The operator of the Teufelsrad, or Devil's Wheel, at the Munich Oktoberfest has been distributing free cycling shorts to women to address concerns about voyeuristic filming. This initiative follows the emergence of numerous videos on social media showing women on the ride, which have garnered millions of views. One video reportedly earned €9,000 for the woman who posted it online. The Teufelsrad, a long-standing attraction at the festival, features a circular platform that spins rapidly, often causing skirts to lift.
Filming under skirts is illegal in Germany, punishable by up to two years in prison. However, some critics argue that the existing laws are insufficient, as many videos capture women in traditional dirndl dresses, sometimes revealing their underwear or altered images depicting them naked, according to local broadcaster BR.
Elisabeth Polaczy, the operator of the Teufelsrad, stated she has distributed over 100 pairs of cycling shorts this year alone. She aims to enhance the sense of security for women and girls attending the festival. Polaczy, now 80 years old, noted that while the cost of providing the shorts is significant, it is worthwhile for her peace of mind.
The Teufelsrad area is marked with signs and police posters in both German and English warning against filming under skirts. Despite these measures, Polaczy mentioned that it is challenging to monitor all individuals filming with smartphones. Some waitresses at the festival have also begun wearing cycling shorts beneath their dirndls.
A spokesperson for the Bavarian police indicated that a campaign has been in place since 2025 to raise awareness about upskirting at the Oktoberfest. This year, a 45-year-old Swiss man was arrested for filming under a woman's skirt, and there were ten arrests for similar offenses last year. Josephine Ballon, head of the non-profit organization Hate Aid, expressed that current laws do not adequately protect victims, as they only address filming under skirts, not instances where skirts may inadvertently expose individuals.
Ballon advocates for stricter penalties for those who upload intimate images of women online and for the platforms that host such content. Additionally, the city of Munich has implemented regulations for influencers and content creators, requiring permits for filming at the Oktoberfest, with hundreds issued this year for those engaged in product placement or sponsorship.