Munich Police Investigate Explosions and Threat Linked to Oktoberfest

Munich, Germany — October 1, 2025.

Munich police temporarily shut down the Oktoberfest grounds on Wednesday afternoon following reports of explosions in a northern district of the city and the discovery of a possible bomb threat connected to the world’s largest beer festival.

Explosions in Northern Munich

According to local police, officers responded to calls of explosions and gunfire near Lerchenauer Straße in northern Munich on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities later confirmed that one man was found dead at the scene, and at least one other person suffered gunshot wounds.

German daily Bild reported that investigators also discovered suspicious materials in a nearby residence, raising fears of potential explosives being prepared in the area.

Threat to Oktoberfest

During the investigation, officers found a letter that allegedly contained threats directed at Oktoberfest. As a precaution, Munich police ordered the closure of the festival grounds at Theresienwiese on Wednesday morning, delaying the opening until late afternoon.

In a statement cited by the Associated Press (AP), police confirmed they were examining whether there was a direct link between the explosions in northern Munich and the threat against Oktoberfest. “The safety of visitors remains our top priority,” a police spokesperson said.

Public Alert System Activated

At approximately 11:00 a.m., residents across Munich received an emergency alert on their mobile phones warning of a potential explosives threat connected to the situation in the city’s north. The message, issued by Germany’s Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), stated that Oktoberfest would remain closed until 5:00 p.m.

Local residents told reporters that the alert reached all phones in the area simultaneously. “It was quite striking — my phone vibrated with a loud alarm, and when I spoke with friends, they had all received the same warning at exactly the same time,” one Munich resident said.

Reopening and Heavy Security Presence

By 5:30 p.m., police gave the all-clear and allowed Oktoberfest to reopen, though with heightened security measures in place. A reporter on the ground observed large crowds gathered outside the entrances shortly before the reopening, waiting patiently despite the delay. Security checks were significantly more thorough than on previous days, with visibly more police officers and security staff stationed around the festival grounds.

According to the eyewitness account, bag inspections were stricter than before, and visitors were given a wristband-style tag attached to their bags — similar to luggage tags used in air travel — to confirm that checks had been completed. Within 30 to 45 minutes, the flow of visitors returned to normal, and the festive atmosphere resumed. Most attendees appeared unfazed, aside from noting the unusually heavy security presence.

Ongoing Investigation

Ongoing Investigation

The exact circumstances of the explosions remain unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether the incident was connected to terrorism, organized crime, or a personal dispute. Forensic teams are continuing to examine the residence where the materials were found.

The Washington Post reported that police have stepped up security measures across Munich in light of the incident, though officials stressed that Oktoberfest will continue as scheduled in the coming days.

Historical Context

Security concerns around Oktoberfest remain particularly sensitive. The festival, which draws more than six million visitors each year, was the target of a deadly bombing in 1980 that killed 13 people and injured over 200. Wednesday’s threat revived memories of that attack, though investigators have so far refrained from drawing comparisons.

What Comes Next

Police urged the public to remain vigilant but avoid spreading speculation. A full statement from the Bavarian Interior Ministry is expected later this week, once investigators provide a clearer picture of the motives and origins of the threat.