Idyll and natural enjoyment in the heart of the city
Address: English Garden, 80538 Munich | Built: 1802 to 1807 | Area: 3.75 km²
One of the world’s largest parks in the city center is the English Garden in Munich. At 5.5 kilometers long, the expansive park stretches from the floodplains of the Isar River to the old town of the Bavarian capital. The English Garden was designed by Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell. With his planning, he created a unique, artificial landscape in a metropolis, giving the park a very natural feel. A stroll through the English Garden not only reveals beautiful squares and charming buildings, but also offers a magnificent view of the old town skyline and other must-do attractions.
Directions and location of this Munich landmark
The English Garden is located in the center of Munich. It extends from the northeastern side of Munich’s Old Town to Schwabing and stretches along the western bank of the Isar River. The large park begins to the south, near Prinzregentenstraße and the Haus der Kunst (House of Art). To the east, the English Garden stretches along the Eisbach River to the A9 Autobahn, near the Munich district of Freimann. The park borders the districts of Schwabing and Lehel to the west. The Isar River flows along the eastern bank. Leopoldstraße and Ludwigstraße are located in the immediate vicinity of the English Garden. A popular meeting place in the southern part of the English Garden is the Chinese Tower. This large park is easily accessible from many starting points in Munich, allowing for walks, leisure activities, and the opportunity to enjoy nature and take in the atmosphere.
Opening Hours and Tours
The English Garden is a public space and open to visitors year-round.
English Garden Admission Prices
The best thing about the English Garden is that there is no admission charge. You can simply enter the park and enjoy the unique natural landscape without paying a penny. This is why the park in the center of the Bavarian capital is popular with Munich residents and tourists alike.
Guided Tours of the English Garden
The English Garden occasionally offers themed tours for adults and activities for families. You can find out what’s currently on offer here:
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the English Garden
Why is the large park in Munich called the English Garden?
The English Garden was originally called Theodor’s Park. The park is close to nature and resembles an English landscape park more than a French baroque garden with its typical geometric layout. For this reason, the park was soon renamed the English Garden.
What is the significance of the English Garden for Munich?
This park in the heart of the city is of great ecological importance. In the middle of a large city, a unique local recreation area with indescribable flora and fauna has developed over the years on a total area of 411 hectares. The diverse habitats in the park provide a rich variety of plants and animals, offering visitors a great recreational value.
What animals can be found in the English Garden?
The English Garden is home to 50 to 60 species of breeding birds. Foxes, squirrels, hares, and wild rabbits also live there, and they feel very comfortable in the park. Even deer and beavers can be observed there.
What is the name of the river on whose banks the English Garden lies?
The river whose western bank the English Garden borders is the Isar.
What is the function of the Chinese Tower in the English Garden?
When the park was first opened, the Chinese Tower was intended as an observation platform to provide a unique view of the English Garden. Since the surrounding trees have grown significantly and are now taller than the tower, they block the view. Today, the tower in the English Garden is a popular meeting place.
How long is a walk through the English Garden needed?
Those who want to take a longer walk should try the 10-kilometer circular walk. The route is ideal for running and hiking, as it is classified as moderately difficult. On average, you should plan a little over two hours for the circular walk.
English Garden – Special Features and Interesting Facts
Located in the center of the Bavarian capital is the English Garden. Today, it covers a total area of 411 hectares. Central Park in New York is considerably smaller at 341 hectares. Today, the green space encompasses the Court Garden and the Finance Garden and extends from Odeonsplatz to far into the northern districts of the Bavarian capital.
The park got its name from its architectural design. There are many similarities to an English landscape park. A special feature of the park is its unique blend of natural areas and manicured gardens. Therefore, it is not surprising that this local recreation area magically attracts locals and tourists.
A stroll through the English Garden reveals numerous sights. High up on a hill is the Monopteros. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the park landscape and the Old Town panorama.
The English Garden is crisscrossed by a 78-kilometer-long network of paths, including approximately 12 kilometers specifically for horses and riders. The park is home to both large and small bodies of water. Lake Kleinhesseloher See is the largest, covering approximately 8 hectares. Boats can be rented there and the tranquil landscape can be admired from the water.
Streams also crisscross the park for a length of 15 kilometers. Where there are bodies of water, there are also bridges and walkways. There are more than 100 bridges and walkways in the English Garden to discover on a stroll. Those seeking a more tranquil setting can head to the northern part of the park, where there are secluded paths and extensive lawns.
The English Garden is also a cultural meeting place. Traditional and musical events are held regularly at the Chinese Tower. A special Munich lifestyle is also included, free of charge.
Historical Facts and History of the English Garden
Munich owes the creation of the English Garden to Elector Karl Theodor, who decreed that it wanted to create a park not just for the privileged, but for the entire population. The idea came from Sir Benjamin Thompson, who was born in the USA and later held the office of Imperial Count.
