Oktoberfest rides to watch and try: Toboggan, Teufelsrad and Ferris wheel
Some rides are as fun to watch as to try. Start with the Toboggan, Teufelsrad and Ferris wheel, then check the operator’s current price and rules.
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Watch the crowd
The Toboggan is a show before you ever take a ride
At the Toboggan, riders try to walk up a fast-moving conveyor belt before climbing the tower and sliding down on a sack. The climb is part of the fun for the spectators. The wooden attraction has been at Oktoberfest since 1933 and is a classic even if you only stop to watch.
The Teufelsrad is a different kind of show: chosen groups sit on a large spinning disc while the operator calls out instructions. It has been part of the Wiesn since 1908. Watching from the seating area is an easy way to understand the spectacle before deciding whether to join in.
For the view
Take the Ferris wheel when the grounds are glowing
Willenborg’s Ferris wheel has operated at Oktoberfest since 1979. At 50 metres, it gives a wide view over the tents and the Bavaria statue; on a clear day, the Alps may be visible. Sunset and early evening offer different views, so choose based on the weather and queue.
Each attraction has its own price, queue, opening time and ride restrictions. Check the sign at the entrance. For safety, skip rides if you feel unsteady, unwell or impaired, and check the current opening schedule before making a special trip.
Budget and timing
Read the sign before you join the queue
Ride prices are set by the individual operator and can change by season or attraction. Check the sign at the entrance for the current fare, minimum height or health restrictions, expected duration and payment method. A ride that looks cheap from across the grounds can still need a separate queue and cash or card plan.
If you are choosing between the rides and a tent, set a simple order: food first if someone is hungry, ride next if the queue is manageable, and a clear meeting point before anyone splits off. The goal is a good loop through the festival, not every attraction in one afternoon.
Useful before you go
Common questions, straight answers.
What is the Toboggan at Oktoberfest?
It is a wooden slide reached by climbing a moving conveyor belt. The conveyor climb is a famous part of the attraction and fun to watch.
What happens on the Teufelsrad?
Participants sit on a large rotating disc as it spins faster; the host adds commentary and selects different groups to ride.
How tall is the Oktoberfest Ferris wheel?
Willenborg’s Ferris wheel is 50 metres high and has 40 gondolas.
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Sources and edition notes
Changeable details such as dates, prices, rules and opening times are checked against the linked sources. Recheck them before your visit.