English Garden Munich Guide - Where to Hop Off

Larger than New York's Central Park, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is the green lung of Munich. It stretches from the city center all the way to the northern city limits. The Hop-On Hop-Off buses usually stop near the Eisbach (southern end) or near the Chinese Tower (middle), depending on the route.

The Eisbach Surfers

This is a sight you won't believe until you see it. On the Eisbach river, near the Haus der Kunst art museum, a standing wave has been created artificially by stone blocks. Surfers—in full wetsuits and boards—queue up year-round (even in snow!) to ride the wave.

• Where: Prinzregentenstraße bridge (usually a designated bus stop nearby).
• Tip: It's mesmerizing. You can easily lose 20 minutes just watching them wipe out and carve turns. It is illegal to swim here, but experienced surfers are tolerated.

The Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm)

Located in the center of the park is this famous wooden pagoda, destroyed in WWII and rebuilt exactly as before. Surrounding it is Munich's second-largest beer garden with 7,000 seats.

• Vibe: Traditional Bavarian brass music (Oompah bands) plays live from the first floor of the tower on weekends and sunny days.
• Food: Self-service. Grab a giant pretzel (Brezn), Obatzda (spiced cheese spread), Hendl (roast chicken), and a Maß (liter) of beer.
• Playground: There is an excellent traditional wooden carousel and playground nearby.

The Monopteros

A short walk from the Chinese Tower is a small Greek-style temple on a hill. It was built in 1836. Climb up for a skyline view of the Munich church towers poking above the trees. It's a popular spot for students to play guitar and watch the sunset.

Swimming

Yes, people swim in the Eisbach (downstream from the surfers where it's calmer), but it's cold and the current is fast. Only for strong swimmers. Nude sunbathing is also permitted in designated areas (Schönfeldwiese), a local tradition known as FKK. Don't be shocked!

Why Hop Off Here?

After seeing stone palaces and museums, the English Garden is the perfect palate cleanser. It’s where locals actually hang out. If the weather is good, skip a bus loop and walk from the surfers to the Chinese Tower (approx 20 mins) and catch the bus there if there is a stop, or walk back.