Welcome to Mannheim!
13 to 22 July 2026

Welcome to Mannheim! We can’t wait to welcome the participants and their dedicated teachers from all over the world to this creative, diverse and international city. With Mannheim’s Lord Mayor Christian Specht as patron of the 2026 International German Olympiad (IDO), we look forward to inspiring encounters, fresh ideas – and a genuine sense of ZusammenWachsen.

Three young women are holding up the letters I, D and O and laughing happily. — We’re already here! Where are you guys?
The IDO letters have already arrived in Mannheim. Together with the IDO team, they’re looking forward to welcoming school pupils from all over the world here soon. The IDO 2026 opening ceremony will take place here at the Mannheim Kunsthalle next week.
Did you know that Mannheim is also famous for its street art? Numerous murals adorn the city’s buildings. Perhaps you’ll spot one when you’re here. | © Goethe-Institut Mannheim

A green 'O' stands in a garden on a lawn. A summer hat is resting on the letter. A hand is holding a large portion of spaghetti ice cream. — Nothing is as refreshing as a portion of spaghetti... er – spaghetti ice cream!
The letter O from IDO has made itself comfortable with this ice-cream speciality in the youth hostel garden and is eagerly awaiting the 115 participants and their teachers. Did you know that spaghetti ice cream was invented in an ice-cream parlour in Mannheim? | © private

On a stage, various percussion instruments and a poster can be seen. — Drum roll for IDO 2026!
The IDO’s ‘D’ will take participants to a special venue in Mannheim: part of the IDO programme, including a concert evening, will take place at the Trommelpalast.
Did you know that Mannheim has been a UNESCO City of Music since 2014? Whether it’s pop, classical, techno or jazz – Mannheim has something to offer for every taste. | © private

In front of Mannheim Central Station: a forecourt decorated with spring flowers, a baseball cap on a green pillar, and a brown rucksack next to the pillar. — Someone’s got an early start for the IDO!
The letter I from the IDO has already popped over to Mannheim to explore the city for you. Here at the main station, it’s heard lots of other languages as well as German. Did you know that Mannheim is a very international city? People from 170 different countries live here. | © Goethe-Institut Mannheim / Ulrike Lulei

The Alte Feuerwache seen from above in the evening light — The Alte Feuerwache is now one of Mannheim’s most important cultural centres – a place brimming with energy and creativity. It is here that we will announce the winners of IDO 2026. | © Paul Michael

In the foreground, a large park with a fountain; in the centre of the background, a water tower — Probably Mannheim’s most famous landmark: the water tower on Friedrichsplatz, with its fountains, invites you to linger there in the summer. | © Achim Mende

Mannheim from above — Mannheim from above: the Rhine and Neckar rivers, the city centre divided into squares, and the water tower right in the middle. On the left, in the green field, you can see the youth hostel where you’ll be staying. | © midres Northwind

Youth Hostel Mannheim International from above — And here’s a bird’s-eye view of your accommodation in Mannheim: the Youth Hostel Mannheim International | © DJH Jugendherberge Mannheim International / pimstercreations

Inside the Kunsthalle — The Kunsthalle is an impressive building filled with important modern art. This is where we will officially open IDO 2026 with you! | © Fernando Fath

A view of the palace’s central wing, with young people strolling in the courtyard in the foreground. — The university is now housed in Mannheim’s grand Baroque palace. Can you imagine studying in a palace? | © Stefanie Eichler

A graffiti artwork depicts an imposing lion in a resting pose, surrounded by abstract plant motifs. — Amidst the rows of houses and the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll discover lots of fantastic works of art in Mannheim. You’ll come across the Open Urban Art Museum STADT.WAND.KUNST. all over the city. | ARYZ © Alexander-Krziwanie / STADT.WAND.KUNST

Monument to Carl Friedrich Benz in the Augusta Park in Mannheim, opposite Friedrichsplatz; in the foreground, a replica of the Benz Patent Motor Car. — The Carl Benz monument commemorates the inventor of the first car. But that’s not the only invention to come out of Mannheim. Have you ever heard of spaghetti ice cream? / Can you think of any others? | © Hyp Yerlikaya

Ice is being pressed through a chilled spaetzle press, whilst a young man and a child watch with delight. — Dario Fontanella, an ice-cream manufacturer from Mannheim, claimed to have invented spaghetti ice cream on 6 April 1969, inspired by the dessert Montebianco. | © Christoph Düpper

The Mannheim skyline between the Neckar and Luisenpark in the evening light — Evening tranquillity by the river: the telecommunications tower, a Mannheim landmark, dominates the skyline between the Neckar and Luisenpark. | © Michael Brand

A view of a meadow on the banks of the Neckar. People are sitting in small groups on the meadow. — Meet at Neckarwiese! Join the locals and enjoy the evening sun by the riverbank. | © Daniel Lukac

The Goethe-Institut Mannheim is located opposite the University of Applied Sciences. You can spot it from a distance thanks to its large logo! | © Goethe-Institut Mannheim

A postmodern building featuring the symmetrical design typical of Mannheim (a building with a so-called central tower façade) — The town hall is located on Paradeplatz, right in the heart of the Quadrate district. This is where workshops for accompanying teachers are held. Handy: the city library is in the same building! | © Stadt Mannheim

Gondolas on the Kutzerweiher pond in the Upper Luisenpark; the TV tower in the background — A green oasis in the heart of the city: there’s plenty to discover in Luisenpark, and above all, it’s a wonderful spot for a picnic – you’ll see! | © Fernando Fath

Back to IDO 2026 overview