Explore the green oasis: the English Garden in Munich
If you want to spend an unforgettable day outdoors in Munich, then the English Garden should be at the top of your list. With 42 million visitors a year, this park is a unique combination of nature and architecture that offers an unparalleled experience. We'll tell you why the English Garden is a place you should definitely explore. As one of the top tourist attractions, this park is sure to become one of your personal favorites in Munich.
With our hop-on hop-off tour, you can hop off directly at the English Garden and explore the park on your own. Our tour also gives you the flexibility to discover all the other attractions Munich has to offer without any time pressure.
The history of the English Garden
The English Garden is Munich's oldest and largest public park. It is located in the Schwabing district and covers an area of 427 hectares. The park was designed in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson, an English landscape architect. His design was based on the principles of the English landscape movement. This movement was very popular at the time and advocated an open, natural and harmoniously designed space. This design is still visible today and can be seen in the rolling hills, meadows and picturesque lakes that make up the English Garden.
Sights in the English Garden
The English Garden in Munich offers numerous sights within its area. You should definitely not miss the following attractions when visiting the English Garden.
Chinese Tower
The Chinese Tower in Munich's English Garden is one of the park's most striking and popular sights. At a height of 25 meters, the Chinese-style tower rises above the surrounding trees and serves as a landmark for the English Garden. Built in the late 18th century, the tower was designed by Friedrich Ludwig Sckell and was part of a trend to create exotic structures in European gardens.
Monopteros
The Monopteros in Munich's English Garden is an elegant circular temple structure that offers a breathtaking viewing platform. With its Corinthian columns and open design, the Monopteros is a popular architectural landmark in the park. Built in the 19th century in the neoclassical style, the Monopteros offers a fantastic view over the surrounding green spaces and Kleinhesseloher lake.
Japanese teahouse
This teahouse was built in 1972 on the occasion of the Olympic Games in Munich and is a gift from the Japanese community to the city of Munich. It is surrounded by an idyllic garden with Japanese elements such as a pond and a rock garden. The Japanese Teahouse in Munich's English Garden is an oasis of calm and cultural exchange. It serves as a place for contemplation and the enjoyment of Japanese tea as well as a meeting place for cultural events and ceremonies. If you visit the Japanese Tea House between April and October, you even have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Bavarian Observatory Munich e.V.
The Bayerische Volkssternwarte München e.V. in the English Garden is an exciting center for astronomical observation and education. Founded in 1925, the observatory offers a variety of events and programs for the public, including regular observation nights, lectures and workshops. Pay a visit to the observatory in Munich and explore the night sky over Munich for yourself.
Want to explore even more sights, monuments and museums? Then simply hop back on our hop-on hop-off bus at the English Garden - we'll take you to other exciting attractions in Munich.
The size and diversity of the English Garden
The English Garden in Munich is a truly impressive recreational area that attracts both locals and visitors from all over the world. With its extensive green spaces, forests, picturesque lakes and idyllic paths, the English Garden offers a unique oasis in the middle of the city.
When walking through the English Garden, you can cover different distances depending on your route and pace. The park stretches for around 5 kilometers from the northern entrance near Odeonsplatz to the southern end at the Isar. But in total, the English Garden covers an area of around 427 hectares, making it one of the largest city parks in the world!
If you compare the English Garden with Central Park in New York City, Central Park is slightly smaller than the English Garden with an area of around 341 hectares. Both parks are impressive in terms of their size and variety of landscapes and recreational opportunities and characterize their cityscape in a unique way.
Relaxation in nature: lakes and streams
There are several lakes and streams within the English Garden that contribute to the scenic beauty and recreational value of the park.
Eisbach
Probably the best-known watercourse in the English Garden is the Eisbach. It is an artificial branch of the Isar and is known for its standing wave, the Eisbachwelle, on the southern edge of the park, where surfers show off their skills all year round. The Eisbach flows right through the park and is a popular place to stroll and relax along its banks. Our stop at the English Garden on the hop-on hop-off tour is right next to the Eisbach wave. So you can admire the surfers and stroll along the Eisbach through the English Garden.
Kleinhesseloher Lake
Kleinhesseloher See is another body of water in the English Garden. It was created in the 19th century and is a quiet, idyllic lake with a small island in the middle. You can hire rowing boats here and enjoy the lake and the surrounding nature from the water.
In addition to these two, there are also smaller ponds and watercourses in the park, which add to the atmosphere and provide a habitat for various plant and animal species.
Beer gardens and inns for a break
There are several beer gardens and inns in the park that serve Bavarian specialties, beer and refreshments. We have put together a small selection of beer gardens scattered around the English Garden.
Beer garden at the Chinese Tower
The beer garden at the Chinese Tower is one of the most famous and second largest beer gardens in Munich. It has been treating visitors to traditional Bavarian food and beers for over 200 years. Surrounded by old chestnut trees and with room for hundreds of guests, the beer garden is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, especially on warm summer evenings. Live music is often played on these evenings.
Seehaus
The Seehaus is a restaurant and beer garden directly on Kleinhesseloher See in Munich's English Garden. It offers a slightly more upscale atmosphere and a beautiful view of the lake. In addition to Bavarian dishes, it also serves international cuisine.
Aumeister
In the northernmost part of the English Garden is the Aumeister beer garden, which also offers traditional Bavarian food and a wide selection of drinks in a natural setting.
Milchhäusl
A smaller establishment that is better known for snacks and small dishes. The Milchhäusl is particularly popular with families and also offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Explore the English Garden in Munich
The English Garden in Munich is a place of incomparable beauty and diversity that attracts visitors from all over the world. With its extensive green spaces, idyllic lakes and historical sights, the park is a real treasure in the middle of the city. Not only can you relax and enjoy nature here, but you can also experience a variety of leisure activities, from walks and bike rides to boat trips, surfing, swimming and picnics.
With attractions such as the Japanese Teahouse and the Bavarian Observatory, the English Garden in Munich offers you the opportunity to engage with various aspects of art, culture and science. Whether alone, with friends or family - a visit to the English Garden promises unforgettable moments and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
During our hop-on hop-off tour, you can get off at the English Garden stop. This gives you the opportunity to explore Munich's green oasis at your leisure!
