Munich chosen as Germany’s Olympic bid city
Germany’s Olympic Committee named Munich as the country’s official candidate to bid for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Summer Games, beating a rival bid from the Cologne/Rhine‑Ruhr region. The choice follows a 66.4% vote in a 2025 referendum and a series of withdrawals by Berlin and Hamburg. Munich will ho…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a ceremony held in the spa town of Baden‑Baden, German President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier announced that Munich would be Germany’s official candidate to bid for the Summer Olympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044. The decision came after a national debate that saw the city’s bid triumph over a competing proposal from the Cologne/Rhine‑Ruhr region. The announcement marked the first time in more than six decades that Germany is preparing to host a Summer Games, the last being the 1972 edition in Munich.
How the decision was made
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) opened a four‑city race for the national bid. Berlin and Hamburg entered the contest but withdrew after internal reviews and public consultations revealed weak support. Berlin’s withdrawal followed a poor showing in a DOSB evaluation and a lack of popular backing, while Hamburg’s bid was rejected after a negative referendum in May. The remaining contenders were Munich and the Cologne/Rhine‑Ruhr region, which would have spread venues across 15 towns and cities in North Rhine‑Westphalia.
Munich’s bid was judged strongest on a number of criteria, including the quality of its sports facilities, the Olympic Park’s legacy from the 1972 Games, and its ability to attract international attention. The city also benefited from a successful referendum held in late 2025, where 66.4% of voters in Bavaria supported hosting the Games and a 44% turnout. This public endorsement gave the bid a solid foundation that the Cologne proposal lacked.
Political and public support
State Premier Markus Söder of Bavaria celebrated the outcome, calling the selection a chance to present Germany as a united nation from north to south and east to west. He emphasized the importance of working together across the country to bring the Games to Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz also congratulated Munich, noting that the city’s selection would help the country prepare for a major international event and showcase its readiness for the Olympics.
President Steinmeier described the choice as a “huge opportunity for the whole of Germany.” He highlighted the potential economic and cultural benefits, as well as the chance to revive Germany’s Olympic legacy after the 1972 Games, which were tragically marred by the Munich massacre that claimed the lives of 11 Israeli athletes.
What the bid will look like
If the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selects Munich’s proposal, the city will host the majority of Olympic and Paralympic competitions. The Olympic Park, renovated extensively in recent years, will serve as the central venue. Other German cities will host specific sports: Stuttgart will provide soccer stadiums, while Kiel will handle sailing events. This distribution mirrors the structure of previous German bids, ensuring that the Games are spread across the country while keeping the core events in Munich.
Next steps and timelines
The DOSB has begun a “continuous dialogue” with the IOC in preparation for the shortlisting process slated for March 2027. The IOC will then designate preferred hosts in late 2028, with the final selection expected in mid‑2029. Germany’s bid could potentially be for the 2036 Games, the 2040 Games, or the 2044 Games, giving the country flexibility in choosing a target year that best aligns with its infrastructure and planning capacity.
The choice of 2036, 2040 or 2044 also carries symbolic weight. Hosting the Games in 2036 would mark 100 years since Berlin hosted the 1936 Olympics under Nazi rule, a sensitive anniversary. President Steinmeier’s office has indicated a preference for 2040 or 2044 to avoid that centenary, but has also expressed willingness to accept a 2036 bid if it proves advantageous.
Unresolved questions
While Munich’s selection is a clear milestone, several questions remain. The exact year of the Games has not been fixed, and the IOC’s final decision will depend on the strength of Munich’s proposal relative to other international bids. Additionally, the financial implications for Germany, including the cost of upgrading venues and infrastructure, are still being negotiated. The political climate in Germany, particularly the support from local governments and the public, will also influence the bid’s success.
As the IOC moves forward, Germany will need to maintain momentum, secure funding, and continue to rally public and political support to turn Munich’s candidacy into a successful bid for the Olympic Games.
Key facts
- Munich selected over Cologne as Germany’s Olympic bid city
- 66.4% of Bavarian voters backed the bid in a 2025 referendum
- Berlin and Hamburg withdrew, leaving Munich and Cologne as final contenders
- The IOC will review the bid in 2028 and select a host in 2029
- Munich will host most events; Stuttgart and Kiel will provide soccer and sailing venues
- The bid could target 2036, 2040 or 2044, avoiding the 2036 centenary of Berlin’s 1936 Games
Why it matters
Germany’s potential return to the Olympic stage after more than 60 years could boost national pride, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the country’s modern infrastructure and commitment to international cooperation.
Frequently asked questions
What year could Germany host the Olympics if Munich wins the bid?
The bid could target the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Summer Games, depending on the IOC’s final decision.
Why did Berlin and Hamburg withdraw from the bid?
Berlin’s bid was ranked low in the DOSB evaluation and lacked public support, while Hamburg’s bid was rejected after a negative referendum in May.
What sports will be held outside Munich?
Stuttgart will host soccer matches and Kiel will host sailing events, with the rest of the competitions taking place in Munich.
How did the public support Munich’s bid?
A referendum held in late 2025 saw 66.4% of voters in Bavaria vote in favor of hosting the Games, with a turnout of 44%.
.jpg?w=1120&h=630)
