8 must see parks in Munich

Munich is an enchanting green city that looks straight out of a fairytale. Fall in love with the English Garden’s slice of paradise that stretches from the city center to the bank of the Isar River and Olympia Park’s grass-covered hills and panoramic views. You’ll also feel like royalty as you stroll through the scenic grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, with gorgeous gardens and natural-looking bodies of water that add to its majestic appeal. No matter which part of the city you explore, you’ll find a patch of greenery that offers a peaceful respite in the midst of a city frenzy.

Parks in Munich abound, and we’ll cover several of them in this guide. Some have an intriguing past and historic structures, while others are a haven for cyclists, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers. They also serve as a gathering place for meetings, concerts, and open-air events.

You’ll find plenty of activities in most parks in Munich, so you should know where to place your belongings if you want to participate. That’s where our luggage storage service comes in. Our Munich luggage storage locations are accessible and easy to spot, giving you a convenient and safe place to stow your items near your favorite park.

Olympiapark München

Olympic Park isn’t your typical Munich park. It has everything you expect from a green space, with lawns, trees, biking and walking paths, sports facilities, and even a lake, but there’s more. It has everything in one place, from nature and relaxation to concerts, top-class events, and remarkable attractions.

The park was created in 1972 for the Summer Olympics and is now a central hub for sports and recreation, with an Olympic Stadium at its heart. It’s the park’s most famous and prominent feature and a place for world-class champions. The Olympic Tower is also a notable structure. It stands 291 meters, making it the city’s tallest building with a viewing platform that offers the best city views and the surrounding area.

Swim at the indoor swimming pool or row on the Olympic Lake. You can also jog through the scenic landscape, train or show off your skating capabilities at the Olympic Ice Sports Centre, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk. In summer, the grassy area transforms into an open-air cinema with evening shows in comfy deck chairs. Many of the city’s most spectacular events also occur in the massive Olympic Hall, including theater performances, musicals, concerts, and sporting events. We recommend you designate an entire day to explore the 85-acre Olympic Park and participate in numerous activities.

Augustiner-Keller

You can’t visit Munich and not try its beer. The city has a long brewing history and tradition, and what better place to indulge in this refreshing beverage than a beer garden? The town has plenty of beer gardens, but a go-to spot to consider with a less touristy vibe is Augustiner-Keller. It’s one of the oldest beer gardens in Munich that first appeared on the city map in the early 1800s.

This beer garden has more than 5,000 seats, including indoor seating that features a red-brick subterranean cellar and a traditional beer hall. But the real winner is the outdoor seating area under the glorious chestnut trees. You’ll get to sit on wooden benches with friends, family, or strangers while the friendly staff serves beer tapped from wooden barrels.

Augustiner-Keller is also a relaxing, family-friendly place for a weekend getaway. While adults enjoy traditional Bavarian treats, the little ones can roam freely and play in the public playground. The beer garden hosts a children’s party in summer with fairies, unicorns, and pirates romping around the site.

The Englischer Garten

Measuring 375 hectares, the English Garden is the largest park in Munich. It’s even more extensive than New York's Central Park at 340 acres, making it the world’s largest inner-city park. It can fit around 640 football pitches, so there’s enough space to enjoy fun outdoor activities and soak in the fresh air in the middle of the capital of Bavaria.

Centrally located at the park’s entrance is the Eisbach, a two-kilometer artificial river that flows through the English Garden. It’s one of the city’s top attractions, where several river surfers ride the waves in nearly all weather. It’s a hotspot among city-dwellers and tourists who want to stay cool in the hot summer months, offering the world’s biggest and most constant river waves at the heart of a big city.

If you’re not into surfing, the iconic attractions in the English Garden will keep you entertained and busy for hours. One of your stops should be the Monopteros for views and photo opportunities. This round structure looks like a Greek temple with a dome roof. It’s perched on a hill, offering stunning views of the garden, trees, and water features. The Chinese Tower is arguably the Garden’s famous structure, but those who want to experience the traditional tea ceremony should head to the Japanese Tea House.

No matter the season, the English Garden is a beloved park in Munich. It’s also a magnet for athletes, so you’ll often encounter joggers and cyclists training on the 78-kilometer paths on a sunny day.

Hofgarten

Another lovely park in Munich is just a stone’s throw from the English Garden. Hofgarten is a paradise for relaxation, nestled on the edge of the historic Old Town. It’s centrally located, near many tourist attractions, including the Bavarian State Chancellery and the majestic Munich Residence, which has been accessible to the public as a palace museum since 1920. A visit to the Royal Garden can be a part of your tour of the Residence Museum. After exploring its collections and rooms, enjoy the sun and rest at the park.

The Duke and Elector of Bavaria, Maximilian I, ordered the creation of the Royal Garden in the early 17th century. He wanted it to be based on an Italian Renaissance Garden style. However, only the elites, like the electors, monarchs, and dukes, could stroll there. In 1780, thanks to Elector Karl Theodor, the gardens became accessible to the public.

