Olympiapark (Olympic Park Munich)

The Olympiapark in Munich, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, is one of the city's most popular green spaces and a landmark of modern architecture. Its sweeping, transparent tent roof, a lake, a hill made from wartime rubble and wide lawns make it a favorite for walks, picnics and concerts. The park is free to enter, about 15 minutes from downtown by subway, and a great half-day outing – though in 2026 two headline attractions are closed for renovation.

From Rubble Field to Olympic Stage

The site was once the Oberwiesenfeld, a large open field on the city's northern edge. After World War II, debris from bombed-out Munich was piled up here between 1947 and 1958, creating the Olympiaberg, a hill rising about 60 meters (200 ft) above its surroundings. For the 1972 Games, architects Behnisch & Partner designed a landscape where stadiums, hills and water flow into one another, working with Frei Otto on the famous roof.

The "cheerful Games," meant to present a new, democratic West Germany to the world, were overshadowed by the 1972 terrorist attack in which eleven Israeli athletes and a police officer were killed. A memorial in the park commemorates the victims. Since then, the park has hosted more than 11,500 events and over 200 million visitors (as of 2015).

What to See

• The tent roof: about 74,800 square meters of acrylic glass hung from 58 steel masts, covering the stadium, arena and swimming hall.
• Olympiaberg: a short climb to panoramic views over the park and city, and on clear days the Alps. Perfect at sunset.
• Olympiasee: an 8.6-hectare lake with boat rentals in the warmer months and an open-air lakeside stage.
• Olympic Swimming Hall: the 1972 venue, now a public pool.
• Skylift: a mobile observation ride whose rotating gondolas lift you to 70 meters; back in the park from mid-October 2026.

What's Closed in 2026

As of October 2026:

• The Olympic Tower (291 m), Munich's tallest structure, has been closed since June 1, 2024 for renovation, with reopening planned for October 2027.
• The Olympic Stadium has been closed to visitors since September 2025 for a renovation expected to last two to three years, so stadium tours are suspended.

Tickets and Tours

Entry to the park is free. The Skylift costs €13 for adults, €8 for children from age 3 up to 1.40 m, and €16 for the "On the top" ride on the gondola roof. Regular hours are Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays and holidays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park also offers guided architecture and panorama tours, a kayak tour, an audio guide and a miniature park railway; check the official website for dates and English options.

How to Get There

Take the U3 subway to Olympiazentrum station, a few minutes' walk from the park. From Marienplatz, the ride takes about 15 minutes; from Munich Airport, take the S1 or S8 into the city and change to the U3. The Deutschlandticket covers the whole trip. On concert, sports and marathon days, expect crowds and closed paths.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes, even with the tower and stadium closed. The architecture, the lake and the view from the Olympiaberg are free and make a relaxing break from museum-hopping. Right across the road are BMW Welt and the BMW Museum, and SEA LIFE Munich is inside the park. Back in the center, pair your day with the Alte Pinakothek or dinner at the Hofbräuhaus.