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Germany’s Oktoberfest is a celebrated historic event that draws more than six million visitors each year.
The 2025 edition of the beer festival will take place from 22 September to 5 October in cities throughout the country.
Munich’s Oktoberfest remains the more traditional version, with large beer tents, events like the Costume and Hunters Parade, Bavarian music and beer served from six breweries in the city.
Berlin’s Oktoberfest offers much of the same festive atmosphere but on a smaller scale, with outdoor beer gardens in locations like Zentraler Festplatz and Alexanderplatz, live brass bands, beer tents and traditional Bavarian attire.
While Oktoberfest is known for its raucous atmosphere, visitors still have to adhere to some key rules – or risk being fined hundreds of euros, with more serious offences carrying a potential fine of over €600.
So which rules can you not afford to forget? Travel transportation company Hoppa outlines some Oktoberfest regulations that visitors should stick to.
Enjoy the beer, but within limits
Although Oktoberfest’s general festive atmosphere and abundance of beer may encourage copious drinking, tourists are advised to keep in mind that public intoxication and disorderly behaviour could result in heavy fines.
While it isn’t a crime to be drunk in public in Germany, if your behaviour endangers yourself or others, causes a nuisance, or leaves you unable to look after yourself, you may be fined up to €500. Urinating in public, including behind the beer tents, could mean another €100 fine.
Drunk cycling is illegal as well and can not only lead to severe penalties but also to a possible psychological evaluation.
Want a souvenir? Don’t steal the official Oktoberfest mugs
Visitors who want a beery souvenir are advised to buy one and resist the temptation of stealing the official Oktoberfest stein mugs. These mugs are owned by the beerhall operators, with dedicated security guards posted at every tent entrance to keep an eye out for stein thieves.
Travellers caught trying to pocket a mug could be charged with theft, which may include a €60 fine.
Craving a cigarette? Go outdoors to smoke
Smokers and vapers at Oktoberfest should make sure to go outside the beer tents to designated smoking areas when they want to light up. Travellers who vape or smoke inside the beerhall tents could be removed and, in some cases, banned from the festival altogether.
With many tourists often spending hundreds, if not thousands, of euros to attend Oktoberfest, such a ban could mean a significant financial loss, as well as an abrupt end to the festivities.
Keep in mind that a Bavarian public health protection law has also made it illegal to smoke in any public indoor areas since August 2010.
Leave the fireworks at home
Bringing fireworks, as well as weapons or other sharp objects to Oktoberfest, could result in travellers being removed from festival grounds, as well as these objects being confiscated.
The police will most likely be notified of any such incidents too, with travellers potentially facing legal weapon possession charges, depending on the circumstances and items in question.
Don’t climb the tables or bring your own booze
While at Oktoberfest, travellers are encouraged to enjoy local authentic beers in glasses provided by the beerhall operators in the tents. Bringing in your own glass or alcohol into the beer tents could result in removal from the tents and maybe even a ban on re-entry.
Similarly, while travellers will not be fined specifically for climbing on tables, any disruptive behaviour like this within the tents can get you thrown outside and potentially banned from Oktoberfest.