Oktoberfest's 'On-Site' Chief: Christian Scharpf Moves into a Hotel for Oktoberfest
Hotel Accommodation Secured by Oktoberfest's Manager - Oktoberfest Organizer Relocates to Hotel During Celebration
Here's the skinny: Oktoberfest's new Wiesn chief, Christian Scharpf (SPD), is trading his Maxvorstadt digs for a hotel room during the festivities. And he's footing the bill himself, because let's face it, who's got time to navigate Munich's gridlocked train stations and pedestrian-snarled streets during Oktoberfest?
"I've got a room just steps away from the Wiesn," Scharpf told the German Press Agency. "Being on-site at a moment's notice is crucial during the peak festival period." At 53, Scharpf, who nabbed the economic affairs office job in March, is no stranger to Oktoberfest. His family calls Maxvorstadt home when they aren't enjoying the hops and harmonies of the Wiesn. But during Oktoberfest, those U- and S-bahns, plus the train stations, resemble a kaleidoscope of human chaos. Walking? Forget about it.
The day starts early for Scharpf. "First up is a security briefing with the authorities in the wee hours," he said. Then, it's a whirlwind of appointments. "Keeping the big picture in focus, staying present, and making sure everything runs like clockwork is essential," he added. For the record, Scharpf admits he's a "passionate Wiesn-goer." Munich's Oktoberfest? His dream workplace.
Scharpf, who's in charge of keeping all the Oktoberfest tents tidy and festive, has his work cut out for him. Networking events galore demand his presence, and he's no stranger to the cacophony that echoes through the tents. "The decibel levels are off the charts, so my vocal cords will likely need a little TLC," he joked. throat lozenges, anyone?
Following suit with his predecessor, Clemens Baumgaertner (CSU), Scharpf found himself a cozy crash pad nearby. "I ain't got time to be stuck in traffic when the show's about to start," he said. Baumgaertner started this trend in 2022, opting for a hotel stay to dodge potential nighttime emergencies. With hotels in Munich booking up like hotcakes during Oktoberfest, Scharpf snagged his accommodations months ahead of time.
So, here's to Christian Scharpf, the man on a mission to keep the Wiesn skipping along to the beat of the oom-pah band!
- Oktoberfest
- SPD
- Munich
- German Press Agency
- Maxvorstadt
[1] During Oktoberfest, staying at a hotel near the festival grounds allows Wiesnchefs to be more accessible and responsive, especially during late-night emergencies.[2] The Wiesnchief's demanding schedule requires them to manage their time efficiently and maintain a high level of presence and oversight throughout the festivities.[3] This approach is similar to how previous Wiesnchefs, like Baumgärtner, have handled their responsibilities during the festival, staying at hotels to ensure proximity and readiness for any challenges that might arise.
- During Oktoberfest, the Wiesn chief, being on-site at a moment's notice is crucial, especially during emergencies, which is why camps like Christian Scharpf find it more convenient to stay in hotels near the festival grounds.
- Just like previous Wiesn chiefs, such as Clemens Baumgaertner, Christian Scharpf adopts a strategic approach to managing the festival's demands, opting for hotel accommodations close to the grounds to ensure readiness and proximity to potential issues.
