The Olympiapark (Olympic Park) in Munich is a shining international example of how to create a successful legacy for Olympic facilities.
Olympic organisation committees, most recently teams from Brazil and Tokyo, visit Munich time and again on the hunt for the recipe for success used in 1972. The large park, inspired by the hilly landscape of the Alpine foothills, can be explored on foot or by bike.
The 190-metre platform in the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower) affords spectacular views over the city all the way to the Alpine peaks.
If you want a more relaxing way to see the park, take a trip on the miniature railway which runs around the grounds. Depending on how adventurous you are, you may be brave enough to tackle a roof climb across the Olympic Stadium’s canopy top, before rounding off the experience with the zip line over the arena or an abseil down the 40-metre drop into the stadium.
Towering over the Olympiasee (Olympic Lake) is the Olympiaberg (Olympic Mountain), which was built out of the wreckage and ruins of the Second World War. The Olympia-Alm is the city’s highest beer garden, the perfect place to lift your spirits all year round. You may even be lucky enough to eavesdrop a concert by an international star playing in the Olympic Stadium.
As has always been the case, events are still held the whole year round in the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Hall, the settings for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. Major cultural and sporting events attract tens of thousands of visitors each year. The park is also home to two other attractions: the Sea Life centre and the Ausstellungssommer exhibition hall.
The Olympic Eissportzentrum (Olympic Ice Sport Centre) is open for ice skating all year round. If you fancy a spontaneous swim in the Olympia-Schwimmhalle, there is no need to worry – you aren’t expected to be a world record breaker like Marc Spitz. Like many other Olympic icons of his generation, the seven-time gold medal winner of the 1972 Summer Olympics remains true to the site of his victories to this day.
Good to know: Munich Card holders are entitled to a reduced fee for the ascent to the Olympic Tower and the Park Railway. If one owns the Munich City Pass, both are free of charge. No matter which card you choose, the public transport is included.