Berlin, Germany · Stadium
A stadium that lived through a century of German history
Built for the 1936 Olympics, rebuilt for the 2006 World Cup and home to the only blue running track at a major stadium. It hosted the World Cup, Euro and Champions League finals and the world's fastest 100 metres.
Die Alte Dame (The Old Lady)
Berlin's biggest club is named after a steamboat one of its founders took on the Havel. Hertha moved in when the Bundesliga started in 1963 and fills the blue-and-white Ostkurve on match days.
Biggest honours
The Olympiastadion was built from 1934 to 1936 for the Berlin Olympic Games, designed by Werner March in heavy natural stone. The Nazi regime used the Games as propaganda, but the stadium is remembered for Jesse Owens, the African-American athlete who won four gold medals there.
It survived the war with relatively little damage and served the British army for years. From 1963 it became the home of Hertha BSC, and since 1985 it has hosted the German cup final every year.
A major renovation from 2000 to 2004 lowered the pitch, added a new translucent roof and the blue track in Hertha's colours, while keeping the protected historic structure. The Marathon Gate at the west end still frames the view of the bell tower.
Four gold medals in the 100 m, 200 m, long jump and relay, in front of the regime that claimed racial superiority.
The World Cup final ended with Zinedine Zidane sent off for a headbutt and Italy winning on penalties.
Usain Bolt set world records in both the 100 m and 200 m at the World Athletics Championships.
Indicative layout of Olympiastadion Berlin for concerts — exact blocks vary by show.
Pitch / stage
Pitch / track
Unterring (lower ring)
Sunk below ground level and close to the field, but the running track adds distance.
Oberring (upper ring)
Steeper and higher, with an excellent view over the whole bowl. Partly uncovered in the top rows.
The S-Bahn platforms fill up quickly. The U2 at Olympia-Stadion and Neu-Westend is often faster, or walk 15 minutes to Theodor-Heuss-Platz.
Bags up to A4 size are usually allowed. Larger bags must be left at paid lockers near the gates.
Quiet, elegant and close to the stadium, with the U2 and S-Bahn direct.
Central sightseeing base, about 25 minutes by S-Bahn.
Small hotels and apartments within walking distance of the stadium.
Planning the whole trip?
Read our Berlin guide: where to stay, getting around, food and local tips.
Open the Berlin guideLive from Ticketmaster, with full trip prices.
The roof covers almost all seats, but not the field or the standing area.
For many concerts and football matches yes — look for the VBB logo on your ticket.
Yes, there are guided and self-guided tours on most non-event days.