Overview

• On July 8, the two state cabinets approved exploring a 700 km/h Hyperloop corridor linking Kiel and Hamburg to boost their joint Games application.
• The proposed system would run magnetically levitated pods through near-vacuum tubes beside existing highways, bypassing traditional rail approval and drawing private investment.
• First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and Minister-President Daniel Günther said the route could first be demonstrated within Hamburg before serving as a wider Olympic-related showcase.
• Both governments called for an initial €10 billion infusion into population protection, aligned with the federal OPLAN DEU civilian defense framework.
• Hamburg’s SPD and Greens have launched concept development and public dialogue steps ahead of a referendum in May 2026 to secure citizen backing.