Munich showmen warn U9 plans could shrink Oktoberfest

Munich’s showmen’s association says plans for a new underground station could reduce the space available for Oktoberfest during years of construction and possibly restrict its use afterwards, BR reports. The proposed U9 line is part of the city’s bid concept for the Summer Olympics, but has not been approved.

A station is currently planned at Esperantoplatz, next to the Theresienwiese, the grounds where Oktoberfest is held. The showmen’s association fears construction would take a significant part of the grounds out of use.

If Munich wins the right to host the Summer Olympics, the U9 would run through the city centre. The project is estimated to cost about nine billion euros. The city council is expected to consider the next planning steps soon, including the effects on Oktoberfest, a spokesperson for the city’s Mobility Department told BR24.

Officials say the impact on fairground pitches and on evacuation and rescue routes cannot be assessed until more detailed plans are available. The city’s Department of Labour and Economic Development, which is responsible for Oktoberfest, also said it was too early to judge the effects.

Peter Bausch, chair of the Munich showmen’s association, fears that once further decisions are made, it may be too late to change the plans. A large station construction site lasting several years could shrink the festival grounds, possibly from 2029, he said.

The area most affected would be Schaustellerstraße, where this year’s Oktoberfest had roller coasters, the Toboggan ride, medium-sized tents and logistics space. Around 50 businesses could be affected, Bausch said. He expects many would still apply for a place at the festival, increasing competition for pitches and leaving other operators without space.

Bausch also warned that the station could continue to limit use of the grounds after construction, including because of shafts beneath the surface that might prevent larger, heavier rides from being set up. He suggested considering a station on Bavariaring instead, which he said could limit the disruption to Oktoberfest.

Bausch said construction could harm both Oktoberfest, which he described as a long-standing tradition known around the world, and the intangible cultural heritage of showmen’s culture at folk festivals.