The traditional and popular Oktoberfest, primarily based in Bavaria, takes place on Saturday – but this year with tightened security measures following the deadly knife attack in western Germany last month.
The organizers have warned visitors about longer queues, as metal detectors are being used for the first time in the 189-year history of the beer festival.
In addition, around 600 police officers and 2,000 security personnel are being deployed.
However, the authorities emphasize that there are no specific threats against the festival, which traditionally began with the Mayor of Munich tapping the first beer barrel.
The German beer festival will continue until October 6 and is expected to attract around six million visitors.
In August, three people were killed and several injured in an attack on a festival in Solingen. A 26-year-old man from Syria was arrested for the crime.
