Kiel on the way to hosting the Olympics: Munich gives the green light!
Kiel is about to go to a referendum on its Olympic bid following Munich's approval. Sports and chances of hosting them.

Kiel on the way to hosting the Olympics: Munich gives the green light!
The referendum in Munich has brought a breath of fresh air to Germany's Olympic plans. On October 26, 2025, an impressive 66.4% of Munich residents voted for a possible bid for the 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympics. This was done by NDR reported. The decision could impact not only Munich, but also Kiel, which is positioning itself to host the sailing, free swimming and coastal rowing competitions.
Kiel's mayor Ulf Kampf can be pleased about the positive vote from Munich residents. He now sees Kiel “one step closer to the Olympics”. The city intends to position itself as a venue for various sports, including rugby and handball. There could be a place for these sports in the application if Hamburg gets the Olympic Games.
Setting the course for the future
The Munich result puts pressure on other applicants, especially Hamburg. At a time when planning costs must be carefully examined from the perspective of economic efficiency, Mayor Dieter Reiter announced that a referendum will take place this year. This should clarify whether the people of Munich really support an Olympic bid. Reiter emphasizes that Munich is prepared and points to the “Munich flair” and the local DAX companies, which create favorable conditions. BR reports that this step is also part of a new strategy of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), which wants to apply for the games with a central venue.
Kiel, on the other hand, has already finalized its plans for a referendum on its Olympic bid. This is scheduled to take place on April 19, 2026 and could decide whether Kiel actually gets a place in the Olympic Games. The city has positioned itself clearly and sees various opportunities for sports that could particularly appeal to the local population.
The Olympic future is in the balance, and the outcome of these developments will be followed with excitement. After all, the sailing and outdoor competitions could make the famous North Sea summer shine in a whole new light. The pressure on everyone involved is now noticeable, the race for the games is on.