Berlin Olympic Stadium

The Berlin Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) is one of the most historic sports venues in the world. Built for the 1936 Olympics, it has since hosted the 2006 World Cup final, the 2015 Champions League final and the Euro 2024 final. On non-event days you can explore the vast, heritage-listed bowl on your own or join a guided tour behind the scenes, making it one of the most rewarding things to do in Berlin beyond the city center.

Where it is and how to get there

The stadium lies in the Westend district in western Berlin. Take the S-Bahn (S3 or S9) to Olympiastadion: about 14 minutes from Zoologischer Garten and 26 minutes from Alexanderplatz. From the Trakehner Allee exit it is roughly 250 meters to the east gate and visitor center. The U2 subway to Olympia-Stadion is an alternative, about 500 meters away. All of this is covered by the Deutschlandticket or a regular Berlin ticket. There are parking lots near the stadium, some paid.

A stadium shaped by history

Architect Werner March designed the stadium, completed in 1936 in about 28 months. It opened the Summer Olympics on August 1, 1936, with room for some 100,000 spectators, and the Nazi regime used the Games as a showcase. After World War II it lay in the British sector. Between 2000 and 2004 it was modernized for about €242 million: the field was lowered, a light roof now covers every seat, and around 70 percent of the original stonework was preserved. Today it seats 73,856 and is home to Hertha BSC.

What to see

• The famous blue running track in Hertha BSC colors
• The Marathon Gate with the Olympic flame bowl and plaques listing gold medalists
• The Olympic Gate with its twin towers and Olympic rings
• The original 1936 Olympic bell outside the stadium
• The bell tower on the Maifeld, blown up in 1947 and rebuilt in 1962

Tours, tickets and opening hours

Self-guided visits cost €11 (€8 reduced, €6 for children 6 to 14, €27 family ticket). A multimedia guide in English and four other languages costs €4 and takes 75 to 100 minutes. The 60-minute Highlight Tour runs in German and English several times a day and visits locker rooms, VIP areas and the underground warm-up hall; it costs €17. Prices as of October 2026.

Hours follow the event calendar: in October 2026 typically 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from November usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The stadium closes on Hertha BSC home match days and for major events, so check the monthly calendar online before you go.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, for sports fans and anyone curious about 20th-century German history. Allow about 75 minutes to two hours. Tickets are sold at the visitor center on Olympischer Platz or online. Families get good value: children under 6 are free, and the Highlight Tour's locker rooms and underground warm-up hall are a hit with young fans. Avoid the day before or after a match if you can, as parts of the stadium may be closed for setup. Groups of five or more should book online in advance.

Combine it with the nearby bell tower, the open-air Waldbühne or Charlottenburg Palace, a few stops away on the U2.