English Garden Munich - a couple of people walking down a leaf covered path
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English Garden Munich

4.7
·66k reviews·Munich, Germany

Munich's vast urban oasis, offering everything from river surfing and beer gardens to serene lakes and lush meadows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, afternoons

Lively atmosphere, people watching

CrowdHigh
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English Garden Munich - a couple of people walking down a leaf covered path

English Garden Munich

Best Time

Weekends, afternoons

Lively atmosphere, people watching

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Munich's vast urban oasis, offering everything from river surfing and beer gardens to serene lakes and lush meadows.

4.7
(66k reviews)

"A massive, beautiful urban park that feels like a world away from the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Rent a Bike

Cover more ground and discover hidden gems by renting a bike. Perfect for exploring the vast park! :bicycle:

🏄 Watch the Surfers

Don't miss the incredible river surfing at Eisbach. It's a free and fascinating spectacle! :surfer:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eisbach Wave Surfing

Eisbach Wave Surfing

Eisbach River

Witness skilled surfers tackle a standing river wave year-round. A truly unique urban spectacle!

Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm)

Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm)

Central English Garden

Iconic pagoda-style tower with a large, lively beer garden. Perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.

Monopteros Temple

Monopteros Temple

Hilltop in Southern English Garden

A beautiful Greek-style temple offering panoramic views of the park and city skyline.

Japanese Teahouse

Japanese Teahouse

Near Kleinhesseloher See

A serene spot offering a peaceful escape and lovely views of the lake.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vastness

The English Garden is enormous! Plan your visit by deciding which areas you want to explore. Renting a bike is a popular way to cover more ground and discover hidden spots. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the 78km of trails. TikTok

Surf's Up (or Just Watch!)

Don't miss the unique river surfing at the Eisbach wave! It's a thrilling spectacle for spectators and a must-see for many visitors. While you can't surf everywhere, the park offers diverse landscapes from meadows to forests. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, people watching
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best things to do in Munich, Germany (in winter) ❄️ : -climb up St. Peter’s church tower -eat in a weinstube -visit Munich Residenz -tour the Christmas Markets #munichgermany #munichtravel #munichtraveltips #munichthingstodo #munichchristmasmarket
@wilbertspace
104.1K likes • 3.5M views

🚲 Rent a Bike

Cover more ground and discover hidden gems by renting a bike. Perfect for exploring the vast park! Reddit :bicycle:

🏄 Watch the Surfers

Don't miss the incredible river surfing at Eisbach. It's a free and fascinating spectacle! TikTokReddit :surfer:

Yes, Munich can be pricey - but there are plenty of cool spots you can check out for free! ✨👇🏼 Save this for your next Munich adventure 🫶🏼 📍Justizpalast: Stunning architecture and total hidden gem vibes 🏛️ 📍Nymphenburg Palace Gardens: Royal gardens, endless strolls, zero cost 🪷 📍Airborne Angerhof: Open-air art that’s perfect for a quick wander (and a selfie) 📷 📍Botanical Garden (Winter Season - un...
@placestobe_munich
75.2K likes • 1M views
Tardes inesquecíveis em Munique, pensa num rio geladooo Danke @annsophie_isabelle & Totô @vtografia
babado_vibes
92 likes • 0 views

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a leisurely picnic on one of the many grassy areas. A budget-friendly and classic park experience. Reddit :picnic_table:

🍺 Visit a Beer Garden

Relax with a local brew at one of the park's famous beer gardens, like the Chinese Tower. Reddit :beer_mug:

Jade green 🌳 #englishgarden #munich #münchen #munchen #germany #nature
@juaurn
48.9K likes • 199.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Rent a Bike

Cover more ground and discover hidden gems by renting a bike. Perfect for exploring the vast park! Reddit :bicycle:

🏄 Watch the Surfers

Don't miss the incredible river surfing at Eisbach. It's a free and fascinating spectacle! TikTokReddit :surfer:

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a leisurely picnic on one of the many grassy areas. A budget-friendly and classic park experience. Reddit :picnic_table:

🍺 Visit a Beer Garden

Relax with a local brew at one of the park's famous beer gardens, like the Chinese Tower. Reddit :beer_mug:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling, so comfortable footwear is a must! TikTok :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(66k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the English Garden's immense size, natural beauty, and diverse attractions, from river surfing to beer gardens. It's considered a must-see urban oasis offering relaxation and entertainment for all ages. Some find it can get very crowded, especially on sunny weekends.

