English Garden
Bayern
The English Garden is a vast public park located in the northeast of Munich, Bavaria, stretching from the city center to the northeastern city limits along the Isar River. Established in 1789 under the supervision of Sir Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) for Prince Charles Theodore, the park was designed in the English garden style, emphasizing naturalistic and informal landscapes. With an area of approximately 3.7 square kilometers, it ranks among the largest urban parks worldwide, surpassing even New York's Central Park. Its design was further refined by Reinhard von Werneck and Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who contributed to its expansion and landscaping. The park features notable landmarks such as the Monopteros, a temple-like structure offering panoramic city views, the Chinese Tower with its traditional beer garden, and the Eisbach wave, a famous spot for year-round river surfing. The English Garden is divided by the busy Isarring road into a southern part, which includes the original park area and major attractions, and a northern part called Hirschau, which is more tranquil and less frequented. It is a beloved recreational space for both locals and tourists, hosting cultural events like the Kocherlball and Japan Festival in summer and a Christmas market near the Chinese Tower in winter. The park's diverse landscapes include meadows, wooded areas, lakes, and streams, providing a peaceful retreat amid the urban environment.
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Tip: Visit the English Garden during spring to autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant events like the Kocherlball and Japan Festival. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like the Chinese Tower and the Eisbach wave. Consider exploring the park by bike or on foot to fully appreciate its vastness. No entrance fee is required, but check event schedules and opening times for beer gardens and seasonal markets. Booking is generally not necessary, but arriving early during festivals ensures a better experience.
Interesting facts
- •The English Garden covers approximately 3.7 square kilometers, making it larger than New York's Central Park.
- •The park was originally created as a military garden for soldiers to learn agriculture during peacetime, doubling as a public recreational area.
- •The Monopteros, a Greek-style temple within the park, was added in 1836 and offers panoramic views of Munich's skyline.
- •The Chinese Tower, a 25-meter-high pagoda-style structure, has been rebuilt multiple times after fires, maintaining its original design.
- •The Eisbach wave is a unique urban surfing spot where surfers ride a standing wave year-round in the park's river.
- •The park attracts about 5 million visitors annually, making it one of Munich's most popular attractions.
History
The English Garden originated in 1789 when Elector Charles Theodore decreed the creation of military gardens accessible to the public, inspired by Sir Benjamin Thompson's military reforms.
The park was built on former hunting grounds known as Hirschanger and was designed in the English landscape garden style by Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who took over after Thompson's departure.
It was officially opened to the public in 1792.
Over time, the park expanded northward into the Hirschau area and incorporated additional lands.
The 20th century brought infrastructural changes, including the construction of roads that divided the park into southern and northern sections.
Despite these changes, the English Garden has remained a cherished green space in Munich, continuously maintained and enhanced to preserve its historical and natural character.
Place Guide
Monopteros1836
A Greek-style round temple built in 1836, situated on a small hill in the southern part of the park. It offers panoramic views over the English Garden and the Munich city skyline, especially spectacular during sunny days and autumn foliage.
Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm)1789 (original design)
A 25-meter-high pagoda-style wooden tower dating back to a design from 1789. It houses a famous beer garden that is lively during summer months and hosts a Christmas market in December. The tower has been rebuilt faithfully several times after fires.
Eisbach Wave
A standing wave on the Eisbach river where surfers practice year-round. It is an iconic urban surfing spot attracting both professionals and spectators.
Kleinhesseloher See
A scenic lake located in the southern part of the park, ideal for relaxation and boating.
Contact
Phone: 089 38666390
