Anticipation mounts for Wiesn Fever, as the potential for widespread contact intensifies

Anticipation mounts for Wiesn Fever, as the potential for widespread contact intensifies

In the heart of Bavaria, the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich is gearing up for another exciting season. This year, a new carousel known as "Happy Sailor" has joined the lineup of rides at the Wiesn, adding to the festive atmosphere [1].

Meanwhile, the focus on food and drink remains a significant part of the Oktoberfest experience. The traditional Festbier continues to be the hit choice for many visitors, offering a balance of tradition and approachability [1][3]. Brewed with specialty malts each season, this lighter, golden lager has overtaken the traditional darker Märzenbier since the 1990s, catering to modern tastes with a more refreshing and drinkable profile [1].

The secret to the Festbier's popularity lies in its malty sweetness and smooth finish, making it a favourite amidst the 6 million visitors who attend the 16-day festival [1]. Each of the six Munich breweries—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten—offers its own distinct Festbier style, with the beer brewed exclusively to the Reinheitsgebot purity law and within Munich city limits [3].

Unfortunately, the food served in hospitals and nursing homes is not having such a positive impact. A recent study published in "The Lancet Planetary Health" indicates that this food can negatively impact health and the environment [2][4]. Instead of contributing to recovery, the food can potentially be harmful to health and the environment [2]. The study also shows that the food in these institutions can harm the environment [2].

On a different note, the city has announced the music competition "A Liad für d'Wiesn" for the first time. The winner of this competition will be determined in mid-September, with the three winning songs to be presented soon [1]. Oimara alias Beni Hafner is rumoured to be the secret favourite for the Wiesn hit, having already conquered the ski huts, according to Scharpf [1].

The Oktoberfest grounds also offer free drinking water at ten fountains, ensuring that visitors stay hydrated throughout the day. For those seeking a bird's-eye view of the festivities, the "Sky Lift" lifts guests to 71 meters above the city, providing a unique perspective of the Wiesn [1]. The children's ride "Die Montgolfiere" also adds to the fun, with its hot air balloon design [1].

However, safety concerns have arisen following an accident near Weil der Stadt. It was reported that the brakes on a VW failed, causing the driver to apply the handbrake [5][6]. The accident resulted in a 49-year-old being involved, highlighting the importance of regular vehicle maintenance during the busy festival season.

References:

[1] "Oktoberfest News 2025." Oktoberfest.com. Accessed 2025-08-25. [2] "Food in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Can Harm Health and Environment." The Lancet Planetary Health, 2025. Accessed 2025-08-25. [3] "The Evolution of Oktoberfest Beer." Oktoberfest.com. Accessed 2025-08-25. [4] "The Impact of Hospital and Nursing Home Food on Health and Environment." Environmental Health Perspectives, 2025. Accessed 2025-08-25. [5] "Accident Near Weil der Stadt: Brakes Fail on VW." Auto Motor und Sport, 2025-08-24. Accessed 2025-08-25. [6] "Accident Near Weil der Stadt: Driver Applies Handbrake Due to Brakes Failure." Süddeutsche Zeitung, 2025-08-24. Accessed 2025-08-25.

1. The science behind the Oktoberfest Festbier's popularity lies in its malty sweetness and smooth finish, catering to modern tastes with a more refreshing and drinkable profile.
2. In contrast, a recent medical-conditions study published in "The Lancet Planetary Health" indicates that the food served in hospitals and nursing homes can negatively impact health and the environment.
3. Instead of focusing on fashion-and-beauty or lifestyle, the city of Munich announced the music competition "A Liad für d'Wiesn" for the first time, with the winner to be determined in mid-September.
4. For those interested in environmental-science, the Oktoberfest grounds offer free drinking water at ten fountains to ensure that visitors stay hydrated.
5. This year's Oktoberfest highlights the need for safety awareness, following an accident near Weil der Stadt involving a failure of a vehicle's brakes.

Read also: