Exploring Munich’s Green Heart: The English Garden

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

Picture: Adriana Pineiro

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.

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.

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 parklike
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.