The Englischer Garten, German for "English Garden", is one of the world's largest urban parks - even larger than New York's Central Park. Named for the English style of landscape gardening, the park is popular with locals and visitors alike who come to lounge on the meadow grass, cycle the winding paths, or even surf the man-made waterfall created by a bridge over the Eisbach stream on Prinzregent Strasse.
The English weren't the only ones to have an influence in Munich's park, the Japanese Teahouse and Chinese Tower are also popular attractions in the Englischer Garten. Have a bratwurst and a beer at the Biergarten at the foot of the Chinese Tower while listening to traditional German music played by men in Liederhosen. There is another Biergarten located in the park, Seehaus, where you can also rent a paddle boat and take a spin around the lake on warmer days.
Located in the heart of Munich, the Englischer Garten serves as the primary recreation spot for Germans. The Garten is divided into northern and southern parts by a busy road, and each section has its distinct characteristics. Sheep graze in the grass of the northern part, called the Hirschau, where there is an amphitheatre used for open air performances in summer. The southern part is mostly used for sunbathing and sport. These two halves make the Englischer Garten perfect for all outdoor activities in Munich.
