It’s happened to most of us at some point: You come back from vacation and, while unpacking, realize you’re missing one item or another. Things tend to get lost along the way, and as long as they aren’t particularly valuable, you don’t give it a second thought. That makes it all the more surprising to see what kinds of items end up at the airport lost and found office, only to never be claimed. Someone else’s misfortune becomes your good fortune, because this weekend, Munich Airport is auctioning off unclaimed lost items—ranging from jewelry and electronics to entire suitcases. Here’s how you can take part in the auction.
Auction at the Volksfest
All sorts of things end up at the airport’s lost and found office—some practical, others valuable, and still others downright curious. The legal retention period lasts six months; after that, the items become the property of the airport. Once the deadline has passed, the airport is now offering these found items for auction. On Saturday, July 11, starting at 1:00 p.m., head to the festival tent at the Karlsfeld Settlers’ Festival, where the items will go under the hammer. The highest bidder wins the lot after the auctioneer has repeated the bid three times. Once the lot is awarded, you’re obligated to buy it, so think it through carefully beforehand.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., you’ll have the opportunity to inspect the items up for auction . This way, you can get a first-hand look at their condition and decide in advance what you want to bid on and how much you’re willing to pay. No complaints or returns will be accepted after the auction. Additionally, only cash payments are accepted, so make sure you have enough on hand.
📍 Location: Festival grounds at Karlsfelder See, in the festival tent
📅 Date: Saturday, July 11
🕐 Time: Auction starts at 1:00 p.m.; viewing of the items from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
From smartwatches to chainsaws
If you think an auction of airport lost and found items is just about dirty laundry and used toothbrushes, you’re mistaken. Quite a few treasures have slipped into the mix — treasures you might soon call your own. In addition to genuine silver jewelry, there are also several watches up for auction, including a Garmin, a Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch, and a Swarovski wristwatch. Less valuable watches and jewelry are available in a bundle that can include up to 20 watches at once. Photography enthusiasts should instead keep an eye out for the Canon SLR or the Fuji Polaroid camera.
There are also two Nintendo Switches with games and several e-book readers to choose from. Other items on offer include glasses, diving fins, toys, household items, and, of course, clothing. If you like surprises, you should bid directly on a whole suitcase—its contents will remain a secret until the auction closes. But the most curious finds are probably the handheld chainsaw and chainsaws, which are also up for grabs. You can find the complete auction catalog here.
If you end up empty-handed, you can still enjoy a lovely day at the Siedlerfest. It’s taking place this weekend and promises plenty of fun for the whole family with rides, treats, and entertainment in the festival tent . Or you can take a dip in nearby Karlsfleder Lake to cool off and have some fun in the water. If it’s too crowded here for you, the quieter Waldschwaigsee isn’t far away either.
