Summary
The English Garden Overview
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is located in the heart of bustling Munich and stands as one of the largest city parks in Europe, even surpassing New York’s Central Park. This expansive green space stretches from Munich’s city center all the way to the northeastern limits.
The park’s name reflects the landscape style that gained popularity in Britain and beyond during the mid-18th to 19th centuries. This verdant oasis is a fantastic spot to unwind and step back from the bustling sightseeing in Munich. You can rent a paddle boat, meander along the 48.5 miles of wooded paths, discover international buildings, and visit any of the four beer gardens located within the English Garden.
Highlights of the English Garden
- Sunbathing Lawn: Known as Schönfeldwiese, this area is famous for its nude sunbathers, a practice that has been part of the landscape since the 1960s. In Germany, enjoying a sunny summer day can even include shedding your clothes. Just remember to respect others’ privacy and adhere to the unspoken rule of leben und leben lassen (“live and let live”).
- Asian Influence: The Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), a significant landmark, was constructed in the 18th century and includes a vast beer garden nearby. An additional Japanese Teahouse enhances the Eastern aesthetic within the park.
- Greek Temple: The Monopteros, a Greek-style temple from 1838, offers wonderful views of the city from its hilltop location.
- Water Sports: A peaceful lake named Kleinhesseloher See is perfect for paddle boating or enjoying a beer at the adjacent Seehaus beer garden. Moreover, the Eisbach river attracts surfers, adding a unique vibe as tourists gather to watch them navigate the currents.
- Lawn Mowing Sheep: A sheep farm in Hirschau helps maintain the park’s lawns while saving taxpayers €100,000 annually. Be on the lookout for these eco-friendly animals at work!
Beer Gardens and Restaurants of the English Garden
- Beer Garden at the Chinese Tower: This towering landmark features a historic beer garden, accommodating up to 7,000 people, where visitors can indulge in liters of Löwenbräu beer while enjoying traditional brass bands and a breakfast buffet on Sundays.
- Japanese Teahouse: The Japanisches Teehaus was built in 1972 for the Olympics and now hosts traditional tea ceremonies. This tranquil spot emphasizes the cultural exchange stemming from the building’s donation by the Urasenke Tea School’s grandmaster.
- Restaurant and Beer Garden Zum Aumeister: Nestled under old chestnut trees, this venue offers royal Hofbräu beer alongside views of a picturesque pond in the northern part of the English Garden.
- Restaurant and Beer Garden Seehaus: Located by the Kleinhesseloher Lake, this popular spot is known for both its regional cuisine and fresh seafood.
- Restaurant and Beer Garden Hirschau: Enjoy Spaten beer with live jazz performances while children can play in the large playground or enjoy mini-golf nearby.
Visitor Information for Munich’s English Garden
Opening Hours: The English Garden is open throughout the year, and admission is free of charge.
Getting to the English Garden:
The closest public transportation stops include:
- Subway: U 3, 4, 5, and 6 to “Marienplatz”
- S-Bahn: S 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 to “Marienplatz”
- Bus 54 and 154 to “Chinesischer Turm”
- Tram 17 to “Tivolistraße”
