More than 1.1 million residents of Munich are heading to the polls today to answer one crucial question: Should their city launch a new bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games — possibly in 2036, 2040 or 2044?
The city council has already voted in favour of exploring a candidacy. Now, it’s up to Munich’s citizens to give the green light — or stop the dream before it starts.
More than 100 polling stations are open across the Bavarian capital until 6 p.m., with thousands having already cast their vote by mail.
Competing visions: opportunity or financial risk?
Supporters of the Olympic bid argue that the Games could bring long-term benefits for Munich: better housing, public transport investment, and international visibility.
They point to the success of the 1972 Munich Olympics, which transformed the city’s infrastructure and image.
Opponents, however, grouped under the “NOlympia” alliance, warn that the event would deepen the city’s debt and drive up rents and living costs.
Green and ÖDP local politicians have called the bid “financially reckless,” arguing that Munich could end up shouldering at least €5 billion on its own.
What makes the vote valid
The referendum’s result will only be binding if at least 10% of eligible voters — roughly 110,000 people — participate.
Preliminary results are expected around 7 p.m. this evening.
A regional Games concept
Munich would not host all competitions within its city limits.
The proposal envisions a regional concept involving nearby locations: rowing in Oberschleißheim, shooting in Garching, swimming in Lake Starnberg, and canoe slalom in Augsburg.
The historic Olympic Park and 1972 Stadium would again play a central role, while other venues — like Theresienwiese, Nymphenburg Palace Park and Messe Munich — could host events such as beach volleyball, equestrian sports and fencing.
Because Munich’s indoor swimming pool has only eight lanes (the Olympic standard is ten), a temporary swimming arena near the airport is under discussion.
Supporters see chance for sustainable Games
Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) insists Munich could stage “sustainable Games with minimal new construction,” emphasizing that the city already has most of the necessary infrastructure.
He hopes a successful bid would unlock federal and state funding for public transport and housing projects, including a potential Olympic Village in Daglfing.
At a rally on Friday, Paralympic athlete Verena Bentele, now vice president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, encouraged voters to say “yes”:
“We can deliver excitement, sustainability and events that inspire the masses while leaving behind lasting benefits.”
Critics warn of financial burden
“NOlympia” activists counter that the promised legacy rarely materializes. They fear massive security and infrastructure costs and note that other cities like Berlin, Hamburg and the Rhine-Ruhr region might compete for the Games with lower risk profiles.
Environmental groups also raise concerns about construction in green areas such as the English Garden and Nymphenburg Park.
Long road to the Olympics
Even if Munich voters approve the bid, the path ahead is long. Germany’s National Olympic Committee will decide next year whether to nominate Munich as the country’s official candidate. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will then weigh bids from around the world before awarding the Games — a process that could stretch well into the 2030s.
For now, the question remains simple — but the implications profound: Should Munich chase Olympic glory again, or leave the past in 1972?
