Munich's English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world — bigger than Central Park in New York. On this walk we'll go from the famous Eisbach surfers all the way to the Chinese Tower beer garden, stopping at hidden corners I've grown to love over 25+ years of living right next to the park.
The Route
Meeting point & end
We start at the Diana Temple in the Hofgarten and finish at the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Meeting Point
Diana Temple (Dianatempel)
We meet at the Diana Temple, the elegant pavilion at the heart of the Hofgarten — easy to find, just a short walk from Odeonsplatz U-Bahn station.
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End Point
Chinese Tower Beer Garden
Our walk ends at the famous Chinese Tower beer garden — the perfect place to stay for a Maß of beer, a Hendl, and that classic Bavarian Biergarten atmosphere.
Open in Google MapsTour Stops
We walk roughly south to north through the park — pace and order may vary depending on weather and the group.
Surfer Wave (Eisbachwelle)
Right at the southern edge of the English Garden, the Eisbach river forms a standing wave that has become world-famous for river surfing. Locals have been riding it since the 1970s, and today it draws surfers from all over the world — year-round, even in winter.
Japanese Tea House
A gift from Munich's sister city Sapporo, the Japanese Tea House sits on a small island and hosts traditional tea ceremonies in the warmer months. A peaceful spot just steps from the busy Haus der Kunst.
Waterfall
A small but charming artificial waterfall along the Schwabinger Bach. It's a favorite quick stop for joggers and a great photo spot tucked away under the trees.
Karl-Theodor Wiese
A wide open meadow named after Elector Karl Theodor, who founded the English Garden in 1789. On sunny days it fills with picnickers, frisbee players, and Münchners soaking up the sun — a true slice of local life.
Stone Bench
A historic stone bench tucked along one of the park's quieter paths — a perfect place to pause, look back over the meadow, and imagine the park as it was 200 years ago.
Monopteros
Built in 1836, this round Greek-style temple sits on an artificial hill and offers one of the best views in Munich — across the park's meadows toward the city skyline and the towers of the Frauenkirche. A classic spot for sunsets.
Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm)
The 25-meter wooden Chinese Tower is the heart of one of Munich's largest and most beloved beer gardens, with seating for around 7,000 people under chestnut trees. A traditional brass band often plays from the tower's upper floors — pure Bavarian summer.