Olympic Games: the reasons Munich stands a good chance

What do Munich’s plans look like? 

Munich is Germany’s candidate city for the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044. On 26 September 2026, Bavaria’s capital won the vote of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) against Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr with 91 to 50 votes. This marks the start of the international phase. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is in charge of deciding who the Games will be awarded to. 

What makes Munich a good host? 

Many of the required sports venues exist already as Munich hosted the Summer Olympic Games before, back in 1972. The Olympic Park, which was then the core element of the sports facilities, is to play a central role, if the Games are hosted again. The events in about half of the disciplines could be held here. 90 percent of the planned sports venues are located within less than 30 kilometres of the intended location of the Olympic Village. The sailing competitions would be held in Kiel, as was the case in 1972. 

What else does Munich have to offer? 

Munich also has plenty of experience with large international events that goes far beyond hosting sports competitions. The city frequently hosts large trade fairs and conferences, the Munich Security Conference, and the Oktoberfest that is attended by millions of people. It is used to handling large volumes of visitors and capable of meeting high organisational and security-related requirements. Munich with its surrounding area is also among Germany’s most attractive regions in terms of tourism. 

Do Munich’s residents support the application? 

Yes. 66.4 percent voted in favour of the application in a local referendum held in October 2025. The locals are generally enthusiastic about the international sports events that take place in Munich on a regular basis. The 2022 European Championships were characterised by a strong turnout and amazing atmosphere at the Olympic Park. 

Are policy-makers in favour of the application? 

Yes. When his city won the German selection process, the Mayor of Munich, Dominik Krause, said: “We are overjoyed.” Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “The Olympic Games are meant to be held in Germany.” Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated: “We can afford the Olympic Games, and we should afford them.”  

What is the role of the 2031 World Athletics Championships? 

Munich is hosting the 2031 World Athletics Championships, one of the world’s biggest international sports events. This event is going to take place in the Olympic Park with the Olympic stadium. It is Munich’s opportunity to demonstrate its ability to host a top-class global sporting event. 

What does Germany’s track record in terms of hosting the Olympics look like? 

Germany has hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice, in Berlin in 1936 and in Munich in 1972. The Berlin games were used by the Nazi dictatorship for propaganda. Munich wanted to present Germany as a modern, liberal and democratic country. However, the games were overshadowed by a terrorist attack against the Israeli team carried out by a Palestinian group. 

What is yet to be done? 

Sports venues need to be modernised, transportation projects must be realised and funding must be secured. Another key aspect is the envisioned Olympic and Paralympic Village in the north-east of Munich that is to become part of a new urban neighbourhood after the games. 

When will the decision be made? 

The next in-depth dialogue phase for the 2036 Summer Games is to begin in March 2027. Planning provides for talks with one or multiple promising applicants to take place up to the end of 2028. The IOC is currently talking to about ten interested parties, including Ahmedabad, Doha, Istanbul and Santiago de Chile. It is likely that the IOC will choose the host for the 2036 games in mid-2029. No schedule has been confirmed for the 2040 and 2044 games to date.