A baroque jewel full of history and splendor.
Nymphenburg Palace is a vast, graceful palace with a palace garden, one of the most important and largest works of garden art in Germany. The dimensions of the building, combined with a magnificent park landscape and fortifications, are considered a masterpiece of courtly Munich. Since the 18th century, Nymphenburg Palace has served as a summer residence for kings and electors. Ludwig II was born in the palace’s birth chamber. Also located there are the Gallery of Beauty, featuring the royal mistress Lola Montez, and the famous Nymphenburg Porcelain Collection. A tour of the palace and a stroll through the impressive park landscape provides an extraordinary insight into the lives and work of the Bavarian kings and electors.
Opening Hours and Tours
The opening hours of Nymphenburg Palace and the park vary and depend on the season. There are also special days such as December 24th and 25th, Shrove Tuesday, and January 1st, when the entire palace complex remains closed. Last admission is always 30 minutes before the stated closing time.
Nymphenburg Palace Opening Hours
April 1st to October 15th:
Daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October 16th to March 31st:
Daily 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
These opening hours also apply to the Marstall Museum and the Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum!
Opening Hours of the Palace Chapel
April 1 to October 15:
Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Opening Hours of the Main Gates of the Nymphenburg Palace Park
November to March:
Daily 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
April and October:
Daily 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
May to September:
Daily 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Admission Fees for Nymphenburg Palace
Admission fees apply for a visit to Nymphenburg Palace. Tickets can be purchased for the palace only. A combined ticket is also available, which includes the palace as well as the Marstallmuseum and the Nymphenburg Museum. The combined ticket includes access to the Badenburg, Pagodenburg, Amalienburg, and Magdalenenklause palaces. Those wishing to visit only the museums can purchase individual tickets. Admission prices are as follows:
Admission prices for Nymphenburg Palace
Regular:
€10.00 per person
Reduced:
€9.00 per person
Admission prices for the Marstallmuseum with the Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum
Regular:
€8.00 per person
Reduced:
€7.00 per person
Admission prices for the park castles
Regular:
€6.00 per person
Reduced:
€5.00 per person
The park castles cannot be visited during the winter season, as they are closed!
Nymphenburg General Ticket – Admission Prices
The general ticket includes the Marstallmuseum with the Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum and the park castles (the park castles cannot be visited during the winter season, as they are closed!)
April 1–Mid-October:
Regular: €20.00 per person
Reduced: €18.00 per person
Mid-October–March 31:
Regular: €16.00 per person
Reduced: €14.00 per person
Guided Tours of Nymphenburg Palace
Regular guided tours are offered in Nymphenburg Palace and the park. A paid audio guide is also available specifically for the palace, available to visitors in German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian. A special audio guide for children is also available to introduce young visitors to the history of Nymphenburg Palace in a fun way.
Those interested in participating in special themed tours of Nymphenburg Palace or Park can find information about current and upcoming dates here: https://www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/deutsch/aktuell/fue_ny.asp
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Nymphenburg Palace
What are the dimensions of the palace complex and park?
Nymphenburg Palace and its park cover an area of 180 hectares. The park, with its green spaces, is the second largest in Munich. The palace itself is one of the largest in Germany and among the most important in Europe.
What can you discover in the park of Nymphenburg Palace?
Just as in the palace, the influences of the Baroque period can be seen in the park. The park was designed by Dominique Girard, with Joseph Effner contributing. The axially symmetrical structure and the elaborately designed parterre, bordered by hedges on both sides, are striking on the west side of the palace. Overall, the park is crisscrossed by numerous sight lines and avenues that follow a symmetrical arrangement and lead to small park palaces. Anyone who strolls through the park with open eyes will quickly discover its unique character.
When was Nymphenburg Palace built?
Construction of Nymphenburg Palace began in 1664 in an open field. The building was completed in its initial form as early as 1679. The palace was a gift from Elector Ferdinand Maria to his wife Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, who bore him a son.
Is part of Nymphenburg Palace still inhabited?
