Around Berlin, it’s not just places with perfect architecture and idyllic nature that impress and amaze us. Of course—who wouldn’t be captivated by a castle on a lake in one of Brandenburg’s most exclusive areas, which almost reminds one of Italy’s Lake Como? Yet it is precisely in places that have been left to decay today that a story often lies hidden that is even more fascinating than one might suspect. This makes discovering this side of Brandenburg all the more exciting. The 1936 Olympic Village is one such example. It was built for the 1936 Summer Olympics and was intended to house more than 3,500 athletes from all over the world. The goal was to offer them living conditions that were exceptionally comfortable for that time.
The 1936 Olympic Village is located in Elstal, a district of the municipality of Wustermark in Brandenburg, about 25 kilometers west of Berlin. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach by car. The complex covers about 55 hectares and was designed like a small, self-contained town —with its own streets, buildings, and complete infrastructure. It is therefore not a single building, but a sprawling, interconnected campus.
For the 1930s, this concept was remarkably progressive: instead of simple mass accommodations, there were permanent athlete housing units, complemented by central facilities such as dining halls, a post office, medical care, training facilities, and even its own indoor swimming pool. Architecturally, too, the complex was deliberately planned amidst greenery and follows a clearly structured, well-thought-out overall concept. As a result, the village is now regarded as an early prototype of what has long since become standard at the Olympic Games.
The Games took place under Adolf Hitler’s rule and were deliberately used as a propaganda tool. They were intended to present Germany internationally as modern, open, and capable . The Olympic Village was also part of this staging: it appeared orderly, clean, and progressive and was meant to convey a positive image that contrasted with the political reality of the regime.
The village’s most famous resident was Jesse Owens. The American sprinter won four gold medals, becoming a symbolic figure who stood in opposition to Nazi ideology. His former residence is now one of the most recognizable buildings on the grounds and stands as a symbol of the historical contrasts of this place.
Today, the Olympic Village presents itself as a mix of overgrown ruins, restored key buildings, and expansive natural surroundings. Some areas have already been secured and restored, while others continue to exude the charm of decay.
