Englischer Garten 🇩🇪

Spanning 3.7 square kilometers from central Munich to the city limits, the Englischer Garten is one of the world's largest urban public parks. Created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson for Prince Charles Theodore, this sprawling green space offers a historic informal landscape ideal for exploring during your Bavarian travels. As you wander through the grounds, you will discover remarkable sights shaped over centuries by famed landscape architects.

Head to the southern end to visit a traditional Japanese teahouse situated on an island built in 1969, gifted to celebrate the 1972 Summer Olympics. Stroll across the Schönfeldwiese meadow to admire the Monopteros, a 16-meter-high Greek-style temple built by Leo von Klenze atop a 15-meter hill made from Munich Residenz building leftovers. Nearby, pause at the Steinerne Bank, a historic curved stone bench, or spot the 1724 Burgfriedsäule boundary marker topped with the Münchner Kindl.

You can also watch skilled surfers ride a natural standing wave formed in one of the park's artificial streams. From its 25-meter-high wooden Chinese Tower to historic architectural landmarks, this park offers you an unbeatable slice of Munich history and relaxation.

What to see at Englischer Garten

• Standing wave in an artificial stream where skilled surfers ride
• Greek-style Monopteros temple sitting high on a 15-meter hill
• Japanese teahouse on a small island offering traditional tea ceremonies
• 25-meter-high wooden Chinese Tower constructed in 1789–1790
• Steinerne Bank stone exedra built on a former temple site

Visiting tips

If you decide to try surfing the standing wave in the park's artificial stream, ensure you are an expert or skilled surfer as advised by local signage.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Spring

How to get there & what’s nearby

Englischer Garten is easy to reach on Munich’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Munich travel guide.