Visiting the English Garden

Posted By Barry K. Rothman

At the center of Munich is a large public park known as “The English Gardens.” This area of 1.4 square miles is actually larger than New York’s Central Park, and it features several smaller attractions that tourists and locals enjoy.

Japanese Tea House

To celebrate the Summer Olympics in 1972, the city of Munich had a small Japanese teahouse constructed on an island in the English Garden. The teahouse itself was a gift from the head of the Urasenke tea school.

Chinese Tower

Modeled after “The Great Pagoda” in the Royal Botanic Gardens, this Chinese tower was constructed at the end of the 1700s. It burned down after heavy bombing in 1944, but was rebuilt in September of 1952.

Eisbach

An artificial stream runs through the English Garden known as “Eisbach” or “ice brook.” Swimming is not allowed in the Eisbach, but visitors are welcome to surf on the standing wave. Just be careful if you’re a kayaker, as they are allowed but surfers tend to think they “rule” the territory.

Monopteros

A small Greek-style temple was constructed in 1836 on a manmade hill overlooking the park. Outfitted with ten ionic style columns and a copper covered dome, the structure was meant to rival the “Apollo Temple” that had fallen into disrepair.

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About the Author:Barry K. Rothman is an elementary school teacher from Houston, Texas. He grow up in NYC. His hobbies include travelling and photography.