Munich’s Olympiapark is a sprawling public park shaped by the 1972 Summer Olympics and still very much part of the city’s daily life. In northwest Munich, its rolling hills, lake and sports venues sit beneath the sweeping transparent roof of the Olympic Stadium, a landmark of postwar architecture developed by architects including Günter Behnisch and Frei Otto.
The park’s history carries both ambition and tragedy. The 1972 Games were intended to present a more open, democratic Germany, but they were overshadowed by the attack in which eleven Israeli athletes and coaches were killed. A memorial near the Olympic Village offers a place to learn about the victims and reflect on that history.
Today, Olympiapark is as much a place for an afternoon walk as for a major concert or sporting event. Climb Olympiaberg for a view over the stadium and Munich’s rooftops, with the Alps visible on clear days, or wander around the lake and watch the changing light on the stadium roof. In warmer months, the lawns fill with picnickers and the park hosts festivals and open-air events.
Take the U3 to Olympiazentrum and walk to the park from there. The grounds are free to enter, though events and some attractions charge admission; check opening times and the event calendar before setting out. Late spring through early autumn is ideal for lingering outdoors, while Olympiaberg is a rewarding viewpoint year-round.