Baroque summer palace of Bavarian electors and kings — built starting in 1664, expanded over 150 years into a sprawling complex of pavilions, gardens, and canals. King Ludwig II was born here in 1845. The Schönheitengalerie (Gallery of Beauties) alone is worth the trip west.
Location
Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, Munich
Map
Insider Intel
Tour the main palace for the state rooms and the Schönheitengalerie — 36 portraits of beautiful women commissioned by King Ludwig I, including Lola Montez. Walk the gardens to the Amalienburg hunting lodge (Rococo interior by François de Cuvilliés, genuinely astonishing). The Marstallmuseum in the south wing houses the royal carriages and Ludwig II's elaborate sleighs.
Morning for palace tours before crowds. Summer for the gardens in full bloom and the fountains operating. Winter when the palace is quieter and snow covers the formal gardens. Tram 12 or 17 from the centre takes 20 minutes to the palace gates.
Built starting in 1664 as a gift from Elector Ferdinand Maria to his wife. Expanded over 150 years by successive rulers. King Ludwig II (the 'Fairy Tale King' who built Neuschwanstein) was born in the palace. The Amalienburg hunting lodge (1734-1739) features a Hall of Mirrors that rivals Versailles in delirious Rococo ornamentation. The park covers 200 hectares — canals, fountains, pavilions, and swans. Less crowded than Munich Residenz, equally impressive in different ways.