The palace is still inhabited today. The Duke of Bavaria, Franz Bonaventura Adalbert Maria, lives there. His retreat in the palace is not open to the public.
What are the special features of Nymphenburg Palace?
Nymphenburg Palace houses the famous Beauty Gallery, which includes a painting of Lola Montez, the king’s mistress. The palace also houses the world-famous Nymphenburg Porcelain Collection. One special room is the birth chamber, where Ludwig II was born.
How much time should you plan for a visit to Nymphenburg Palace?
You should plan at least two hours for a tour of the castle. If the museums and park are also on your agenda, you should allow more time. The Botanical Garden is also located near the castle. Both attractions can easily be combined to make a lovely day trip.
Nymphenburg Palace – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The sight of Nymphenburg Palace is awe-inspiring. The Baroque palace, with its magnificent park, is a true masterpiece of contemporary architecture and is considered a symbol of courtly Munich. Elector Ferdinand Maria had the palace built for his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, because she bore him an heir.
Nymphenburg Palace was originally intended as a pleasure palace. Away from courtly formalities, people danced, celebrated, and hunted there. Hence the name Nymphenburg, derived from the nymphs in classical mythology, who also represent sexuality and fertility.
Constructing the palace of this size took almost 100 years and required thousands of workers from all over the world. The palace’s builders came from three countries alone: four from Italy, one from France, and two from Bavaria.
The Baroque building is a prime example of luxury and splendor. The construction was influenced by the Venaria Reale hunting lodge, a luxurious Italian country house. After the palace became the residence of the Wittelsbachs, extensions were built, modeled on the Palace of Versailles.
The result was a large palace with a span of 632 meters. A special feature of Nymphenburg Palace is its special orientation. This orientation indicates the day in spring when the length of day and night are equal. The magnificent and luxurious design continues inside Nymphenburg Palace. The walls and ceilings are lavishly decorated with stucco, murals, and mirrors. Each room is designed differently and offers insights into a unique style of architecture.
An exclusive gem can be discovered in the palace park. There are pumping stations that supply water to the impressive water fountain. These pumping stations have been operating continuously for around 200 years and are among the oldest machines in all of Europe.
Historical Facts and History of Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace was built in 1662 as a summer residence. The Hofmark (courtyard) of Kemnathen, located to the west of the royal city, was intended to serve as the site for the palace. Construction began in 1664, based on the designs of the architect Agostino Barelli.
The first structure to be built was a cubic pavilion in the Italian Baroque style. This was surrounded by several outbuildings, the Hofmark Church, and a geometrically designed garden. This first phase of construction was almost completed in 1679.
The palace acquired its present form during the reign of Max Emanuel. Starting in 1701, the court architect had extensions built on the north and south sides of the main building. A connection to the main pavilion was created through galleries.
Construction work was halted between 1704 and 1715 because Max Emanuel left Bavaria due to the War of the Spanish Succession. When he returned to Bavaria, French artists and architects accompanied him. They had a significant influence on the further expansion of the palace. These included Joseph Effner and the garden artist Dominique Girard. Further commissions were carried out by local craftsmen and artists such as Johann Baptist and Franz Joachim Beich.
Joseph Effner and Dominique Girard conceived the overall plan for Nymphenburg Palace in 1715. This concept included an expansion of the palace and the redesign of the park and garden. This was followed by alterations to the central pavilion and a redesign of the electoral apartments. Additional outbuildings and a symmetrical circular pavilion with pavilions were built.
Over time, under Max III Joseph, the ballroom was adorned with sumptuous Rococo decorations. The palace church also received magnificent frescoes. Statues of Roman gods were placed in the redesigned park, and the Great Hall, accessible from the outside, was given an impressive open staircase.
When Bavaria was elevated to a kingdom, Nymphenburg Palace regained its importance. The first Bavarian King, Max I Joseph, had parts of the palace redesigned in the Neoclassical style and the palace grounds redesigned according to English models. The influences of the electors and kings are still clearly visible today.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace boasts a beautiful park. In addition to the geometrically designed gardens, fountains, and ponds, other interesting sights and attractions can be found on the grounds.
