Attraction
Marienplatz and New Town Hall
Munich's central square, overlooked by the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall with its Glockenspiel, an 85-metre tower reached by lift and a courtyard open to all.
Olympiapark
The park built for the 1972 Olympic Games, known for Frei Otto and Günter Behnisch's tent roof, a hill made of war rubble, a lake and the Olympic Tower.
At a glance
- Type
- Olympic park and landmark
- Area
- Milbertshofen-Am Hart, Munich, Germany
- Official site
- olympiapark.de
Good to know
- Free park entry
- Guided tours
- Boat hire
- Park railway
- Restaurants
Why we recommend it
The Olympiapark was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics on the Oberwiesenfeld, a former airfield north of the centre that had become a dumping ground for rubble after the Second World War. The organisers wanted a green, open Games, and the result is a landscaped park of hills, lawns and a lake, tied together by one of the most influential structures of modern architecture: the translucent tent roof designed by Günter Behnisch's practice with the engineer Frei Otto, which sweeps over the stadium, the Olympic Hall and the swimming hall.
The park is free to walk around and is used daily by joggers, cyclists and families. Climb the Olympiaberg, the hill formed from war rubble, for a view across the stadium roof to the city and, on clear days, the Alps. Around the Olympic Lake you can hire boats in summer, ride the small park railway or follow the Olympic Walk of Stars. The park also has a memorial to the victims of the 1972 attack on the Israeli team.
The Olympic Stadium is now used mainly for concerts and events, since football moved to the Allianz Arena in 2005. Olympiapark runs a range of guided tours, including an architecture tour, panorama and classic tours and a music-themed tour, which are the best way to understand how the structures were built. The 291-metre Olympic Tower, opened in 1968, normally has a viewing platform at around 190 metres and a revolving restaurant, but it is currently closed for renovation, and the city's tourism site gives 2027 for its reopening. In the meantime, the Skylift, a mobile viewing tower in front of the action sports centre, offers a view from 70 metres when it is in the park.
The Olympiapark suits families, architecture fans and anyone who wants open space; it is also worth checking the events calendar, as large concerts and sporting events can affect access. Allow two hours for a walk and a climb up the hill, longer if you join a tour or visit the SEA LIFE aquarium in the park. Restaurants and a summer beer garden are spread around the grounds.
Take the U3 to Olympiazentrum, which is the closest station to the stadium and the lake. BMW Welt and the BMW Museum are just across the road, making an easy full day in the north of the city.
Olympiapark FAQs
Is the Olympiapark free?
Yes, walking around the park is free. Tours, the stadium, SEA LIFE and some attractions charge separately.
Is the Olympic Tower open?
No. The Olympic Tower is closed for renovation, and the city's tourism site gives 2027 for its reopening. Check before you go.
How do I get to the Olympiapark?
Take the U3 to Olympiazentrum. The BMW Museum and BMW Welt are next to the station.
Who designed the Olympic roof?
The tent roof was designed by Günter Behnisch's practice with the engineer Frei Otto for the 1972 Games.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. Olympiapark offers several guided tours, including an architecture tour, bookable through its website.
What is the Olympiaberg?
A landscaped hill made from Second World War rubble, with views over the stadium roof and the city.
Can you hire boats?
Yes, boat hire is available on the Olympic Lake in season.
Is the Olympiapark good for children?
Yes. Open lawns, the lake, the park railway and the SEA LIFE aquarium make it a good family outing.