Olympiastadion (Berlin) - Sports Tourist

The Olympiastadion in Berlin is an architectural masterpiece and a venue steeped in historical significance. Originally built for the 1936 Olympic Games, it has since been transformed into a modern, multi-purpose stadium that is home to the football club Hertha BSC. Beyond its role in sport, the Olympiastadion stands as a key landmark and a powerful symbol of Berlin’s complex past and vibrant present. With a capacity of over 74,000, it is a grand stage for some of Europe’s biggest events. This guide provides all the essential information for your visit to this iconic venue.

History and Design

The Olympiastadion’s history is deeply intertwined with the turbulent history of 20th-century Germany. Constructed between 1934 and 1936 under the direction of architect Werner March, the stadium was designed to host the XI Olympic Games. It is renowned for its grand, neoclassical design, characterized by a monumental open space and the Marathon Gate, which frames a view of the adjacent Bell Tower.

A massive reconstruction was undertaken from 2000 to 2004 in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The renovation modernized the stadium while preserving its historical integrity. A new roof was added, a state-of-the-art lighting system was installed, and the spectator areas were completely redesigned, ensuring the stadium met modern standards without losing its original imposing character. The pitch was lowered by 2.65 meters to improve visibility. The Bell Tower, destroyed during World War II, was also reconstructed, offering a panoramic viewpoint.

Major Events Hosted

The Olympiastadion has a distinguished record of hosting some of the world’s most high-profile sporting and cultural events.

1936 Olympic Games: The stadium’s inaugural event, where legendary athlete Jesse Owens famously won four gold medals.
1974 FIFA World Cup: The stadium hosted three group-stage matches for the tournament.
2006 FIFA World Cup: The stadium was the site of the final match between Italy and France.
2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup: The stadium hosted the tournament’s opening match between Germany and Canada.
UEFA Euro 2024: The Olympiastadion was a key venue, hosting six matches, including the final.
DFB-Pokal Final: It has hosted the final of the German domestic cup every year since 1985.
UEFA Champions League Final (2015): The stadium was the stage for the final between FC Barcelona and Juventus.
IAAF World Championships in Athletics (2009): Usain Bolt set new world records in both the 100m and 200m sprints.
Major Music Concerts: The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, U2, Coldplay, and Depeche Mode.

Key Information

Official Name: Olympiastadion Berlin
Location: Berlin, Germany
Opened: 1936 (Renovated in 2004)
Capacity: 74,475 (for football)
Primary Tenants: Hertha BSC
Address: Olympischer Platz 3, 14053 Berlin, Germany

Contents

Getting to the Olympiastadion

The Olympiastadion is well-integrated into Berlin’s excellent public transport network, making it highly accessible.

By Air: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the city’s main airport. The easiest way to get from the airport to the stadium is via the S-Bahn or Regional Express (RE) trains to the city center, and then transferring to the S5 line to Olympiastadion station.
By Public Transport: Public transport is the most recommended way to get to the stadium on event days.
- S-Bahn: The S5 line takes you directly to the Olympiastadion station, which is the most convenient option.
- U-Bahn: The U2 line stops at the Olympia-Stadion station. From here, it’s a short walk (about 500 meters) to the stadium’s main entrance.
By Car & Parking: Driving to the stadium on event days is not advised due to road closures and extremely limited parking. If you must drive, it’s best to use a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts of the city and take public transport the rest of the way.

Tickets & Tours at the Olympiastadion

Tickets to Hertha BSC Matches: For football matches, tickets can be purchased directly from the official Hertha BSC website or from authorised ticketing partners.
Tickets to Other Events: For concerts and other major sporting events, tickets are sold via standard ticketing agencies like Eventim or Ticketmaster.
Stadium Tours: The Olympiastadion Tour is a must-do for visitors. Various tours are available, including a guided tour that takes you behind the scenes to see the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and the VIP areas. For a historical perspective, a tour focused on the 1936 Olympic Games is also an option.
The Bell Tower: For an incredible view of the stadium and the surrounding city, the Bell Tower (Glockenturm) is a separate tour that you can book. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular and provide a new perspective on the historic venue.

Where to Stay Near the Olympiastadion

The Olympiastadion is located in a primarily residential area, so accommodation options are a bit more limited than in the city center.

Charlottenburg: Located nearby, Charlottenburg offers a good balance of residential charm and city amenities, with several hotels and public transport links to the stadium.
City Centre (Mitte): Staying in central Berlin gives you access to a huge range of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The U2 and S5 lines connect directly to the stadium, making travel easy on event days.

Booking Tips:

Book Well in Advance: Hotel availability can be limited during major events.
Check Transport Links: Ensure your accommodation is conveniently located for public transport to and from the stadium.
Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise well-known and reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before booking.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Olympiastadion

Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Sports Tourist