Olympiapark
Logo Landeshauptstadt München, zur Website der Landeshauptstadt München
Logo Landeshauptstadt München, zur Website der Landeshauptstadt München
The Olympic Park Ensemble

Park Landscape, Olympic Lake, and Olympic Hill

The park was shaped from the rubble of the Second World War. The buildings integrated into the landscape deliberately avoid monumentality and pathos.

From 1968 to 1972, landscape architect Günther Grzimek was responsible for the green planning of the Olympic Park. He created an organic landscape with hollows, valleys, and so-called 'swallow’s nests' that flow through the architecture and naturally embrace the major sports venues. The buildings blend into the landscape and are visually unobtrusive. The design focuses on the human scale and a cheerful practicality.

Grzimek also placed great importance on an open design without barriers or fences, weaving the park into its surroundings. His innovative park landscape, with its hills and valleys, draws inspiration from the pre-Alpine region. His concept of a 'park for use', one that people could truly make their own, was a groundbreaking idea at the time.

Olympiapark

Photo: Michael Nagy, LHM

Olympic Lake
The 8.6-hectare Olympic Lake was created by damming the Nymphenburg-Biederstein Canal, which was originally constructed in the 18th century. The western section of the lake contains a bird island. A low weir divides the main body of the lake. Bridges and walkways provide access across and around the water. The lake’s shoreline follows the park’s design language, forming a variety of curved shapes that create peninsulas, bays, and narrow passages. The lake also serves an important ecological function by capturing excess rainwater from sealed surfaces during heavy rainfall. Due to its shallow depth and low flow rate, swimming is prohibited. However, small boat tours are permitted.

Olympiaberg Fans Swifties

Photo: LHM

Olympic Hill
Olympic Hill was largely formed from the rubble of the Second World War. Together with the sports venues and the lake, it creates an analogy to ancient Olympic sites composed of water, hills, and earth stadiums. The 60-meter-high hill was shaped in reference to the pre-Alpine landscape. Grzimek’s design and planting of the hill pursued both social and ecological goals. His vision included free access for everyone, spontaneous use, and active participation in shaping the park – such as the creation of informal footpaths. Today, Olympic Hill is a popular gathering spot during major events at the nearby Olympic Stadium – like during the Taylor Swift concert in 2024.