Sckell, the court gardener from Schwetzingen, was brought to the Bavarian capital and left a significant mark on the English Garden. The construction of the park for all Munich residents was to be pushed forward and implemented as quickly as possible. There were fears that social unrest would lead to similar effects to the storming of the Bastille in Paris.
The area where the English Garden is today was once floodplain. There were only willows and sea buckthorn bushes. First, a dam was built to prevent further flooding of the area. In a very short time, in collaboration with Imperial Count Rumford, a garden architectural marvel was created. Shrubs and trees were planted, flowerbeds were designed, and a network of paths were laid out. An observation tower modeled on Chinese structures and the Rumford House were built.
Baron von Werneck expanded the park by 100 hectares to the north. Work on the artificially created Kleinhesseloher Lake began in 1804. Until then, court gardener Ludwig von Sckell had little influence on the park’s design. From 1804 onward, Sckell played a key role in the architecture of the English Garden, creating a unique work of garden art by redesigning the planting, laying new paths, redesigning their course, and integrating rolling hills into the landscape.
The influences of Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell are clearly visible throughout the English Garden, making the park a special gem in the heart of the Bavarian capital.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the English Garden
There’s no need to leave the English Garden to discover sights and attractions. There you’ll find unique buildings, special attractions, and sights that might not immediately catch your eye during a stroll through the park. Some, however, are truly sensational.
The unique Eisbach wave is a special attraction for spectators and sports enthusiasts who love water sports with a special thrill. Surfing pros demonstrate the perfect ride on a surfboard, to the amazed and admiring gaze of spectators.
A statue called “Harmless” has stood in the English Garden for around 220 years. It was erected to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Sckell’s death and is located at the entrance to the English Garden from the Hofgarten. The life-size marble figure was created by the sculptor Franz Jakob Schwanthaler and depicts a youth with his right hand pointing toward the English Garden. In his other hand, he holds a tablet bearing an inscription.
The Monopteros offers arguably the most beautiful view of the English Garden. The round, temple-like building was built in 1836 on a hill in the southern part of the English Garden. The panoramic view of the Bavarian capital is simply breathtaking.
In the immediate vicinity of the English Garden is the Haus der Kunst, a perfect destination for lovers of contemporary art. The building, built in the neoclassical style, is located on Prinzregentenstraße. Contemporary paintings and works of art are exhibited there. The artists have explored a variety of themes in their works.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the English Garden
Directly in and around the English Garden, there are numerous restaurants that invite you to linger and enjoy. Typical Bavarian, regional, European, and international specialties are served. The spectrum ranges from white sausage with pretzels and sweet mustard to culinary delicacies. Whether you choose a beer garden or a traditional restaurant, a special atmosphere and rustic coziness are guaranteed.
Beer Garden at the Chinese Tower
The Haberl Restaurant is located directly at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden, enjoying a beautiful location overlooking the park. The interior is tastefully decorated. On warm, sunny days, the outdoor terrace is also open. The menu offers a fine selection of German, European, and Central European dishes. The drinks selection ranges from delicious draft beer to soft drinks and specialty coffees.
Address: Beer Garden at the Chinese Tower, English Garden 3, 80538 Munich
The Pulcinella Restaurant on Widenmayerstraße is just a few minutes’ walk from the English Garden. The kitchen serves culinary delights from Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. You can choose between pizza, salad, burrata with truffle and fresh artichoke, or crispy fried squid with beet greens. The drinks selection is also impressive. Gourmets will find their fill at Pulcinella.
Address: Restaurant Pulcinella, Widenmayerstraße 52, 80538 Munich
Königin43 is a cozy café/restaurant with a great view, a comfortable terrace, and a rustic interior. The menu offers healthy cuisine with German, European, and international influences. Early risers can enjoy delicious breakfast creations, as well as coffee and a slice of delicious cake. Delicious build-your-own bowls perfectly round off the experience in a pleasant atmosphere.
Address: Königin43, Königinstraße 43, 80539 Munich
Rumi exudes a touch of Arabian Nights with its unique dishes. Oriental and Afghan cuisine is served in the dining room. The menu includes lamb with rice and spicy eggplant, as well as other creations such as Afghan salad with bread as an appetizer. The modern and hospitable atmosphere invites you to linger and enjoy.
Address: Rumi, Dianastraße 1m, 80538 Munich
At Rila, guests are surprised by dishes from Eastern European, European, and Mediterranean cuisine. In the cozy dining room, freshly prepared baked eggplant, tasty meat specialties, fish dishes, appetizer platters, and delicious dessert creations are served, lovingly prepared in the kitchen. There is an extensive selection of drinks to complement the various dishes.
Address: Rila, Kaulbachstraße 33, 80539 Munich
The Block House Munichen is a steakhouse and the perfect place for lovers of delicious grilled steaks and American and European cuisine to satisfy their hunger. You can choose from the daily or weekly menu, or there are various a la carte dishes. The portions are generous and delicious. The menu also includes delicious desserts and waffles. Meat lovers will find pure indulgence in a pleasant atmosphere.
Address: Block House Munich, Leopoldstraße 32, 80802 Munich