Expressing our deep affection for our treasure chest of accessories
Strolling Through Munich's Olympic Village
By: Matthias Bieber
Venture off the beaten path in Munich and discover the enchanting Olympic Village built for the 1972 Games. This extraordinary residential complex, home to nearly 6000 residents, is more than just a living space - it's a vibrant, self-sufficient community with a unique charm.
Maren Willkomm (52), a resident of this geographical gem, shares her insights.
"The Olympic Village had a shabby reputation back then - many criticized the 'concrete desert,' even some newspapers," Maren says, unfazed. "But those who haven't been here don't know its beauty. It's not a concrete desert, it's vibrant, green, and diverse."
The vilification of the Olympic Village likely stemmed from the unsold apartments post-1972, resulting in a ghost town atmosphere. However, thanks to affordable loans for young families in the late 70s, life in the village began to thrive. Since then, it's been a paradise for children, as Maren herself experienced when she grew up here.
"We villagers don't mind if others find it ugly," Maren reveals. "We know what we have in our jewel. No cars drive or park on streets and squares here, there are bike and pedestrian paths, fountains where kids play in summer, large green spaces, sports facilities, trees - it's all right here. I roamed freely as a child, and I do the same as a mother now."
But Maren isn't completely content. The towering Olympic Tower, the O2 Tower, and the numerous apartment blocks overshadow the village. "The architecture doesn't quite compare to the Olympic Tower or the BMW four-cylinder," Maren admits, "but the residents add their unique touch with their creative apartment designs."
As for the village's future, Munich is bidding to host the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Summer Olympics, with plans to relocate the Olympic Village to Daglfing in the city's east. But for now, Maren embraces the village's quirks and the lifestyle it offers, including its day-to-day amenities like doctors, organic stores, restaurants, and pubs with a sunny terrace like the Blücher.
"Sometimes, it feels like we have everything a small town needs here," Maren smiles. "And I bet you, there are many other gems in this charming city of Munich waiting to be discovered."
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Size Matters
How big is your apartment?
95 square meters, plus a small rented studio next door with 35 square meters, Maren explains. "Every apartment in the village has its own creative identity," she adds. "I've seen apartments decorated in a country style. Over 80 architects live here, and the academic quotient is extremely high, supposedly the highest in Munich."
Apartments for sale in the village are expensive but surprisingly affordable for Munich standards, like a 105-square-meter apartment for 630,000 euros. However, many apartments have not been renovated since 1972, and the ancillary costs are high. Owners still pay around 700 euros per month for their apartment due to the ODBG, which covers maintenance costs for the village's unique infrastructure.
The ODBG is a joint organization made up of all property owners in the village, including apartment owners' associations, single-family homeowners, student unions, the city of Munich, religious organizations, and commercial property owners. Together, they manage the green areas, pedestrian zones, roads, and other vital aspects of the village.
Despite the high costs, Maren is content with her quality of life in the Olympic Village. "I wouldn't trade this for anything," she reveals. "Munich has many hidden treasures like this waiting to be discovered."
- In the heart of the Olympic Village, residents enjoy a unique 'home-and-garden' lifestyle, with large green spaces, sports facilities, and an overall vibrant, self-sufficient community.
- Despite the varying sizes of apartments in the village, each one boasts a 'lifestyle' that showcases the creative identity and academic quotient of its residents, with many still retaining their original 1972 designs.
