Oktoberfest Teufelsrad voyeurism: Shorts combat upskirting

As tens of thousands of voyeuristic videos of women on the Teufelsrad circulate online, an amusement ride operator is distributing free cycling shorts to protect festival-goers from digital exploitation. This proactive measure aims to prevent the unauthorized filming of women's bodies during the ride's intense movements. By providing these garments, the operator hopes to mitigate the risks of upskirting and the subsequent viral spread of invasive content. The initiative addresses a growing concern regarding privacy and safety at the world's largest folk festival.

Why are cycling shorts being distributed at Oktoberfest?

The distribution of cycling shorts is a direct response to the proliferation of voyeuristic content captured on the Teufelsrad, a historic circular platform ride. As the ride rotates at increasing speeds, the centrifugal force frequently causes women's traditional dirndl skirts to lift, exposing their underwear. This phenomenon has been exploited by individuals using smartphones to film illicitly under skirts in the crowd.

Elisabeth Polaczy, the 80-year-old operator of the Teufelsrad, has been providing these shorts to women and girls for the past three years to ensure their privacy and dignity. During the current Oktoberfest, Polaczy reported handing out more than 100 pairs of shorts. While she noted that the donation of these items is not a cheap endeavor, she emphasized that the cost is justified by her own peace of mind and the goal of making festival attendees feel secure.

The impact of this issue is visible even among festival staff. Some waitresses at this year's beer festival have also adopted the practice of wearing cycling shorts beneath their dirndls to avoid being targeted by opportunistic photographers in the crowds. Despite the presence of signs and police posters in both German and English within the Teufelsrad tent warning against filming under skirts, Polaczy maintains that it is impossible to control everyone filming with smartphones.

How widespread is the voyeurism on social media?

The scale of the problem is significant, with tens of thousands of videos documenting women in compromising positions. According to the Munich-based daily Süddeutsche Zeitung, at least 32,000 videos of women on the Teufelsrad have been in circulation. These videos often achieve massive engagement, with some clips garnering millions of views on social media platforms.

The financial incentive for such content is substantial and has turned voyeurism into a profitable venture for some. For instance, local broadcaster BR reported that one woman earned €9,000 (£7,650) from a single video clip that went viral. Investigations by BR into the origins of this content suggested that the creation and distribution of these videos involve a mix of professional YouTubers from Ukraine and several individuals based in Bavaria.

The danger of digital manipulation

Beyond the initial filming, there is a secondary and more invasive layer of harm involving the digital alteration of images. According to investigations by BR, some of the captured images have been digitally manipulated to depict women in a state of nudity. This adds a layer of complexity to the digital violence being faced by festival-goers, as the harm extends far beyond the moment of the initial recording, transforming a momentary exposure into permanent, altered imagery.

What is the current legal status of upskirting in Germany?

Under German law, filming under a person's skirt is a criminal offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to two years. Despite these strict penalties, legal experts and victims' advocates argue that the existing framework contains significant loopholes that leave many women unprotected.

Josephine Ballon, head of the German non-profit Hate Aid—which aims to support victims of digital violence—points out that the current legislation is specifically tailored to the act of filming beneath a garment. This means that if a skirt is simply blown upward by the motion of the ride and then photographed, it may not fall under the same criminal definitions as intentional upskirting. Ballon also expressed concern that emerging technologies, such as new camera glasses, will further complicate enforcement and increase the threat to privacy.

Ballon has called for stronger protections, advocating that anyone who has uploaded intimate pictures of women on the internet should be punished, alongside the platforms that host them. Law enforcement has been attempting to curb this behavior through visibility and arrests. A Bavarian police spokesman stated that a poster campaign against upskirting has been running at the Oktoberfest since 2025. Recent enforcement actions include the arrest of a 45-year-old Swiss man for using a phone to film under a German woman's dirndl. Historical data shows a trend in arrests: there were seven arrests for upskirting in 2024, rising to 10 arrests in 2025.

How is Munich regulating influencers and content creators?

The city of Munich has implemented strict new rules to manage the influx of influencers and content creators who monetize their presence at the Oktoberfest. These regulations are part of a broader effort to tighten control over those who wish to film at the festival for profit.

The city has officially banned live streaming from the festival grounds. Furthermore, any individual wishing to film at the event must now obtain a specific permit issued by the city, which requires the payment of a fee. This year, hundreds of these licenses have been granted to influencers who utilize product placement or sponsorships to generate revenue from their festival coverage, bringing their activities under municipal oversight.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Teufelsrad?

The Teufelsrad, or Devil's Wheel, is one of the oldest attractions at the Munich Oktoberfest. It consists of a circular platform that rotates at increasing speeds, eventually causing riders to fall off. The high speed of the rotation often causes the skirts of women in traditional dirndls to fly up.

Is upskirting illegal in Germany?

Yes, filming under a person's skirt is illegal in Germany and can carry a jail sentence of up to two years. However, advocates note that the law may not cover instances where a skirt is lifted by motion rather than intentional filming underneath.

How much money can these videos make?

The financial rewards for posting such content can be high. According to local broadcaster BR, one woman reportedly earned €9,000 from a single video clip that went viral on social media platforms.

What are the new Munich filming rules?

Munich has banned live streaming from the Oktoberfest and now requires all individuals who wish to film at the festival to hold a city-issued permit, which must be obtained for a fee.

Who is providing the cycling shorts?

Elisabeth Polaczy, the 80-year-old operator of the Teufelsrad, has been providing free cycling shorts to women and girls for the past three years to protect them from unauthorized filming.

Key takeaways

• At least 32,000 voyeuristic videos of women on the Teufelsrad have circulated on social media.
• German law allows for a two-year prison sentence for the illegal act of upskirting.
• Operator Elisabeth Polaczy has distributed over 100 pairs of free cycling shorts this year.
• Munich now requires a paid permit for filming and has banned live streaming at the festival.

Synthesis of safety measures and legal challenges

The situation at Oktoberfest highlights a growing tension between traditional cultural celebrations and the predatory nature of modern digital voyeurism. While individual operators like Elisabeth Polaczy have taken proactive, grassroots steps to protect attendees through the distribution of cycling shorts, these measures are largely defensive and reactive. The legal system in Germany, while criminalizing upskirting, faces significant challenges in addressing the nuances of digital violence and the rapid evolution of filming technology. Furthermore, the city of Munich's move to regulate influencers through permits and live-streaming bans represents a structural attempt to reclaim control over the festival's environment. Ultimately, the efficacy of these combined efforts—private protection, legal enforcement, and municipal regulation—remains to be seen as digital content creation continues to evolve.