Munich police announced the temporary closure of Oktoberfest on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, due to a bomb threat linked to an explosion in the city’s north. The incident occurred in the Lerchenau area, where a fire in a residential building resulted in one death. The event’s organizers confirmed the suspension until at least 5 p.m. local time, prioritizing visitor safety.
The measure impacted Theresienwiese, the festival’s venue since the 19th century. Special forces were deployed for sweeps of the grounds. Mayor Dieter Reiter stated the decision aims to avoid risks during the investigation.
- Initial actions: immediate evacuation of the residential area and festival lockdown.
- Resources deployed: firefighters, police, and bomb disposal units in joint operation.
- Immediate impact: thousands prevented from accessing the site on Wednesday morning.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire stemmed from a family dispute, but the discovery of explosive traps broadened the inquiry’s scope.
Security measures implemented
Police cordoned off a 200-meter radius around the affected building. Officers found a burned van and artifacts in a nearby lake, leading to the neutralization of devices. Special forces disarmed the traps without further incidents.
The alert extended to the festival after a letter mentioning Oktoberfest was found. Teams conducted systematic searches at Theresienwiese, using scanners and sniffer dogs. A police spokesperson emphasized no immediate danger to the general public.
A backpack with suspicious materials was recovered at the residential site. Authorities coordinated with emergency services to monitor traffic on Lerchenauer Strasse.
Evidence found at the scene
The explosion occurred early Wednesday morning as firefighters responded to fire reports. Inside the building, experts identified traces of accelerant fuels. The victim, found injured near the lake, was confirmed as the main suspect in the arson.
Documents at the site included a handwritten threat letter targeting the cultural event. Initial analyses rule out immediate external connections, but ballistic tests continue. Another person remains missing since the incident.
- Items recovered: burned van, homemade traps, and a backpack with chemical components.
- Ongoing analyses: composition of explosives and origin of materials.
- Additional measures: closure of a nearby school and traffic rerouting.
Forensic experts are working to reconstruct the sequence of events at the residence.
History of incidents at Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest has faced security challenges in the past, notably a 1980 neonazi attack that killed 13 people. Since then, the event has bolstered security with detection portals and constant patrols. Investments in surveillance technology for 2025 reached 2 million euros.
Security protocols include monthly rapid-response team drills. The festival, running from September 20 to October 5, has already welcomed over 3.5 million visitors this year.
Investigated group connections
Authorities are examining online posts published Wednesday morning, including a text claiming actions against local targets. The content mentions fires in luxury vehicles and unauthorized home visits. Police are assessing whether the material relates to the suspect or copycats.
An independent website hosted the statement, using language tied to antifascist movements. Investigators are verifying access logs and metadata to trace authorship. No concrete evidence of organized involvement has been found yet.
Agents are monitoring networks for similar communications. Cybersecurity experts assist in tracking the posts’ origins.
Preventive measures in place
Since opening on September 20, Oktoberfest has drawn over 3.5 million visitors. The 2024 edition saw 6.7 million attendees, with about 7.8 million liters of beer consumed. Security protocols include detection portals and constant patrols.
One person remains under medical observation for smoke exposure. Authorities advise avoiding crowds in central Munich.
The festival is scheduled to continue until October 5, with a reopening decision expected by late afternoon.
