so-called Safe Space, located on the Oktoberfest grounds behind the Schottenhamel beer tent. It is open daily during the week.
