Hamburg: Olympic bid divides the city – citizens vote!

Hamburg: Olympic bid divides the city – citizens vote!

Hamburg is becoming an Olympic city – at least according to supporters of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision is approaching, and on January 20th the Senate will present the results of citizen participation in this application. The people of Hamburg were able to contribute ideas and suggestions in seven city districts in order to advance the application. This was done not least through an online portal that was intended to encourage citizens to get creative. So it's no coincidence that one thing is clear: opinions in the Hanseatic city are divided. While sports celebrities support the application, initiatives such as the NOlympia campaign are starting, which published a clear statement against the application on January 19, 2026. The pressure is increasing because there is a referendum on May 31st that will require the citizens to make the final decision.

Economic issues are also at stake here. Mayor Peter Tschentscher sees the Olympic Games not only as a sporting opportunity, but also as an opportunity for investment and positive development in the city. But not everyone shares this optimistic view. Critics argue that the games could overwhelm Hamburg and drive up rents. BUND Hamburg has also raised concerns and is calling for a transparent performance audit process before a final decision is made. Your project group “NO to the Olympics” would like to hold an action in front of the town hall on January 13th to give citizens the opportunity to express their opinions.

Olympics risk factor

The NOlympia initiative, supported by organizations such as BUND and Parents for Future Hamburg, is also planning to collect signatures to make their concerns clear in the election documents. Up to 10,000 signatures should be collected for this purpose. There is a growing fear among opponents that the Olympic Games will not only put a strain on the city's financial resources, but could also worsen the already tense living conditions in Hamburg. A survey found that 60 percent of Hamburg residents surveyed were against the application - a worrying sign for supporters.

But what does an Olympic bid really mean for the economy? An analysis of various studies shows that the long-term economic benefits are often manageable. There are often fears that tourists arriving for the games will crowd out other holidaymakers and drive up prices in the city. In addition, this could result in short-term rent increases and price increases, which could be particularly problematic for the less well-off districts.

The cards are reshuffled

Economic experts also warn against unrealistic cost planning for the Olympic Games, which usually does not bring the hoped-for financial benefit. Historically, costs often prove difficult to calculate, while potential revenues are lower than expected. This makes the Olympic bid in Hamburg an exciting, albeit risky, bet. The application costs so far amount to 18 million euros - a sum that could be the financial tip of the scale in most cases.

The initiative to create living space and green spaces could be incorporated into the most thoughtful considerations regarding the subsequent use of sports facilities. Ultimately, they also want Hamburg to become a bit more livable - through investments in climate adaptation and sustainable mobility, the city could emerge positively from the Olympics. But whether it actually comes to that depends on the citizens. The decision as to whether Hamburg will be selected as a candidate for the Olympic Games is getting closer and could take place on May 31, 2026.

The wind blows strongly in Hamburg and positions can change quickly in the discussion. It remains to be seen whether the Hamburgers will ultimately have a good hand. However, one thing is certain: citizens will have to make their voices heard before the decision is made on May 31st.

For more information about the current status of the Olympic bid, read more at NDR, the BUND Hamburg and the Sales economy.