Hamburg's Olympic plan: Floating Agora on the Inner Alster!

Hamburg's Olympic plan: Floating Agora on the Inner Alster!

Hamburg is planning its return to the Olympic stage – and this time everything will be different. On May 31st, the idea for an application for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games was presented to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The highlight? A floating agora on the Binnenalster will be the centerpiece of the opening ceremony. Loud Development city As floating platforms on the Alster, the Olympic Rings will not only decorate the backdrop of the city, but also offer a new way of presenting sport.

Hamburg's plans are based on a concept that aims to undermine the classic stadium model. The focus is on the idea of ​​allowing competitions to take place decentrally in the city. Sports such as 3×3 basketball, triathlon and archery are held directly on the Binnenalster. The advantages are obvious: Short distances between the competition venues and the audience, which not only makes travel easier but also strengthens spectator loyalty.

Sustainability and short distances in focus

An important aspect that Hamburg's bid shares with the 2024 Paris Olympics is sustainability. While Paris also has 95% of its venues made up of existing or temporary facilities, Hamburg will follow a similar model. The aim is to integrate existing infrastructure and use temporary buildings for cultural programs. Half of the 38 disciplines are to take place in the new Olympic Park City and in the Olympic Park Altona, where the Olympic Village is also planned. Sports show reports that Hamburg advertises “short distances” because an impressive 82% of the venues are within a radius of seven kilometers.

Mayor Peter Tschentscher is optimistic: “We have the chance to set an example for diversity and cosmopolitanism.” With regard to citizen participation, around 2.2 million euros will be made available for concept development and public participation. A referendum is planned for May 2026 to obtain the opinion of the Hamburg population. This is particularly important after an application for the 2024 or 2028 Games was rejected in a referendum in 2015.

A new home for sport

The planned multifunctional arena is a further step forward for sport in Hamburg. This is described as the most modern arena in Germany and is intended as an athletics venue during the Olympic Games. There are also sports facilities for beach volleyball, swimming and hockey in a central location. Sports show notes that the arena can also accommodate up to 60,000 visitors and will also be used for international football games and other events.

The athletes will be accommodated by Hamburg families during the competitions, which will further involve the local community and bring the athletes closer to the city. The application will not only be a sporting event, but also a cultural event that focuses on the city and brings people together.

Sports economist Wolfgang Maennig emphasizes that Hamburg's chances could increase thanks to the support it has received in the north so far. The decision on the final application concept should be made by autumn 2026. This makes it clear that Hamburg is doing everything it can to not only develop a successful concept, but also to actively involve the population in the planning and implementation.