In 1789, the Munich council put aside 3.6 square kilometres (1.4 square miles) of land next to the River Isar aside for use as a city park. It was then that the English Garden (Englischer Garten) came into existence. This wild area was manicured and reshaped by landscape gardener Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who was inspired by the open spaces and sweeping lawns of English parklands.
Spend a day by the river and try a number of amusing activities. Swimming is permitted in the river, and sometimes locals will partake in the nude. Popular pastimes also include rafting and sunbathing. Visit the Einbach, a manmade wave constructed near a bridge over the Isar, to see committed surfers riding the white-water. For lunch, take a picnic to one of the garden lawns or use public barbecues in designated areas.
The garden’s activities circulate around its central man-made lake, Kleinhesseloher See. Feed geese or swans, take a loved one onto the water on a rowboat or simply walk around the reflective water. There is a Japanese Tea House on a small island in the river, alongside Monopteros, a Greek love temple. Nearby, the Chinese Tower marks the location of a beer garden where a traditional oompah band entertains the drinking crowd.
The park’s charms change with the season. In the warmer months, parents bring their kids to run around or play ball games on sunny lawns. In winter, hill sledding and ice-skating can be found around the Kleinhesseloher See. Take your partner on a park tour on horseback or by carriage for a romantic experience of the park’s main attractions. Watch as beautifully dressed riders exercise their steeds on designated horse tracks.
The English Garden runs from the city centre to the north-eastern limits of Munich. Get there on foot or by bike from the city. Alternatively, the nearest bus route stops near the Chinese Tower.
