Olympiapark München

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park's iconic glass tent roof is supported by steel cables and anchored into the ground, a pioneering feat of engineering for the 1970s.

2. 2

   Olympiaberg, the park's highest point, was constructed entirely from the rubble of buildings destroyed during World War II.

3. 3

   The Olympic Tower features a rotating restaurant that completes one full turn every 53 minutes.

4. 4

   The architectural design aimed to project an image of a 'cheerful' and transparent Games, distancing Germany from the 1936 Berlin Olympics' aesthetic.

5. 5

   The park contains a dedicated 'Walk of Stars' featuring handprints and autographs from celebrities who have performed at the venue.

6. 6

   The subterranean foundation of the Olympic Lake was intentionally designed to resemble a riverbed to mimic natural water bodies.

7. 7

   The stadium was the home ground for FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich for over three decades until 2005.

8. 8

   In 2026, the park continues to be a carbon-neutral event destination through energy-efficient upgrades to its original infrastructure.

Overview

Olympiapark München is a vast recreational complex built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, characterized by its distinctive tent-like canopy roof. The site spans over 300 hectares and houses the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall, and the 291-meter-tall Olympic Tower. It remains a venue for major sporting events, music concerts, and cultural festivals. The architecture, designed by Frei Otto and Günther Behnisch, was engineered to blend the structures into the landscape of the Olympiaberg hill. Visitors can access a panoramic observation deck in the Olympic Tower. The park serves as a hub for both professional athletics and public leisure, featuring an artificial lake and extensive cycling paths. It is fully accessible to the public, functioning as one of Munich’s primary outdoor communal spaces.

Insider tips

• Walk to the top of Olympiaberg for an unobstructed 360-degree view of Munich and the distant Alps on clear days.

• Consider the guided roof climb tour for a closer inspection of the structural engineering and unique perspective of the stadium.

• Check the event calendar ahead of time; large festivals or concerts can restrict access to certain central areas of the park.