Exploring Munich’s Green Heart: The English Garden

This article was co-written by Borbely-Kubina Hannah and Adriana Piñeiro

The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is not just Munich’s largest park, it’s a historical and cultural landmark that reflects the city’s unique blend of tradition, nature, and modern leisure. Spanning over 910 acres, it stretches from the city centre to the northeastern districts, making it one of the largest urban parks in the world, even surpassing New York’s Central Park.

Commissioned in 1789 by Elector Carl Theodor of Bavaria, the English Garden was initially designed to provide a public green space accessible to all citizens—a progressive idea at the time. Inspired by the Enlightenment values of nature and public welfare, Carl Theodor aimed to create a recreational area that promoted well-being and social unity. He entrusted the design to Sir Benjamin Thompson, an American-born scientist and military officer who later became Count Rumford. Thompson designed the park in the style of an English landscape garden, emphasising open meadows, gently winding paths, and scenic water features, moving away from the formal, symmetrical designs common in earlier European gardens.

Today, the English Garden continues to charm visitors with its diverse features, including the Chinese Tower beer garden, the serene Japanese Teahouse, the Monopteros temple with panoramic views of Munich, and the Eisbach river, famous for its standing wave where surfers ride the currents year-round. The park offers something for everyone—whether it’s picnicking in its vast meadows, enjoying live music, or simply taking a peaceful walk along its winding paths.

Travellers and bloggers frequently highlight the English Garden as a must-visit destination in Munich. For instance, “Family Abroad” describes it as “truly amazing,” noting its expansive size and variety of activities suitable for all ages. They emphasise that the park is “very well maintained, with varied landscapes, great views, streams, lakes, and tranquility,” making it an ideal spot for family outings. 

Similarly, “I Travel Forever” refers to the English Garden as a “magical place” offering a variety of experiences, including beer gardens, surfing, and serene spots for meditation. They highlight the park’s appeal across all seasons, stating, “It doesn’t matter whether in winter, summer, spring, or autumn, the English Garden rocks!” 

Visitors on platforms like “TripAdvisor” have also praised the park. One reviewer described it as the “highlight of our Munich trip,” appreciating the peaceful environment and the opportunity to observe local activities such as surfing on the Eisbach wave.

For an exchange student in Munich, the English Garden isn’t just a park; it’s a source of endless stories, discoveries, and good moments. But beyond its picturesque landscapes and cultural appeal, the park holds a deeper significance rooted in science and its role as an urban green space.

The English Garden is often celebrated for its size and beauty, but what makes it truly remarkable is its ecological function within Munich’s urban fabric. Covering over 3,75 km², it acts as the city’s “green lungs.” According to a study by the Bavarian Environmental Agency, large parks like this one can absorb up to 80 tons of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough oxygen to support thousands of people.

The previously mentioned Eisbach river is an artificial channel of the Isar River, carefully engineered to support aquatic ecosystems and maintain a steady flow throughout the park. Scientists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have studied how the river’s design helps oxygenate the water, which supports fish populations and other aquatic life. Knowing that this popular surfing spot is also a testament to thoughtful environmental design adds another layer of appreciation.

Another hidden story lies in the park’s trees. From centuries-old oaks to younger birches, these trees do more than provide shade—they play a key role in cooling the city. Research shows that urban green spaces can reduce surrounding air temperatures by several degrees, offering relief during Munich’s warm summers. 

The English Garden also offers a glimpse into how nature impacts mental well-being. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and stress, the park provides an antidote. A 2019 study published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening found that spending even 20 minutes in a park-like environment significantly lowers cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. 

As exchange students, exploring the English Garden has been about more than just ticking off a tourist spot. It’s been about discovering how nature and human life coexist, creating a space that’s both practical and idyllic. The park isn’t just a beautiful backdrop to Munich—it’s a vital part of the city’s identity, offering lessons in sustainability, community, and the simple joy of being outdoors.