Open Day at the Garching Research Campus 2026 – Experience Science Up Close

On Saturday, October 3, 2026 – German Unity Day – one of Europe’s most significant scientific hubs will open its doors to everyone: The Garching Research Campus invites you to its major Open Day 2026. More than 30 participating institutes – including the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Max Planck Institutes, the Fraunhofer Society, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) – will offer visitors an exclusive glimpse into research that is shaping the world of tomorrow. Every year, this highlight among Garching events attracts between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors – completely free of charge. Anyone planning an overnight stay for the Garching Open Day 2026 should book early: October 3rd falls on the closing weekend of Munich's Oktoberfest, which makes finding accommodation in the entire region significantly more difficult.

As a hotel near the Garching Research Campus located in Oberschleißheim, we are delighted to introduce you to this unique event and serve as the ideal accommodation for the Garching Research Campus. From our Hotel Oberschleißheim, you can easily reach the campus via public transport or car – without the stress and inflated prices of city hotels. Here, you will find everything you need to know for your visit: the program, highlights, travel information, and practical tips.

What is the Garching Research Campus? A Brief Overview

The Garching Research Campus is among the largest and most prestigious scientific locations in all of Germany. Spread across a contiguous area north of Munich, over 30 research institutions have established themselves here, together forming a unique ecosystem of basic research, applied science, and technology transfer. With around 50,000 people working, studying, or conducting research on campus every day, Garching b. München is far more than just a university town – it is a European hub of innovation.

The most important institutions on the campus include:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM) – one of the leading technical universities worldwide, with specializations in engineering, natural sciences, computer science, and life sciences
• Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) – home of the ASDEX Upgrade fusion reactor and the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator
• Fraunhofer Society – applied research for industry and society across multiple institutes
• European Southern Observatory (ESO) – headquarters of the organization that operates some of the largest telescopes in the world
• Heinz Nixdorf Chair for Medical Electronics and numerous other TUM chairs
• Bayerischer Rundfunk – transmission center for broadcasting and media technology

The Open Day makes this often inaccessible terrain open to everyone – and all on a public holiday that leaves extra time for exploring. On the official website of the Garching Research Campus, you will find all the latest information regarding the program, participating institutes, and registration requirements.

Garching Open Day 2026 – Key Facts