The Englischer Garten in Munich with the skyline of the inner city.

Englischer Garten

More than just a city park

An oasis of green right in the middle of Munich: the Englischer Garten is equivalent to the size of around 640 football pitches, making it the largest inner city park in the world.

Englischer Garten: Information and tips

- Overview
- Eisbachwelle: Surfing in the Englischer Garten (parc)
- Nature at its best
- The Emergence of the Englischer Garten
- Beer gardens and kiosks
- Events

 

Overview

The Englischer Garten in Munich connects the natural landscape of the Isar meadows in the north of Munich with the old town over a length of five and a half kilometres. Sights in the Englischer Garten include the Monopteros with its unique view, the surfers at the unique Eisbach wave, the Japanese Tea House and Kleinhesseloher See (lake). Don't miss the traditional Kocherlball or the Christmas market and beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm.

Eisbachwelle: Surfing in the Englischer Garten

The Eisbachwelle at the entrance to the Englischer Garten thrills surfing fans and onlookers from all over the world. It is considered the world's most constant, biggest and best river wave in the middle of a big city. For 40 years, people have been surfing here in almost all weathers.

Nature at its best in all weathers

The people of Munich love the Englischer Garten: on nice days they enjoy the sun on the meadows, play football or go for a walk. A carriage ride through the park is particularly romantic. In winter, with good snow conditions and cold temperatures, you can even go cross-country skiing here or skate your laps on the Kleinhesseloher See.

On a small hill, perfect for sledding in winter, lies the Monopteros an ornamental temple in the Greek style. The view from this Greek-like temple is worthwhile at any time of year, because you have all the most important sights of Munich city centre at a glance: the Frauenkirche, the Theatinerkirche and the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall).

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can walk through the woods, meadows and along the waters of the garden in the quieter northern part, get some fresh air and let your mind wander. With its 375 hectares, the Englischer Garten is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world – there's the perfect spot for everyone.

The lawn in the park is perfect and our author finds out why the Englischer Garten is so green.

The Emergence of the Englischer Garten

More than 225 years ago, Elector Karl Theodor had the park laid out as a public garden for the people. At first it was called Theodor's Park, but soon the name Englischer Garten (English Garden) became established – because it was not laid out as a geometrically designed French Baroque garden, but in the natural style of an English landscape park.

With the Englischer Garten, the actually unpopular Elector also wanted to give the bourgeois part of society the opportunity for leisure and recreation. At first, however, the people of Munich were extremely sceptical and ignored their new park. This new concept of leisure was too alien: “As a rule, the Munich resident does not go for a walk, he only goes to some inn ... That is why the delicious English Garden ... is so lonely, so extinct,“ wrote the writer and publicist August Lewald in 1835.

Beer gardens and kiosks

Munich's way of life can also be found in the four beer gardens located in the park – at the Aumeister, at the Chinesischer Turm, in the Hirschau and at the Seehaus directly at Kleinhesseloher See. If you just want something to eat, stop by one of the many kiosks – such as Milchhäusl or Fräulein Grüneis.

Events

Every year in the early hours of the morning on the third Sunday in July, the famous Kocherlball takes place at the Chinesischer Turm. Thousands of early risers dressed in traditional costume gather with picnic baskets, candlesticks and tablecloths to share an old tradition. In the run-up to Christmas, the Christkindlmarkt takes place in this magnificent setting.

Good to know: The social upheavals at the end of the 1960s led to a movement of nudists in Munich. Especially in the Englischer Garten around the Eisbachwelle (river wave), many stripped naked, which led to amusement but also discussions throughout the city. When the European and eventually even the international press began to report on the “nudists“, people travelled from all over the world to see for themselves what was happening in terms of free body culture. Today there are designated nudist areas in the Englischer Garten such as the Schönfeldwiese and the Schwabinger Bucht.

 

Got curious? Discover the Englischer Garten and the most famous sights of Munich on a bike tour with an official guide. Click here for booking.

 

www.schloesser.bayern.de

 

Frequently asked questions about the English Garden

 

The English Garden is close to the underground lines U3 and U6. You can easily reach the Englischer Garten from the Giselastraße, Münchner Freiheit or Universität stops.

The English landscape gardens, which led to the name English Garden, were used as a model for the design of the grounds by the court gardener Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell.

 

The English Garden covers 375 hectares.

The English Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and larger than Central Park in New York.

In 1789, the English Garden, which was originally laid out as a military garden, was declared a public garden by Elector Karl Theodor.

 

 

Photos: Jörg Lutz, Dominik Morbitzer, Frank Stolle
The chef of the restaurant Schneider Bräuhauses München is cutting a knuckle of pork with a big knife.

Eat & Drink

Greetings from the Munich kitchen

Munich is a city full of tradition - of course also from a gastronomic point of view. An overview.

Munich is full of tradition - of course also from a gastronomic point of view. A tour through the kitchens of the city.

A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopping & Design

Munich is a true paradise for shopping

A successful city trip should include an extensive shopping spree.

A successful city trip includes an extensive shopping spree: Munich offers almost heavenly conditions!

Blue Horse I by Franz Marc on display at the Lenbachhaus in Munich.

Arts & Culture

Munich's museums

Munich's most important museums, galleries and collections at a glance.

Munich is pure cultural pleasure! We present the most important Munich museums, galleries and collections at a glance.

Panoramic view of the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz.
Christmas Market Tour

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Book now for 30 €!

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".
Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Three copies of the official Munich city guide are slightly stacked on top of each other so that the image of the Frauenkirche remains visible on each one.
Official Munich City Guide

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!  a

Order now for 8,90€ incl. shipping!

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides.

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for 20 €!

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich
New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 22 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.
Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich
Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.
Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now!

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich
Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background
Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.