Munich's second Hospice and Palliative Week to run from 10 to 17 October

More than 30 events at venues across Munich will invite residents to engage with dying, death and grief during the second Munich Hospice and Palliative Week, which runs from 10 to 17 October under the motto 'I am dying. Will you come?'. Organisers say the programme is intended to show the range of hospice and palliative care available in the city and to make clear that nobody has to face the final stage of life alone.

The programme includes a cinema matinee, talks, workshops, open days, readings and exhibitions, giving visitors the chance to get to know local services, ask questions and speak with professionals and volunteers. It is aimed at people of all ages, whether they are directly affected or simply wish to think early about planning ahead, end-of-life support and saying goodbye. Most events are free, although some require advance registration because places are limited. The full programme and up-to-date information, including details on registration, are available at www.hpn-muenchen.de/hospizwoche2026.

The week is organised by the Munich Hospice and Palliative Network, which aims to reduce people's reluctance to engage with these subjects and to raise awareness of the support available to seriously ill people and their families. Many different organisations are taking part, including hospice associations, care homes and palliative care wards.

Lord Mayor Dominik Krause, patron of the week, said: "Dying, death and grief are subjects that affect us all. It matters a great deal to me that we are open to these subjects, ideally not only when they affect us personally or arise among those close to us. I am pleased that the second Munich Hospice and Palliative Week makes the diversity of hospice work and palliative care in Munich visible and raises further awareness of the importance of good support at the end of life."

Beatrix Zurek, head of the city's Health Department, said: "The Munich Hospice and Palliative Network was founded in 2016 and based within the Health Department. It works to improve care for people who are seriously ill and dying, as well as for their relatives and loved ones, and informs the public about hospice and palliative care services. Together, its members have put together an extensive programme for the second Munich Hospice and Palliative Week. I am grateful for the valuable impetus this brings to the city's community."