Fire destroys Oktoberfest souvenir warehouses near Landsberg
Tuesday 15th September 2026 on 15:45 in
Bavaria
Two warehouses containing Oktoberfest souvenirs burned down in Vilgertshofen in the Landsberg am Lech district of Upper Bavaria shortly before the festival opens, BR reported. Police estimate the damage at around 1.5 million euros.
The company owner discovered the fire at about 5 p.m. on Monday and alerted emergency services. About 180 firefighters fought the blaze, using heavy equipment and aerial ladders, while a helicopter was also deployed. Water shortages complicated the operation.
The two warehouses, which covered about 1,000 square metres combined, were completely destroyed. Firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to an attached commercial building. They used an excavator to create access to a collapsed section and remove burning material so that smouldering areas could be extinguished.
No one was injured. Thick smoke formed around the site, and residents were told to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The company designs and sells Oktoberfest souvenirs as well as promotional and fan merchandise for the tourism and winter sports industries and for car companies.