Oktoberfest Riders Get Shorted Over Upskirting

Sat Oct 03 2026 02:01:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The famous Devil's Wheel at Munich's Oktoberfest is now handing out free cycling shorts to women after thousands of upskirting videos went viral.

At the 190th Oktoberfest the operator of the Teufelsrad, a historic carnival ride, has begun handing out free cycling shorts to women to protect them from upskirting. The initiative follows a surge in videos circulating online that show skirts lifting and often reveal underwear, some earning thousands of euros for their creators. Although filming under a skirt is illegal in Germany, critics argue the law does not cover accidental lifts, and the police have increased posters and imposed a ban on live‑streaming without permits. Eighty‑year‑old Elisabeth Polaczy says she handed out over 100 pairs this year, citing security concerns. The city is tightening controls on influencers, while advocacy groups call for harsher penalties.

Oktoberfest Riders Get Shorted Over Upskirting

Munich, Germany – The operator of the Teufelsrad, one of Oktoberfest’s oldest attractions, has begun handing out free cycling shorts to women riding the spinning platform. The move follows a surge of viral videos that show skirts lifting and revealing underwear, some of which have earned thousands of euros for the creators.

Viral on the Web
More than 32,000 videos of the roller‑coaster ride have circulated online, with some amassing millions of views. A German YouTuber reportedly made €9,000 (£7,650) from a single clip, while a group of Ukrainian creators has also been linked to the trend.

Legal Limits and Enforcement
Filming under skirts is illegal in Germany, carrying up to two years in jail. However, experts say the law only covers deliberate upskirting – it does not address accidental lifts caused by the ride’s motion. Police have stepped up notice posts in German and English, and last year they arrested 10 people for upskirting, with seven more apprehended in 2024.

Cycling Shorts Initiative
Elisabeth Polaczy, 80, told BBC that she has handed out more than 100 pairs this year. "I want to do everything I can to make people feel secure," she said. The cost is significant, but the operator believes the peace of mind it provides outweighs the expense.

Policy and Public Response
Munich’s police have launched a poster campaign warning against upskirting and banned live‑streaming from the festival without a permit. Hundreds of licences have already been issued to influencers who profit from promotion.

Impact on Attendees
Some waitresses and festival-goers now wear cycling shorts under their traditional dirndls. A German advocacy group calls for stricter laws and penalties for those who upload intimate footage online, arguing the current regulations are insufficient.