English Garden Munich
Munich's vast urban oasis, offering everything from river surfing and beer gardens to serene lakes and lush meadows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, people watching
English Garden Munich
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, people watching
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Munich's vast urban oasis, offering everything from river surfing and beer gardens to serene lakes and lush meadows.
"A massive, beautiful urban park that feels like a world away from the city."
🚲 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eisbach Wave Surfing
Eisbach River
Witness skilled surfers tackle a standing river wave year-round. A truly unique urban spectacle!

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
Hilltop in Southern English Garden
A beautiful Greek-style temple offering panoramic views of the park and city skyline.

Japanese Teahouse
Near Kleinhesseloher See
A serene spot offering a peaceful escape and lovely views of the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Surf's Up (or Just Watch!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 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:🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a leisurely picnic on one of the many grassy areas. A budget-friendly and classic park experience.
:picnic_table:🍺 Visit a Beer Garden
Relax with a local brew at one of the park's famous beer gardens, like the Chinese Tower.
:beer_mug: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!
:bicycle:🏄 Watch the Surfers
Don't miss the incredible river surfing at Eisbach. It's a free and fascinating spectacle!
:surfer:🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a leisurely picnic on one of the many grassy areas. A budget-friendly and classic park experience.
:picnic_table:🍺 Visit a Beer Garden
Relax with a local brew at one of the park's famous beer gardens, like the Chinese Tower.
:beer_mug:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling, so comfortable footwear is a must!
:athletic_shoe:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The English Garden is a public park and is completely free to enter and explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the English Garden. It's a public park open to everyone, free of charge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
Yes, there are several playgrounds scattered throughout the park, making it a great destination for families with children.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The Monopteros, Chinese Tower, Japanese Teahouse, and the various bridges and streams are all picturesque. Don't forget the surfers for dynamic shots!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
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.
couples
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Eisbach Wave
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.
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.
Exploring the Beer Gardens
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.
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.
Cycling and Walking Trails
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit