How to Survive the TeufelsRad: The Craziest Ride at Oktoberfest

One of the oldest and most hilarious attractions at the Oktoberfest in Munich is the TeufelsRad, or the Devil’s Wheel. It is a large wooden disc that spins faster and faster, while people try to stay on it as long as possible. The fun part is that the disc is controlled by a witty and sarcastic moderator, who also uses a lasso or a ball to knock off the riders. The result is a spectacle of laughter, screams, and falls. The TeufelsRad has been at the Oktoberfest since 1910, and it is a cult hit among locals and tourists alike. The moderator, Wiggerl Kugler, is a legend himself, with his twirled moustache and rough voice. He commands different groups of people to ride the disc, such as children, men, women, or police officers. He also makes fun of them with his jokes and stories, which are sometimes rude but always charming in a Bavarian way. One of the most popular rides is the “Damen Fahrt”, or the Girls Ride. This is when women over 18 years old in dirndls (traditional dresses) climb onto the d