Is Berlin Going to Host the Olympic Games?? – Exploring Berlin’s Bid for 2036, 2040, or 2044

OwnerAugust 12, 2025

1 3 minutes read

As whispers and headlines swirl around Germany’s next Olympic ambitions, one question stands out: is Berlin going to host the Olympic Games?? The city, which famously held the 1936 Summer Olympics, has launched an official bid—dubbed “Berlin+”—to bring the Games back in 2036, or alternatively in 2040 or 2044. This long-read dives deep into the bid’s substance, history, motivations, and the process ahead.

The Spark: Why Berlin, Why Now?

Berlin’s bid centers around its complex legacy. Hosting the Games in 2036 would mark the 100th anniversary of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, infamously held under the Nazi regime. Berlin’s leadership frames the modern bid as a symbol of transformation—“a city which has changed in the past 100 years… a colourful, diverse metropolis which is open to the world” DawnThe Berliner.

Berlin presents itself not to glorify the past, but to confront it, showcasing how far the city and the nation have progressed in values like inclusion and democracy.

The “Berlin+” Model: A Multi-State, Sustainable Bid

The “Berlin+” concept is more than just a city bid—it’s a regional collaboration. Berlin is joining forces with four German states: Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein, pooling existing venues and infrastructure to cut cost and environmental impact Berlin.deWikipedia.

More than 90% of sports facilities are already in place or can be built temporarily, aligning with global trends favoring sustainability over expensive new builds The BerlinerSports Business Journal.

Signature Venues and Creative Urban Planning

Berlin’s bid isn’t shy on imagination:

Beach volleyball by the iconic Brandenburg Gate
Skateboarding at Tempelhof Airport, currently beloved by locals
Water sports in Grünau, echoing its role in 1936
Events hosted across partner states—sailing in Kiel or Rostock; rowing in Brandenburg; gymnastics in Leipzig The BerlinerBerlin.deWikipediaDawn.

This urban-centric, decentralized approach mirrors elements seen in Paris 2024 and beyond.

Potential Timelines: 2036, 2040, or 2044

While the centennial ceremony in 2036 appeals emotionally, political and symbolic considerations point toward 2040—marking the 50th anniversary of Germany’s reunification in 1990—which the federal cabinet has shown preference for WikipediaReddit+1.

Yet, Berlin keeps its options open—willing to bid for 2036, 2040, or even 2044 The BerlinerThe Times of India.

The Path: Process and Timeline

Here’s the roadmap ahead:

May 2025: Berlin and other German regions submit their bid concepts WikipediaArchysport.
By Autumn 2025: Germany’s Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) reviews submissions.
End of 2025: Feasible bids are presented to DOSB membership.
By Fall 2026: A final German bidder (Berlin+, Munich, Hamburg, or Rhine-Ruhr) is selected Berlin.deWikipediaArchysport.
Post-2026: That bid goes forward to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for consideration.

6. Challenges: Public Opinion & Political Pressure

Germany’s past bids have been derailed by public opposition—Hamburg 2024 and Munich Winter bid are prominent examples Reddit+1.

Berlin faces organized resistance too. An initiative named “NOlympia Berlin” is pushing for a referendum, reflecting broader skepticism toward Olympic costs and the burden on taxpayers DawnSan Francisco Chronicle.

Local officials emphasize dialogue—rather than referendum—as the path forward San Francisco ChronicleInside the Games.

Public Sentiment: Voices from the Community

On social media and forums, opinions vary:

“Nearly all German cities are opposed to hosting a modern Olympics…”
“I think the last city that was proposed… killed off their Olympic bid by political pressure…”
“Hosting the 2006 Football World Cup was good for Germany…” Reddit+1

Some see symbolic value in Berlin’s bid, while others fear the cultural and financial strain.

Strategic Significance & Global Context

Berlin’s re-emergence in the Olympic conversation reflects broader shifts:

The IOC’s new “Future Host” model allows flexible, multi-city bids and emphasizes sustainability Wikipedia.
Berlin’s proposal taps into this model—leveraging urban venues and regional collaboration.

If selected, Berlin could redefine how modern, legacy-minded Olympics are hosted.

Conclusion: So, Is Berlin Going to Host the Olympic Games??

Here’s the bottom line:

Yes, Berlin is actively bidding, under the “Berlin+” model, with options for 2036, 2040, or 2044.
The bid emphasizes sustainability, legacy, and regional collaboration.
Final German selection is expected by fall 2026, with the international IOC decision likely to follow.
The bid faces public scrutiny and potential political roadblocks, requiring strong community engagement.

Whether Berlin ultimately becomes the host is still uncertain—but the ambition and groundwork are unmistakably in motion.