U-Bahn München: 93/100 Theresienwiese

Munich Underground: 93/100 Theresienwiese

The name of today's station in my strictly alphabetical Munich underground series already contains its biggest annual challenge: Theresienwiese underground station is the most important stop for the annual Oktoberfest (Wiesn in Bavarian vernacular) and its approx 6,000,000 vistors.

During the 16 to 18 days of Oktoberfest the station is highly frequented and sees up to 500,000 passengers daily (on weekend days). Therefore the station was designed to accomodate huge crowds. To avoid overcrowding of the station, the exits, which lead directly to the venue, are sometimes temporarily closed (especially on weekends).

The station was designed by Alexander Freiherr von Branca, who also designed the stops at Marienplatz and Prinzregentenplatz. The station, which is coloured in Munich's city colours yellow and black, is supposed to resemble a beer cellar or a beer tent, which again directly points to the most important event above ground.

Like the neighbouring stations to the east and west, Hauptbahnhof and Schwanthalerhöhe (fka Messegelände), Theresienwiese underground station was opened in March 1984, as part of first stage of the east-west U4 line.

So, two days from today on Saturday the madness that is Oktoberfest starts again and lasts 18 days until 03.10. this year. I will try to take a photo of the crowded station, though I'm not sure if that will be possible.
You can find some impressions of the event here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. And a few more elsewhere.








"You need a beer - and some faith!" - (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., S3xE20)