Munich, August 29, 2026 – The Teufelsrad (Devil’s Wheel), a beloved and historic attraction at Munich’s Oktoberfest, has undergone unexpected changes ahead of the 2026 festival. Its long-standing advertising figures at the entrance have been modified following concerns from the City of Munich’s Equal Opportunities Office for Women regarding their attire.
City Deems Figures ‘Too Revealing’
Elisabeth Polaczy, 80, who has operated the Teufelsrad for years, confirmed to the ‘TZ’ newspaper that three of the four approximately two-meter-tall female statues were deemed ‘too revealing’ by city officials. Polaczy received a letter from the city suggesting modifications for ‘a slightly more diverse Teufelsrad,’ specifically citing concerns over short skirts and low-cut necklines on the 80-year-old advertising figures.
“Three ladies caused displeasure with the city because they were too revealing,” Polaczy explained. The operator expressed initial fear of not being allowed to participate in the Oktoberfest if she did not comply with the city’s requests. “I just want peace and to do my business well,” she added.
Modifications Include Covered Décolletage and Shoes
In response to the city’s suggestions, Polaczy commissioned a repainting and modification of three of the four figures. One figure, previously depicting a Hawaiian woman dressed only in a skirt and a lei, was given a top to cover her torso. Additionally, the Hawaiian figure was given shoes, as the Equal Opportunities Office reportedly deemed it discriminatory to depict her barefoot.
Two other figures, traditionally dressed in Dirndl attire, had their décolletages painted over, resulting in buttoned-up blouses instead of revealing necklines. These figures also received color-matched underwear to cover previously visible bare knees. The fourth female figure, depicted in blue trousers with her right hand raised in joy, remained unchanged.
Teufelsrad: An Oktoberfest Institution
The Teufelsrad, celebrating its 80th year, is a long-standing institution at Oktoberfest, offering visitors a unique experience of defying centrifugal forces on a spinning disc. The 2026 Oktoberfest is scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4.
Previous Controversies at Oktoberfest
This is not the first instance of Oktoberfest operators being required to modify their attractions. Three years prior, the Schäfer family, operators of the ‘Voodoo-Jumper’ ride, incurred 80,000 Euros in costs to alter its design. The ride’s facade had drawn sharp criticism for displaying a woman whose bikini top was stolen by a monkey and a Black man depicted in a way that suggested he was looking at the woman. These depictions were widely condemned as sexist and racist.
The current modifications to the Teufelsrad figures reflect an ongoing effort by city authorities to ensure that public displays at the world-famous festival are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
Source: https://www.bild.de/regional/muenchen/oktoberfest-betreiberin-von-wiesn-karussell-laesst-figuren-umgestalten-6a9144b1009bbca54925b2aa
