Olympiapark (Munich)

Olympiapark in northern Munich is a large sports and event park built for the 1972 Summer Olympics and remains one of the city’s major recreation and event sites.

The site contains multiple major structures: the Olympiastadion with a capacity of about 69,000, the Olympiaturm observation tower (291 m), indoor arenas such as Olympiahalle, the Olympic Swimming Hall and the former Olympic Village, all set around parkland and an artificial lake. People visit for stadium and arena events, guided tours of the Olympic facilities, concerts, seasonal festivals and recreational uses like jogging and boating on the lake.

Many visitors use the Olympiaturm observation deck for city views and photographs; the stadium and arenas host major sports fixtures and international concerts that draw large crowds.

The complex was designed and built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, with the distinctive tensile roof structures developed by architects including Günter Behnisch and engineer Frei Otto. Since 1972 the site has been adapted for public recreation and large-scale events while retaining many original structures.

Olympiapark sits northwest of central Munich in the borough commonly referred to as the Olympic district, a short U-Bahn ride from the city center. The park is urban, surrounded by Munich neighborhoods and easily reached by public transport.

• Best view: The best panoramic views are from the observation deck of the Olympiaturm, which also houses a rotating restaurant.
• Access and events: The park remains a free-access public green space with frequent events - check the local schedule for stadium tours and concert bookings.

What to See #

• Olympiapark complex: Largest sporting and event complex built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, containing the stadium, indoor arenas, a tower and the Olympic Village laid out around a central artificial lake and parkland.
• Olympiastadion: The Olympiastadion, notable for its tent-like suspension roof, holds roughly 69,000 spectators and was the main venue for the 1972 Games.
• Olympiaturm: Olympiaturm observation tower rises to 291 metres and includes an observation deck and a restaurant, offering panoramic views over Munich.
• Indoor arenas and swimming hall: Olympiahalle is an indoor arena used for concerts and sports; the adjacent Schwimmhalle is a large indoor swimming facility originally built for the Olympics.