I love the English Garden in Munich. Besides being one of the largest city parks in the world, it is also where all of Munich’s residents come out to play.
On a warm, sunny day in Munich, the English Garden is where you want to be. This is where you will see the busy residents of Munich take a break and let loose. With so many different things to do here and the perfect vibes, this is one of my favourite places in the city.
What to do in The English Garden
The English Garden is divided into two parts, separated by the Isarring, a road that goes through the English Garden. The southern part is the most popular section of the park and here you will find exciting activities such as:
City Surfing at the English Garden
Near the Haus der Kunst Museum, there is a standing wave measuring ~ 1 meter high. Surfers surf the wave for as long as their balance holds up. I’ve been quite a few times, and it never fails to captivate my attention for at least a few minutes. Those brave souls there always have a crowd judging their abilities. This is the perfect place to discover something new that you probably won’t find anywhere else.
Recommended Reading: The German Science and Technology Museum in Munich
The Naked Area
Schönfeldweise (Schönfeld Meadow) lies between the Monopteros (small Greek temple) and the Japanese Teahouse. Here you will find the naked sunbathing area. Considering the use of the area, forgive the lack of pictures. Apparently (and not surprisingly) people get very angry if you take pictures here. Not wanting to be chased down by a naked German, I wasn’t about to find out, so I will leave this to your imagination.
Chinese Tower (Chinesicher Turm)
Munich’s second-largest beer garden, often with a brass band playing in the evening. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. I’ve spent quite a few evenings here.
Recommended Reading: Cat Cafe in Munich: What You Need to Know
Kleinhesseloher See (Lake)
A popular man-made lake where you can rent paddleboats. I’m a fan of the beer garden right on the lake which is popular with both locals and tourists. This is the perfect place to spend some time and watch Munich’s residents enjoy their leisure time.
Now What I Consider to Be the Good Stuff,
The Northern Part of The English Garden:
The southern part of the English Garden is great if you want to see people and enjoy activities. But for me, the northern part is where I feel more at home. You’re more likely to see locals here and it is a lot more tranquil than the southern part, ad tranquillity is one thing I can’t say no to.
Like the southern section, the northern section also has two beer gardens, the Hirschau, located at the southern end of the northern section which has a playground so parents can drink a beer while watching their children. At the far north end of the English Garden is Aumeister. Both are popular with locals.
Near the Hirschau and Tivoli-Kraftwerk is where games of ultimate Frisbee are played on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, organized through ToyTown, a website for expats. I watch them play sometimes, but I highly doubt I would be able to join. My skills are a little rusty, to say the least.
Related Reading: Neuschwanstein: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
I also love the unexpected things you find in the English Garden, like the club that was practising their balancing skills on ropes, which I watched for quite a while.
I love the northern part of the English Garden for its tranquillity and lack of crowds. It’s the perfect place to find peace in the middle of a bustling city.
Know Before You Go to the English Garden, Münich:
- The English Garden is ~6km long, so choose the section you want to visit, prepare to walk for several hours (with 4 beer gardens to provide sustenance), or bring a bike with you to see most of the park
- The total length of paths found here comes in at around ~75km
- There are over 100 bridges in the English Garden (according to Wikipedia, I haven’t counted them myself)
- It is home to between 50-60 species of birds, making it a good place for bird watching when you get tired of people watching.
- You may also want to visit the Munich Residenz which is nearby
- Check out the above locations on Google Maps
- Check out my Munich City Guide for how to make the most of your precious travel time
Where to Stay Near The English Garden
Top Pick: Fleming’s Hotel München-Schwabing
Just a 10-minute walk from the English Garden, Fleming’s Hotel München-Schwabing offers the perfect place to explore. From here you can easily enjoy morning walks in the park and explore the many wonders that Munich has to offer. The hotel offers an amazing breakfast buffet each morning and comfortable accommodations.
Top Pick: Hilton Munich Park
The Hilton Munich Park offers perfect views of the English Garden from your room. This hotel is a great pick for exploring the wonders that Munich has to offer while staying in comfort and style. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool, fitness centre and a sauna. This is the perfect place to stay come winter or summer in Munich.
Top Pick: Hotel Freisinger Hof
Hotel Freisinger Hof is located right next to the English Garden but further away from the centre of Munich. The hotel has a traditional style and decor and offers a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy views of the park. The hotel also offers a Finnish sauna and steam room.