How long does it take to walk through the English Garden?

To walk the southern section from the Eisbachwelle to the Seehaus takes about 45-60 minutes of active walking. However, most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours total to account for watching surfers and enjoying a beer garden break.

Is the English Garden in Munich worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Europe's premier urban parks and is larger than New York's Central Park. It offers a unique mix of cultural history, Bavarian beer culture, and the world-famous river surfing scene.

Where can I see surfers in Munich?

Surfers are located at the Eisbachwelle, right next to the Haus der Kunst museum on Prinzregentenstraße. They surf on a permanent standing wave in the river 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Can I swim in the English Garden?

While locals often swim in the Eisbach canal during summer, it is only recommended for very strong swimmers due to the freezing water and powerful currents. The Kleinhesseloher See is for boating only, not swimming.

When is the best time to visit the Chinese Tower?

The best time is a sunny afternoon or early evening. On Sundays, you can often hear traditional Bavarian brass bands playing from the tower, which adds a festive atmosphere to the beer garden.

Is the English Garden accessible for strollers?

Yes, the park features wide, flat paths that are excellent for strollers and wheelchairs. Most major attractions like the Chinese Tower and Seehaus have step-free access.

What should I wear for a walking route in Munich?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the paths are mostly gravel. If you plan to sit in a beer garden in the evening, bring a light jacket as it can get cool near the water even in summer.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Munich is a city of surprising contrasts, where deep-rooted Bavarian traditions meet a laid-back modern lifestyle. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the park's southern heart, starting with the adrenaline-pumping Eisbachwelle and ending at the tranquil shores of Kleinhesseloher See. Along the way, you will discover how a landlocked city became a global surfing icon and why the locals cherish their 'English' landscape so dearly. This walking route offers a perfect blend of high-energy action, historical architecture, and peaceful nature, making it a dream for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a true taste of Munich life. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you'll witness the incredible sight of river surfers tackling a permanent standing wave, a spectacle that has become a symbol of the city's rebellious spirit. From there, the path leads you past the imposing Haus der Kunst, a building that stands as a reminder of Munich's complex 20th-century history. As you climb the gentle hill to the Monopteros, a Greek-style temple, you'll be rewarded with one of the most iconic views of the Munich skyline, featuring the twin domes of the Frauenkirche. No neighborhood stroll through this park would be complete without a visit to the Chinese Tower, where the aroma of roasted nuts and the clinking of heavy glass mugs define the classic Bavarian beer garden experience. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or a vibrant social scene, this walking tour Munich provides the flexibility to linger at a lakeside cafe or rush to catch the golden hour light on the meadows. This is not just a walk through a park; it is an immersion into the Munich lifestyle, where nature and culture coexist in perfect harmony.

Highlights

Watch the famous year-round river surfers at the Eisbachwelle

Panoramic city skyline views from the Monopteros temple

Traditional Bavarian atmosphere at the Chinese Tower beer garden

The striking neoclassical architecture of the Haus der Kunst

Peaceful lakeside views at Kleinhesseloher See

Lush meadows and hidden paths of one of the world's largest city parks

Tour Stops (6)

Eisbachwelle

Welcome to one of the most unexpected sights in Germany. Here at the southern edge of the English Garden, the Eisbach River creates a permanent standing wave. Regardless of the season or the temperature, you will find wetsuit-clad surfers lining up to take their turn on the water. This spot became a legendary surf destination in the 1970s, though it was technically illegal to surf here for many years. Today, it is a celebrated part of Munich's identity. Watch how the surfers use the concrete walls to carve turns on a wave that never moves, a testament to the city's unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.

House of Art (Haus der Kunst)

Standing just a few steps from the surfers is the Haus der Kunst, a massive example of neoclassical architecture. Completed in 1937, it was the first monumental structure built by the Nazi regime, intended to showcase what they deemed 'pure' German art. Today, the museum has been reclaimed as a vibrant center for contemporary global art, often hosting provocative exhibitions that contrast sharply with its heavy, colonnaded exterior. The building serves as a powerful reminder of how Munich has transformed its historical scars into spaces for modern creativity and open dialogue.

Monopteros im Englischen Garten

As you walk deeper into the park, look up to see the Monopteros perched on a 15-meter-high hill. This Greek-style round temple was designed by Leo von Klenze and completed in 1836. Interestingly, the hill itself is man-made, created using material excavated during the construction of the nearby Residenz. This is the ultimate photography spot in the park. From the temple's base, you can see the spires of the city center rising above the trees. It’s a popular local hangout for watching the sunset, offering a moment of serenity high above the sprawling lawns where locals sunbathe and play sports.

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm

You have reached one of Munich's most famous landmarks: the Chinese Tower. Standing 25 meters tall, this wooden pagoda was first built in 1789, inspired by the 'Chinese House' in London's Kew Gardens. While the tower has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, most notably after WWII, it remains the centerpiece of Munich’s second-largest beer garden. On weekends, you might hear a traditional brass band playing from the tower's upper stories. This is the perfect place to experience Bavarian lifestyle—grab a pretzel, find a seat at a long wooden table, and enjoy the communal atmosphere that defines the city's social fabric.

Kleinhesseloher See

Continuing north, the landscape opens up to the Kleinhesseloher See. This ornamental lake was created in the early 19th century and serves as the boundary between the bustling southern part of the park and the quieter northern section. The lake is home to several small islands and a large population of swans and ducks. In the summer, you can see people navigating the waters in paddleboats, while in the winter, the lake occasionally freezes enough for ice skating. It’s a transition point where the park feels less like a city hangout and more like a deep forest escape.

SEEHAUS im Englischen Garten

Our walking route concludes at the Seehaus, an elegant restaurant and beer garden situated right on the water's edge. With its Mediterranean-style architecture and prime lakeside views, it offers a slightly more upscale atmosphere than the Chinese Tower. It is a favorite spot for 'Schickeria'—Munich's fashionable crowd—to see and be seen. Whether you choose to end your journey with a coffee on the terrace or a final Bavarian meal, take a moment to appreciate the tranquility. From here, you are well-positioned to either explore the wilder northern reaches of the park or head back toward the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk starting at the Eisbachwelle and moving north toward the Chinese Tower is widely considered the best route. This path covers the park's most famous landmarks including the surfers, the Monopteros, and the lake, all within about 2-3 hours.