Munich picked for Olympic bid as city eyes faster projects
Monday 28th September 2026 on 22:45 in
Bavaria
Munich has been selected to represent Germany in the international race to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, BR reports. The decision by the German Olympic Sports Confederation was welcomed in the city, but it is not an award of the Games.
Munich must now develop its international bid with the state of Bavaria and the federal government. The International Olympic Committee is expected to decide on the host city in 2029.
Transport and infrastructure in focus
The city says the bid could speed up projects already planned for transport, infrastructure and housing. These include public transport improvements and further development of the Olympiapark, a sports complex where the swimming hall has been renovated and work on the Olympic Tower and Olympic Stadium is under way.
City planning councillor Elisabeth Merk told BR24 that Munich is not starting from scratch. She said a key challenge is better connecting infrastructure, including through public transport expansion and new mobility options.
Transport proposals in the bid include extending the U4 subway line, building the U9 and closing the S-Bahn ring in northern Munich. The city also wants to expand cycling routes, including express cycle links and better connections between sports venues.
Some projects would need to be completed earlier if Munich hosts the Games. But the bid does not automatically secure funding or guarantee that projects will be completed. Faster progress would require quicker approvals and financing, as well as support from Bavaria and the federal government.
Plans include an Olympic village
A new Olympic village is planned in northeastern Munich, building on a residential development that had already been planned. The city says structures created for the Games should remain part of the city after the event.
Munich also says it intends to prioritise short distances and use existing sports venues. New buildings and infrastructure are meant to remain useful over the long term.
The next step is to develop the international bid and establish the financial and planning conditions for it.