Essential Information
Where does the name “English Garden” come from?
The English Garden in Munich owes his name to its designer’s love and admiration for the vast parks in the English Countryside. Read more about its history here.
How much area does the English Garden cover?
The English Garden spans over 1,4 square miles or 910 acres. A bit less than half of it consists of lawn, a tenth is covered by water, and the rest is woods.
What makes the English Garden special?
The most peculiar fact about the English Garden is probably that it has a surfing spot. Read here to find out more!
The English Garden in Munich is a sprawling public park that spans over 900 acres and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. On a map, you find it north from the city center, at the left banks of the Isar river. Located at an address in the heart of the city, the park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
History of the English Garden in Munich
The English Garden in Munich, Germany, is a vast public park that spans over an area of 910 acres and is considered to be one of the largest urban parks in the world. It was created in the late 18th century by Sir Benjamin Thompson, an American-British diplomat who was fascinated by the idea of creating a park that would provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for its residents.
The park was designed in the style of an English landscape garden, which was popular during the time, and its design was heavily influenced by the works of renowned English landscape architects like Capability Brown and William Kent. The park was laid out with winding paths, lush green lawns, and an array of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
One of the most distinctive features of the English Garden is its large artificial lake, which was created in 1791 and is now known as the Kleinhesseloher See. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful beach and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Close to it, you can find the only opportunity for parking in the English Garden. The park also features several buildings, including the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), a 33-metre-tall tower that was built in 1790 and is now a popular biergarten.
The English Garden has a rich history, and has been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers over the years. In the 19th century, the park was a popular spot for artists and intellectuals, who would gather to discuss art, literature, and politics. The park has also been the setting for many political rallies and demonstrations over the years, and was the site of a famous rally by the Nazi party in the 1920s.
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The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 50 species of trees, bushes, and flowers. There are also several ponds and streams throughout the park, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Strolling through the English Garden
Located in the heart of the city, the best way to get to the park is by public transport. Munich has an excellent tramway system which can get you to the park entrance’s address in no time. Also, you do not need to bother finding a parking lot.
Watch Out: Parking downtown tends to be expensive, so it’s best not to take the car in the first place.
Places of Interest
One of the most iconic features of the English Garden is the Chinese Tower. This pagoda-style tower, whose construction dates back to 1789, serves as the center of the park. The tower is surrounded by a large beer garden, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy a cold drink on a hot summer day. Opening hours are during daytime, from around noon until 6 p.m. Here you can get a taste of the famous Bavarian cuisine and the local beer.
Good to Know: Or, if you prefer a lighter drink, you can attend one of the tea ceremonies in the Japanese Tea House which is located on an artificial island in the Schwabinger Bach.
The park is also home to a number of sporting facilities, including several fields for soccer and baseball, a skate park, and a surfing wave. Yes, you read that right! You actually can go surfing in The English Garden, despite the fact that Munich is miles from the shore. The surfing wave is a man-made wave that is created by diverting water from the Eisbach stream. It is a popular spot for surfers and kayakers.
Fun Fact: The Eisbach surfing spot experienced a surge in popularity after the cinema release of a documentary in 2010.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational facilities, the English Garden is also home to a number of cultural landmarks. The Monopteros, a circular temple built in the Greek style, is located in the park and offers stunning views of the city.
Tip: Given its size and the fact that the landscape has some hills, you might want to consider getting a map of the English Garden. Make sure you can visit all the places you like to see without getting lost!
The English Garden through the seasons
Munich is worth visiting all year round, and the English Garden has much to offer in every of the four seasons. Seasonal highlights include:
- Spring: As the weather starts to warm up, the park comes alive with a variety of flowering plants and trees. This is a great time to visit the park to see the cherry blossoms in bloom and enjoy the fresh spring air.
- Summer: The English Garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the warm weather. The park’s beer garden is especially popular during the summer months, as people flock to the park to enjoy a cold drink in the sunshine. Additionally, the park’s surfing wave is also a popular spot for surfers and kayakers during the summer months.
- Fall: As the leaves start to change color, the English Garden is a beautiful spot to take in the fall foliage. The park’s trees turn a golden yellow, providing a stunning backdrop for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
- Winter: The English Garden is also a popular spot during the winter months, as it is home to a number of cross-country ski trails. Furthermore, the park’s ice rink is a popular spot for skating and ice hockey during the colder months.
Events at the English Garden
The English Garden also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural events which take place at various addresses. Here are some suggestions you might want to include when you plan your trip to Munich:
- Munich Film Festival: This annual film festival takes place in June and features a range of international and German films, as well as workshops, lectures, and other events.
- Munich Fringe Festival: This annual performing arts festival takes place in September and features a range of theater, dance, music, and other performances.
- Munich Marathon: This annual marathon takes place in October and attracts runners from all over the world. The marathon route passes through the English Garden, providing a beautiful backdrop for the race.
- Munich Christmas Market: This annual Christmas market takes place in the heart of the city and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. During opening hours, the market features a range of holiday-themed activities, including caroling, craft workshops, and food and drink.
Enjoy nature in the center of the city
Overall, the English Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Munich. So, whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park, or participate in one of the many recreational activities it has to offer, the English Garden has something for everyone.
English Garden in Munich – FAQ
There are a number of pathways that lead through the park and connect the places of interest. You can easily take a 10 kilometers walk (about 6 miles).
Arguably, the Monopteros provides the nicest view. The building in the southern area is locates on a hill and offers a view on the surrounding landscape and the nearby parts of the city.
Covering 910 acres, the English Garden is slightly larger than the Central Park’s 843 acres.
The English Garden is open to visitors all-year.
English Gardens are such a spectacular sight primarily due to the fact that they served as status symbols for the noble. They could afford the upkeep for such amazing landscapes that we see today.