The Nymphenburg Palace Park boasts impressive park castles such as the Badenburg, Magdalenenklause, and Pagodenburg. A special castle is the Amlienburg, a small Rococo palace famous for its magnificent Hall of Mirrors and opulent interior.
The Nymphenburg Botanical Garden is located directly next to the palace. The charmingly landscaped grounds invite you to linger and showcase a seemingly endless variety of enchanting flowers and plant species.
The Nymphenburg-Biederstein Canal, which connects the English Garden to the palace, is an idyllic spot. Wonderful walks or bike rides along the waterfront and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the palace and its gardens.
The Nymphenburg-Biederstein Canal The palace grounds also house the historic Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory, famous for its exquisite handcrafted porcelain. A unique collection of porcelain can be admired in the museum and salesrooms.
If you visit Nymphenburg Palace between the end of March and the end of October, you shouldn’t miss a gondola ride in the palace gardens. Gondolas run on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays by appointment. You can also rent a gondola exclusively for an undisturbed experience.
Cafés and Restaurants Near Nymphenburg Palace
In the immediate vicinity of Nymphenburg Palace, you’ll find the Schlosscafé in the Palmengarten and the CafeBar Limulus to quench your thirst and hunger. However, it’s worth choosing a nearby restaurant to indulge in typical Bavarian delicacies or national and international specialties in a cozy atmosphere.
Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige
Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige exudes a rustic, cozy atmosphere and offers an extensive menu that leaves nothing to be desired. From half a duck, delicious char, tasty Rolanden (a kind of sardine), and tarte flambée to dessert creations, everything is there. An extensive wine list allows you to choose a delicious wine to complement your meal.
Address: Schlosswirtschaft Schwige, Südliches Schlossrondell 28, 80638 Munich
The Risotto Restaurant offers its guests an authentic culinary experience through Italian cuisine. In addition to delicious pasta dishes, the menu also features delicious seafood, tasty salads, and tempting desserts. Weather permitting, the outdoor terrace is also open, allowing guests to enjoy culinary delights sheltered under umbrellas.
Address: Risotto Restaurant Munich, Hirschgartenalle 38, 80639 Munich
Poseidon Restaurant
Those craving Greek and Mediterranean delicacies will find a wonderful selection of hearty meals at the Poseidon Restaurant. Meat lovers will be delighted with a substantial grilled platter or cevapcici. For those with a light appetite, numerous appetizers are available, including vegetarian options. Guests can sit comfortably in the cozy dining room and enjoy the delicious dishes.
Address: Poseidon, Maria-Ward-Str. 24, 80638 Munich
Patagon Helados
Patagon Helados offers delicious and sometimes exotic ice cream flavors. The ice cream is made the Patagonian way. Large portions are available at fair prices. After a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, Patagon Helados is a great choice for a sweet treat.
Address: Patagon Helados, Romanplatz 5, 80639 Munich
Metzgerwirt
At Metzgerwirt, guests are treated to delicious, flavorful dishes. The menu includes individual dishes and a lovely selection of dishes. Among the dishes on offer are potato pancakes with salmon and small salad bouquets, fresh white sausages with sweet mustard and pretzels, and grilled scallops. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance perfectly rounds off the culinary experience.
Address: Metzgerwirt, Nördliche Auffahrtsallee 69, 80638 Munich
Restaurant Kleine Rose
The Kleine Rose restaurant is small but perfectly formed! It serves guests excellent dishes from Greek, European, and Mediterranean cuisine. The portions are much larger than expected and are truly filling. All of this is offered at an excellent price-performance ratio. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. On nice days, the small, rustic terrace, with its unique charm, invites you to linger and enjoy your meal.
Address: Restaurant Kleine Rose, Gassnerstraße 3, 80639 Munich