Munich Aims for Olympic Bid, Highlights “Summer Fairytale” Potential
Munich, June 18 – Munich is making a strong push to be selected as Germany’s candidate city for the Summer Olympic Games. The city recently hosted an extensive promotional day for representatives of Germany’s top sports federations, aiming to garner support for its bid. Following the event, two prominent politicians expressed their clear backing for the initiative.
In the national competition for an Olympic bid, Munich organized a one-day PR tour to persuade representatives of German sports federations. Mayor Dominik Krause observed a “tremendous enthusiasm and atmosphere in the city.” In comparison to other German cities interested in hosting the Olympics, such as Berlin and the Rhine-Ruhr region (with Cologne as its core city), the Green Party politician stated, “The bid in Munich has a level of support that is unparalleled.”
In a referendum held in autumn 2025, 66.4 percent of Munich residents voted in favor of the Bavarian capital bidding for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Summer Games. The Rhine-Ruhr region also achieved approximately two-thirds approval in a subsequent public survey. No referendum is planned in Berlin. Hamburg residents, however, recently voted against a bid for the Games. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is expected to decide this autumn which bid will proceed to the international stage.
Söder: “Money and Security will not be an Issue”
Munich plans to leverage its extensive experience in hosting major events, having previously hosted the Summer Games in 1972. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) remarked, “A new summer fairytale is possible here in Munich.” He elaborated, “My ideal scenario would be: Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and then we all go to the Oktoberfest together.” Söder also pointed out other advantages of Munich and the Free State, stating, “Money and security will not be an issue in Bavaria.”
Speaking to top officials, including Ingo Weiß, President of the German Basketball Federation (DBB), and Dietloff von Arnim, President of the German Tennis Federation (DTB), athletes also advocated for the bid. Dressage rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who has won a total of four gold medals at the 2021 and 2024 Summer Games, said, “Nothing can inspire, motivate, and captivate the next generation like the Olympics.”
SAP Garden and Nymphenburg Palace Showcase Potential Venues
The Munich delegation invited their guests to the SAP Garden in the morning, one of Europe’s most modern multi-functional arenas. In the afternoon, the tour moved to Nymphenburg Palace. The palace park was the venue for the Olympic dressage competition in 1972, and a similar event is planned for the current bid.
The city’s campaign emphasizes its readiness, financial stability, and public enthusiasm, positioning Munich as a strong contender for future Olympic Games. The decision from the DOSB later this year will be a crucial step in determining Germany’s international Olympic aspirations.
