English Garden

Laid out from 1789 on land along the Isar, the Englischer Garten covers about three hundred and seventy-five hectares, larger than Central Park, and was among the first large public parks in Europe open to all classes from the start. At the southern end, water forced through a channel under a bridge on the Eisbach forms a standing wave about a metre high; surfers have ridden it since the 1970s, queue on the bank and take turns, and do so through the winter in wetsuits. The park also holds a Chinese tower with a beer garden seating several thousand, a Japanese teahouse and a Greek-style temple on a mound.

What to look for

• The Eisbach wave - a standing river wave surfed year-round in the city.
• The Chinese Tower - a beer garden for several thousand people.
• The Monopteros - a Greek-style temple on a mound with city views.
• The open lawns - meadows used freely, including for nude sunbathing.

When to go

April to October for the beer gardens and lawns; the wave is surfed all year. Summer weekends fill the park. Autumn colour along the Isar is strong.

What to expect

The wave is for experienced surfers only; watching is the sensible option. Beer gardens are cash-heavy and crowded. The park is very large.

Nearby

The Residenz lies south; Schwabing borders the west side.