Formally the site of the world’s best-known sporting event, this park still offers plenty of attractions.
Olympic Park was built for the 20th Summer Olympic Games, which Munich hosted in 1972. The site chosen for the event lies around 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) northwest of Munich’s city centre. A massive tensile roof canopy links many areas of the park, including the 69,000-seat Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Swimming Pool. Today, the Park continues to host German and international sporting events. The outdoor Olympic Stadium and the indoor Olympic Hall are also venues for regular international concert acts.
Thrill-seekers can participate in a roof climb around the Olympic Stadium, which provides a breathtaking view of the city. Pay a small fee for access to the swimming centre’s five pools, diving boards, sauna and sunbathing lawn. The former Olympic Boxing Hall has been converted into an ice skating area that operates year-round.
In the winter, grab a sled and join the children hurtling down the snowy Olympic Hill. This hill was formed using rubble that was cleared after World War II. During summer, the park holds open-air film screenings and concerts, along with firework displays and other events – check the schedule on the Olympia Park website. The park has a variety of other attractions, including the Sea Life Aquarium, the Olympic Regatta Course and the Olympic Tower, which has a revolving restaurant and an observation deck. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy a full day of activity at the park.
The Munich Olympic Games are chiefly remembered for the tragic acts of terror that were perpetrated there against the Israeli team. Today, a memorial stands at the former Olympic Village for those who wish to pay their respects.
The Olympic Park is free to visit, but admission fees do apply to certain events and activities in the park. The closest U-Bahn (subway) stop is Olympiazentrum, and there are a number of paid parking areas for those who have driven.