"This is a very beautiful garden. It is very large and it is relaxing. I highly recommend it to anyone who visits Munich. The river surfing was incredible."

Nur Yigitoglu Aptoula

"This is, without a doubt, the best place in Munich. It's a massive, beautiful urban park that feels like a world away from the city. You could easily spend an entire day here relaxing, walking, or watching the surfers."

Nika Kapanadze

"Absolutely spectacular location in the heart of Munich. Mixture of a park, forest, meadows, river, waterfall, lake and so much more. Beer gardens and even surfing (!). Rent a bike and enjoy the day cycling around this huge area. A must-see for anyone travelling to Munich."

D Cope

What People Like

Vast green space
River surfing spectacle
Lively beer gardens

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The English Garden is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the U-Bahn (subway) lines U3, U6, or U4 to stations like Giselastraße, Universität, or Odeonsplatz, which are all within walking distance of different park entrances. Buses and trams also serve the area. TikTokReddit

Parking directly within the park is very limited or non-existent. It's highly recommended to use public transportation. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the surrounding city areas. TikTok

The 'best' entrance depends on what you want to see first. For the Eisbach wave, enter near Haus der Kunst. For the Chinese Tower beer garden, use the entrance near the Lehel U-Bahn station. For Monopteros, the southern entrances are convenient. Reddit

Yes, cycling is very popular and encouraged in the English Garden. There are 78km of dedicated paths. Bike rentals are available nearby, making it a great way to explore the vast park. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The English Garden is a public park and is completely free to enter and explore. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to enter the English Garden. It's a public park open to everyone, free of charge. TikTok

The English Garden is open 24/7, year-round. However, individual facilities like beer gardens or restaurants within the park will have their own operating hours. TikTok

There is no entrance fee to enter the beer gardens within the English Garden. You only pay for what you order to eat or drink. Reddit

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in the English Garden, but they must be kept on a leash in most areas, especially near playgrounds and beer gardens. Reddit

While it's a public park, visitors are expected to be respectful of the environment and other park-goers. Littering is discouraged, and loud disturbances should be avoided. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The most famous spot is the Eisbach wave, where surfers have been riding a standing wave on the Eisbach river for decades. It's a thrilling sight for visitors and a popular spot for locals. TikTokReddit

Key highlights include the Eisbach wave, the Chinese Tower with its beer garden, the Monopteros temple for views, and the Japanese Teahouse. The park also features lakes, streams, and vast meadows. TikTokReddit

The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering approximately 3.7 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) and featuring 78 kilometers of cycling and jogging trails. Reddit

Yes, there are several playgrounds scattered throughout the park, making it a great destination for families with children. Reddit

You can cycle, jog, walk, have a picnic, visit beer gardens, watch surfers, relax by the lake, or simply enjoy the natural beauty. It's a versatile space for recreation and relaxation. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are several options, including the popular beer gardens at the Chinese Tower and Seehaus, as well as smaller cafes and kiosks throughout the park. You can also bring your own food for a picnic. Reddit

The beer garden at the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) is arguably the most iconic and largest, offering a traditional Bavarian experience with live music on weekends. Reddit

Most beer gardens and cafes offer a range of traditional Bavarian dishes, which often include vegetarian options like pretzels, potato dishes, and salads. Vegan options might be more limited but are becoming more common. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is very common and a great way to enjoy the park, especially on sunny days. Reddit

Prices are typical for Munich city parks. Expect to pay around €4-6 for a beer, and €10-15 for a main meal at a beer garden. Kiosks will be cheaper for snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Great spots include the Monopteros for city views, the Eisbach wave for action shots, the Chinese Tower for its architecture, and the Japanese Teahouse for serene shots. The diverse landscapes offer endless photographic opportunities. TikTok

Yes, the Eisbach wave is a prime location for photography. You can get close to the action, but be mindful of other visitors and the riverbank. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. TikTok

Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant green of the park. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks in Munich, including the English Garden, due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local ordinances before flying. Reddit

Absolutely! The Monopteros, Chinese Tower, Japanese Teahouse, and the various bridges and streams are all picturesque. Don't forget the surfers for dynamic shots! TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The English Garden is a fantastic destination for families. It boasts multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the park, offering plenty of space for children to run and play. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the vast lawns, or grab snacks from one of the kiosks. Reddit

Beyond the playgrounds, kids will be fascinated by the Eisbach wave surfers and the various bridges and streams. Renting a bike (with child seats or trailers if needed) is a fun way to explore the park together. The beer gardens, while lively, are generally family-friendly, especially the Chinese Tower with its open space. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The English Garden is a dream for budget travelers as entry is completely free. The best way to save money is to pack your own picnic and enjoy it on the grass, rather than eating at the park's cafes or beer gardens. TikTokReddit

While bike rentals cost money, they can be a cost-effective way to see more of the park than walking alone. Alternatively, simply enjoy the free activities like watching the surfers, exploring the diverse landscapes, and relaxing by the lakes. Public transport to the park is also relatively affordable. TikTok

couples

For a romantic outing, explore the quieter paths in the less crowded southern sections of the park, especially during weekdays or early mornings. Find a secluded spot for a picnic or enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand. Reddit

Consider visiting the Monopteros temple for stunning panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. A peaceful boat ride on the Kleinhesseloher See or a quiet moment at the Japanese Teahouse can also be very romantic. Enjoying a beer together at one of the beer gardens offers a classic Bavarian experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Eisbach Wave

The Eisbach wave is perhaps the most famous and unique attraction within the English Garden. Located near the southern entrance, this man-made standing wave on the Eisbach river has been a draw for surfers since the late 1960s. It's a thrilling spectacle to watch surfers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, perform tricks and ride the powerful current. The wave is active year-round, even in winter, making it a constant source of entertainment. TikTokReddit

For visitors, it's a fantastic free activity to observe. You can get quite close to the action, but remember to be respectful of the surfers and other onlookers. The area around the wave can get crowded, especially on sunny days, so arriving earlier might offer a better viewing experience. It’s a testament to Munich’s innovative spirit and its ability to integrate nature with urban life. TikTok

While surfing here is a serious pursuit for many, it's also a symbol of the relaxed and active lifestyle embraced by Munich residents. The sight of surfers in wetsuits against the backdrop of the park is truly unforgettable and a highlight for many who visit the English Garden. Reddit

Exploring the Beer Gardens

No visit to the English Garden is complete without experiencing its famous beer gardens. The Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) is the largest and most iconic, offering a quintessential Bavarian beer garden experience with long communal tables, traditional food, and often live brass band music on weekends. It's a vibrant hub where locals and tourists mingle. Reddit

Another popular spot is the Seehaus, located by the Kleinhesseloher See (lake). It offers beautiful views of the water and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the Chinese Tower. Both beer gardens serve classic Bavarian fare like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken, alongside a variety of beers. Remember, it's customary to clear your own plates and glasses at self-service beer gardens. Reddit

These beer gardens are more than just places to eat and drink; they are social centers. They embody the Bavarian culture of enjoying good company, good food, and good beer in a beautiful outdoor setting. Even if you're not drinking alcohol, the atmosphere is worth experiencing. Reddit

Cycling and Walking Trails

With an extensive network of 78 kilometers of cycling and jogging trails, the English Garden is a paradise for active visitors. Renting a bike is highly recommended to fully appreciate the park's immense size and diverse landscapes. You can easily spend hours exploring its winding paths, open meadows, dense wooded areas, and picturesque streams. TikTokReddit

The trails cater to all paces, from leisurely strolls to brisk jogs and bike rides. Maps are available at various points, but part of the charm is simply getting lost and discovering hidden corners. You'll encounter locals enjoying their daily exercise, families picnicking, and people simply soaking in the natural beauty. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an active way to see the sights, the well-maintained trails make it easy to navigate. Remember to be mindful of other park users, especially cyclists if you're walking, and vice versa. Reddit

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