Suche
Mein Konto
Hamburg's citizens decide: Olympic bid on May 31, 2026!
Hamburg is planning a referendum on its Olympic bid on May 31, 2026. Citizen participation and information events are planned.
Hamburg's citizens decide: Olympic bid on May 31, 2026!
On May 31, 2026, an important referendum on the bid for the Summer Olympics will take place in Hamburg. The Hamburg Senate announced this date on September 23, 2025 to give citizens the opportunity to vote on the ambitious project. This project could once again put the Hanseatic city in the international spotlight and it is the first attempt since 1972 to establish Germany as a host for the Olympic Games - with conceivable dates in 2036, 2040 or 2044. Other German cities such as Berlin, Munich and the Rhine-Ruhr region are also aiming to apply, with the decision in Munich being made on October 26, 2025. While Berlin is currently foregoing a referendum, there are also efforts to encourage citizen participation in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Sports Senator Grote from the SPD emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the participation of the Hamburg population. “We want citizens to be able to get actively involved,” emphasizes Grote. To support this goal, numerous information and participation events are planned in all Hamburg districts. This should give local people the opportunity to express their opinions and ideas in order to further develop the application concept together. According to NDR there will even be special Olympic days with workshops and lectures.
Citizen participation and information offerings
The citizens of Hamburg should be actively involved in the application process. For this purpose, a large online survey will be carried out, the results of which will be incorporated into the further development of the concept. Citizens' voting will take place in around 200 barrier-free polling stations, and postal voting will be possible from the end of April 2026. The collaboration with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) ensures that the general conditions are optimal: Hamburg sports facilities and sufficient overnight accommodation are available and make the application process easier.
With these initiatives, Hamburg not only wants to show its sporting competence, but also the approval and commitment of the local people. “We have to find a way together so that all Hamburg residents can identify with the idea,” emphasizes Grote. This could create the basis for bringing the Olympic Games to the city and further promoting sport in the region.
In summary, it can be seen that Hamburg's bid for the Olympic Games is a hot potato that brings with it both opportunities and challenges. A strong focus on citizen participation and transparent dialogue will pave the way to the Olympic city. Deutschlandfunk and NDR report on the opportunities and challenges that exist for the citizens of Hamburg until the vote.