Munich’s Biggest Build: A Look at the Oktoberfest 2025 Preparations and Thrilling New Rides
Report from Munich 15 september,2025 by A.Ritenis
It’s an event that takes months to prepare for, and this year is no different. The Theresienwiese fairground in Munich is already a hive of activity, transforming from a simple field into the world’s largest folk festival. The preparation for Oktoberfest 2025 is a massive, carefully orchestrated operation that began back on June 30th and will continue daily for almost 12 weeks to ensure everything is perfect for the grand opening on September 20th.
The build-out is a spectacle in itself, following a precise, phased schedule. The first phase saw the large festival tents—the heart of the Oktoberfest experience—begin to take shape. This was followed by the smaller tents and other vendor structures. As we get closer to the opening day, the landscape of the Wiesn will change dramatically as the rides and attractions arrive.
Photo Credit M.Grundl in Munich
From late August, the funfair attractions start to go up, with the largest and most complex rides like the Ferris wheel and roller coasters being assembled first. Throughout early September, you’ll see the ghost trains, bumper cars, and a whole host of other rides and amusements being built. Finally, just a few days before the festival begins, the stalls for pretzels, gingerbread hearts, and other treats are put into place, adding the final decorative touches to the fairground.
Photo Credit M.Grundl in Munich
Photo Credit M.Grundl in Munich
The New Thrills of the Oktoberfest Theme Park
Oktoberfest isn’t just a beer festival; it’s a massive theme park with some of the most impressive transportable rides in the world. And this year, there are some exciting new additions that are sure to get your heart racing.
- Sky Lift: Get ready for a new perspective on the Wiesn. The Sky Lift is a 71-meter-high observation tower that offers breathtaking views of the fairgrounds and the city of Munich. A special highlight is the panoramic windows built into the floor of the cabins, giving you a dizzying, straight-down view of the crowds and the rides below.
- Happy Sailor: This classic roundabout ride promises a thrilling maritime adventure. With its rapid ups and downs, the Happy Sailor’s 20 rotating gondolas will provide plenty of laughs and screams for all aboard.
- Montgolfiere: For a more nostalgic experience, the Montgolfiere is a charming high carousel with a hot air balloon theme. Its gondolas gently rise to a height of 8.5 meters, offering a serene and beautiful ride for the whole family.
- Geisterhöhle: Located in the Oide Wiesn, this vintage haunted house from 1965 is a throwback to classic fairground fun. It’s a family-friendly ghost train with elaborately designed scenery and spooky effects that are just the right amount of terrifying.
Photo Credit M.Grundl in Munich
These new attractions join a long list of iconic rides that have made Oktoberfest a world-class amusement park, including the gigantic Olympia Looping rollercoaster with its five loops and the towering SkyFall drop tower. So, whether you’re an adrenaline junk-ie or looking for some gentle family fun, the rides and attractions at Oktoberfest 2025 are ready to deliver.
