50 years of the Olympic Park

Hardly anyone believed it would be successful when Munich submitted its bid for the 1972 Summer Olympics in the mid-1960s. As the former "capital of the movement," it was considered unlikely to win. And when the sensation was complete in April 1966, Munich seized the opportunity to present itself as cosmopolitan, open-minded, and modern. Within a very short time, the "Oberwiesenfeld," a former airfield, was transformed into one of the most spectacular Olympic venues of all time!

Walk with me on the trail of this idea, which even today, exactly half a century later, is still palpable everywhere: In the Olympic Village, an oasis of peace thanks to its sophisticated traffic concept, appreciated by residents and students alike. Discover the diverse perspectives of this special district, among the terraced apartment blocks where the male athletes were formerly housed, or amidst the lovingly painted bungalows of the former female athletes, which are now used as student apartments. Or on the winding paths in the Olympic Park, which captivates with its diverse range of venues.

The architects around Günther Behnisch and the engineer Frey Otto were responsible for this overall concept. With the construction of the transparent, tent-like Olympic roof, they achieved an architectural masterpiece that still impresses today not only with its uniqueness but also, quite simply, with its beauty. Combined with the innovative and vibrant color concept of designer Otl Aicher, the area continues to present itself as a symbol of diversity, tolerance, and openness. Not to be forgotten is the careful landscaping with water, meadows, and paths – best admired from the very top! So, either take the elevator up to the Olympic Tower or perhaps even take a walk up the Olympic Hill, a former rubble heap of the city that has been perfectly integrated into the terrain and now boasts a beer garden.

But we should not forget to also remember the victims of the Olympic attack by the "Black September" terrorists. Various memorials in the Olympic Park invite us to remember the events surrounding the Israeli Olympic team. A new memorial pavilion was recently opened, which, through its meticulous treatment of the events, not only illuminates the end of the utopia of a non-violent international festival, but also describes the failure of the Federal Republic of Germany in dealing with the Palestinian hostage-takers.

Join us for this impressive walk! And who knows, maybe we'll even run into the mascot dachshund in his colorful striped outfit?