Hamburg plans Olympia with green ribbon and affordable tickets - Hamburg Bids for 2036 Olympics with a Vision of Sustainability and Accessibility
Hamburg has officially submitted its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. The city's proposal, titled An Opportunity for All, focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and community involvement. Residents will vote on the plan at the end of May before it moves forward in the national competition.
The bid centres on two key locations: Olympic Park City and Olympic Park Altona. A standout feature is a climbing wall along the southern bank of the Elbe, designed as a unique Olympic venue. The Binnenalster will serve as the stage for the opening ceremony and debut new sports, including padel tennis and stand-up paddleboarding.
A core principle of the bid is *Olympia der kurzen Wege*—an Olympics of short distances. The city plans to rely on existing sports facilities and temporary structures, avoiding costly new builds. One million discounted tickets will be available, with additional free passes for volunteers and low-income groups. The proposal also includes a *green ribbon* of parks and green spaces linking competition sites, alongside upgrades to public transport, roads, and cycling routes. Hamburg faces competition from Munich, Berlin, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The red-green coalition government has emphasised that the Games would drive national infrastructure improvements, though details from rival bidders remain unclear.
If approved by voters, Hamburg's bid will advance as a contender for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games. The plan prioritises affordability, sustainability, and public access, with reduced-cost tickets and a focus on existing infrastructure. The outcome of the late-May referendum will determine whether the city progresses in the selection process.
