One of the world's largest urban parks — 3.7 square kilometres stretching from the city centre to the northern edge. River surfing at Eisbachwelle, beer gardens under chestnut trees, naked sunbathers in the meadows. This is Munich at its most relaxed.
Location
Schwabing, Munich
Map
Insider Intel
Enter at the southern end near Haus der Kunst. Walk north along the Eisbach stream to watch the standing wave surfers (year-round, any weather). Continue to the Chinesischer Turm beer garden for a liter under the trees. The Monopteros hilltop temple offers views across the park to the city. Walk as far north as you have time — the park becomes wilder and less crowded beyond Kleinhesseloher See lake.
Summer afternoons for peak beer garden and sunbathing culture. Early morning for joggers and cyclists without crowds. Winter for the strange magic of surfers in wetsuits and frost on the meadows. Any season works — this park defines Munich's relationship with public space.
Created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) for Elector Karl Theodor. Larger than Central Park in New York. The Eisbach wave has become a pilgrimage site for surfers worldwide — the wave is permanent, consistent, and freezing. Nude sunbathing (FKK) is normal and unremarkable in designated areas, particularly around the Schönfeldwiese meadow. The Chinesischer Turm beer garden seats 7,000 and is one of Munich's largest. Locals treat this park as an extension of their living room. Enter without agenda and let the park reveal itself.