Veröffentlicht von The Olympic Stadium in Munich (Olympiastadion München) is one of Germany’s most famous sports venues and one of the most impressive examples of modern stadium architecture in Europe. Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the stadium is located inside Olympic Park in northern Munich.
Today, the Olympic Stadium is no longer home to FC Bayern Munich, but it remains an important venue for concerts, cultural events, sports competitions and guided tours. With its iconic transparent roof construction and panoramic views from the surrounding hills, it is one of Munich’s most recognizable landmarks.
Munich Stadium & City Tours
Discover guided tours of the Olympic Stadium and other Munich highlights.
History of the Olympic Stadium
The stadium was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. The design by architect Günther Behnisch and engineer Frei Otto became world-famous for its revolutionary tent-like roof structure made of acrylic glass and steel cables.
The transparent canopy symbolized a new, open and democratic Germany. It deliberately contrasted with the heavy architecture of the 1936 Berlin Olympic Stadium.
During the 1972 Olympics, the stadium hosted athletics competitions and the opening and closing ceremonies. Unfortunately, the Games were also marked by the tragic Munich massacre, which remains part of Olympic history.
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Architecture and Design
The Olympic Stadium is best known for its sweeping, transparent roof construction. The lightweight membrane structure appears almost like a floating tent landscape.
- Capacity: approx. 69,000 (original Olympic configuration)
- Current capacity: around 57,000 for concerts and events
- Location: Olympiapark Munich
The roof connects visually with the surrounding hills and artificial landscapes of Olympic Park, creating a harmonious architectural concept.
Football History
For decades, the stadium was home to FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich. Major matches, including European Cup finals, were played here before Bayern moved to the Allianz Arena in 2005.
The 1974 FIFA World Cup final between West Germany and the Netherlands also took place here.
Short YouTube video overview of the Munich Olympic Stadium
Concerts and Events
Today, the Olympic Stadium is primarily used for large concerts and cultural events. International artists regularly perform here during summer tours.
The open design and natural amphitheater setting make it one of Germany’s most atmospheric concert venues.
Olympic Park Surroundings
The stadium is part of the larger Olympic Park complex, which includes:
- Olympic Park
- Olympic Tower
- Olympic Hall
- Olympic Swimming Hall
The surrounding green areas are perfect for walking, cycling and relaxing.
Stadium Tours
Visitors can join guided tours that include:
- Behind-the-scenes access
- VIP areas
- Changing rooms (when available)
- Historical exhibitions
There is also a special roof climb tour, allowing visitors to walk on the stadium roof with safety equipment.
Best Photo Spots
- From the Olympiaberg hill
- Inside the stadium during tours
- Sunset views over Olympic Park
- Panoramic shots from the Olympic Tower
How to Get There
The Olympic Stadium is located in northern Munich. It is easily reachable by public transport:
- U-Bahn line U3 (Olympiazentrum station)
- Tram and bus connections
How Long Should You Visit?
- 1 hour: Walk around Olympic Park and exterior views
- 2–3 hours: Add guided stadium tour
- Half day: Combine with Olympic Tower and park exploration
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Iconic architecture
- Historical significance
- Beautiful park surroundings
- Great concert atmosphere
Cons
- Limited football events today
- Can be crowded during concerts
Is the Olympic Stadium Worth Visiting?
Yes. Even if you are not a sports fan, the Olympic Stadium is worth visiting for its architecture and historical importance. Combined with Olympic Park, it offers a unique mix of culture, design and green spaces.
Munich city tour with a visit to the Allianz Arena: All football fans who come to Munich want to see the Allianz Arena (FC Bayern Stadium). That’s why the combination of a tour of Munich with a visit to the stadium is very popular. This 4-hour excursion also takes you to the training grounds and offices of FC Bayern in Munich-Giesing: More information and booking
Our tip: Sightseeing tour through Munich |
| A great possibility to see a lot of Munich in 1-2 days are the so called Hop On / Hop off buses. These are red double-decker buses in British style, which drive on 3 different routes through Munich. You can get off at many stops and continue with a later bus. Tickets for the hop on / hop off buses are much cheaper on the Internet at Getyourguide than on site. Further information: Click here |
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