Explore this grand palace that is steeped in royalty, from swan lakes and gilt-covered stagecoaches to elaborate works of art.
The Nymphenburg Palace is an enormous structure with a majestic white façade and baroque-themed gardens. Discover halls and rooms decorated in styles from various eras. See a museum showcasing the stagecoaches and carriages that belonged to former palace residents.
Nymphenburg Palace was initially conceived as a summer residence for Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy. They made plans for the palace after the birth of their son Max Emanuel in 1662. When the young prince reigned he expanded and renovated the residence to comply with the latest trends in France. Successive rulers continued adding facets to the palace in keeping with the fashion of their era.
Stroll along the wide Grand Parterre pathway in the baroque-style gardens. See swans glide around the impressive fountain and central canal at the end of the path. The rest of the grounds were based around a classical landscape garden at the turn of the 19th century.
Look for Nymphenburg Palace’s pavilions spread throughout the gardens. Amalienburg Pavilion is a great example of rococo design by the Paris-trained architect François de Cuvilliés. Visit the carriage museum in the former stables of the palace. You will find old-fashioned sleighs, coaches and horse riding equipment.
Rent an audio guide to take a guided tour of the palace. Walk around the spacious Great Hall with its elaborate decor and painted ceiling. Browse King Ludwig I’s “Gallery of Beauties”, a collection of 36 19th-century portraits of women from various upbringings in Munich. See personal items of former royalty in the room where King Ludwig II was born, the Queen’s Bedroom.
The Nymphenburg Palace and the park are open every day. Opening hours depend on the time of year, with longer days in summer. There is a fee for admission and for audio guides. Guided tours can be organised in advance for large groups. You can reach the palace by bus from Munich. It is a 20-minute car ride from the centre of the city.