Arcade-style passages, well-kept flower beds, and greenery await you at the Royal Garden. You also can’t miss the Hofgarten Pavilion, found in the center of the garden. The northern part is home to several buildings, including the Deutsche Theatermuseum, a German theater museum that will introduce you to the fascinating world of German theater.

Nymphenburg Palace Park

Combine nature, art, and history at Nymphenburg Palace Park, a 180-hectare park that will quickly put you in a state of calmness and peace. It’s a place of wonder for architecture enthusiasts, home to several impressive buildings, including small palaces such as Badenburg, Pagodenburg, and Amalienburg. The Magdalenenklause is the third pavilion within the palace grounds, constructed from 1725 to 1728. It’s located north of the Grand Parterre and was initially built as a hermit’s residence.

If you’re here to unwind, you’ll surely leave the palace park feeling refreshed with free nature all over. The tranquil lakes, bridges, and ponds add to its idyllic setting and ethereal atmosphere. Set beautifully on Lake Badenburg is the Monopteros Round Temple, while the smaller Lake Pagodenburg is usually quiet, with ducks and waterfowl often swimming and chilling on the shore. You’ll also find benches scattered throughout the area for rest or reading a book.

Whether you’re alone or with a group, you won’t have any dull moments at the park. For plant lovers, head north of the place and visit the Botanical Garden. The sculptures, water fountains, and garden art also provide great photo opportunities, so you have something to share with loved ones or look back on for years.

Westpark

West Park is a famous park for recreation, ideal for families, foodies, or anyone who wants to enjoy a delightful afternoon lounging on the grass or strolling through tree-shaded walking paths. If you’re in the Sendling-Westpark district, southwest of Munich, it’s one of the green spaces you should visit.

The western part will make you feel like you’ve entered a different country with the East Asian ensemble. The park features a China Garden and a Japanese Garden, a gift from its twin city of Sapporo. There’s also a Bangkok-style pagoda and a wooden Nepal Pagoda carved by 300 master Nepalese craftsmen based on ancient tradition.

This Munich park covers an area of sixty hectares with a design influenced by the landscape at the base of the Alps. Peter Kluska designed it to create a park shielded from the big city noise. Not only does it provide a serene paradise to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, but it also serves as a playground for the whole family.

Everyone is invited to exercise in summer with the city’s official recreational sports program. You can join different work, like yoga and Zumba if the weather allows. For food and beer lovers, there are eateries and beer gardens at the park.

Alter Botanischer Garten

Need a quick break from browsing the shops at Karlsplatz or touring world-famous sights around Marienplantz? If so, make your way to the Old Botanical Garden in Munich. Alter Botanischer Garten is a pleasant urban retreat in the heart of the city. It’s a small park you can reach on foot from the main train station and many of the capital’s points of interest.

Although it’s in the middle of the bustling city, it’s typically quiet here, making it a great stop to calm your soles from a shopping spree or sightseeing. The artist behind its design was landscape architect Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell. The garden became a city park during the Nazi period. It was also when a coffee house with a beer garden was established called the Park Café (formerly Neptune Fountain). Unfortunately, the Neptune Fountain and the Art Pavilion were destroyed during World War II.

The entrance gate is the only preserved structure since the garden’s inception. The restored Neptune Fountain is now its centerpiece, where locals gather around the fountain area with flowerbeds.

Maximiliansanlagen

Have a peaceful break from the daily grind and admire the glorious wonders of nature at Maximilian Park. It’s one of the quietest and most beautiful parks in Munich, where you can contemplate and distance yourself from the city crowds. It’s situated directly on the Isar River, stretching about two kilometers, perfect for joggers, runners, and walkers.

Maximilian Park is a short walk from the Library of the Bavarian State Parliament and Wiener Platz. But one of its most prominent features is the Friedensengel (Angel of Peace). It’s a replica of the Nike of Paionios, an ancient statue of Nike, known as the Greek goddess of victory. Along with the column, this golden monument is 38 meters high, so you can’t miss it when visiting the park. This legendary landmark towers in the middle of the park and has been looking down on visitors and residents since 1899.

Due to its location near the roaring Isar, strolling along the river is a must. Or, you can sit on the riverbank and relish the serene atmosphere. The lush green lawns are also perfect for picnics or reading your favorite book.

Immerse yourself in nature at Munich parks

Munich is a big German city that offers a balance of sightseeing, shopping, leisure, and city bustle. But visiting the parks in Munich is an adventure you shouldn’t miss. This Bavarian capital is full of outdoor recreation, wild and urban parks, gardens, and trails for biking, walking, and running, so you have no reason not to go out there and appreciate Mother Nature.

Looking for fun in the sun but in a different setting? Grab your sunscreen and head to the beaches near Munich. If you want a bit of a challenge while exploring outdoors, check out our guides on the best hikes in Munich and find trails to tackle.