The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) plans to bring the Olympic Games back to Germany after more than fifty years — the last time they were held in Munich in 1972. Hamburg is among the candidates to host the event, expressing interest in organizing both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Competition locations in Hamburg

Hamburg proposed specific venues for individual sports: beach volleyball would take place at Heiligengeistfeld, swimming at Volksparkstadion, hockey at Millerntorstadion, and triathlon around Lake Alster. Tennis and boxing are planned for Rothenbaum, with other disciplines in exhibition halls. A new feature is the planned construction of an athletics stadium near Volksparkstadion, which will hold up to 60,000 spectators. Most of the 38 disciplines would take place in Olympic Park City and Olympic Park Altona, where the Olympic Village would also be established. Organizers emphasize that all venues will be well connected and accessible on foot, and after the Games, they will be repurposed for everyday use.

Cooperation with other German regions

Hamburg invited other cities and regions of the country to cooperate. Kiel-Schilksee was designated as the host for sailing competitions, as well as handball and rugby matches. Football matches are planned for stadiums scattered across the country. Whitewater kayaking would take place in Markkleeberg near Leipzig, shooting in Suhl, and eventing in Luhmühlen near Lüneburg.

New athletics stadium – key element of the plan

The lack of an athletics stadium in Hamburg has so far been a serious obstacle in the bid to host the Games. Currently, the construction of a modern, multifunctional arena is planned, which will be built regardless of the decision on hosting the Games. After the event, the venue will be converted into a football stadium serving Hamburger SV, as well as international matches, cultural events, and amateur sports.

Political support and financial challenges

The decision on Hamburg’s candidacy will be made by residents in a referendum planned for May 31, 2026. The cost of holding the vote is estimated at 5–6 million euros. In 2015, Hamburg citizens rejected the idea of bidding for the Summer Games in 2024 or 2028 in a referendum.

The current red-green Senate in Hamburg can count on broad support from parliamentarians, including CDU – the largest opposition party. Only The Left and AfD oppose. Despite positive attitudes, detailed financial and transport plans remain a key challenge and must be presented soon. The new federal government CDU/CSU and SPD under Chancellor Friedrich Merz formally supports the candidacy in its coalition program. It fits into a broader National Strategy for Major Sporting Events, which also includes support for organizing world and European championships in other disciplines.

Other German candidacies and future prospects

Besides Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, and the Rhine-Ruhr region are also bidding to host the Games. Cooperation between candidates also includes other regions such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg. Germany is considering bids for the Summer Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. According to International Olympic Committee member Michael Mronz, the most important thing is for the country to be prepared when Europe is asked to host the next Games.

Timeline and next steps

DOSB plans to develop concepts and verify their feasibility by September 2025, and in December will present candidacies at the congress in Frankfurt. A public referendum is planned by June 2026, and the final vote on the German candidate will take place in autumn 2026. The International Olympic Committee’s decision on the host after Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 is expected no earlier than 2027.