Oktoberfest: Beer Consumption Is Rising but so Are the Prices

The 181st Oktoberfest is underway with a million visitors flooding the giant tents on the opening weekend. The numbers behind this festival are always fascinating - on the very first day, 100 revellers were arrested while 700 patients were treated by the Red Cross during the opening 48 hours.

The beer is flowing as well - each visitor consumed an average of 1.2 litres in 2013 compared to just 700 ml back in 1995. It's important to point out that not all visitors drink beer - designated drivers and children are advised to enjoy other aspects of the celebration. The Oktoberfest is more expensive than ever before - the highest price for a litre of beer (called a Maß in German) is €10.10, almost double the cost in 1995.