Nymphenburg Palace in Munich - A Complete Tour Guide

There are many palaces and castles in and around Bavaria dating back to various periods. But, the Nymphenburg Palace Munich, a huge complex is one of the grandest royal palaces in Europe and one of the most popular attractions in Munich.

It used to be the pleasure palace of the kings and princes of Bavaria. With the building itself and extensive gardens, the long palace canal with alleys on both sides and ornamental fountains, as well as the surrounding park, makes it one of the most popular destinations for visitors from all over the world – and for the residents of Munich.

In this post we will take you on a Nymphenburg palace tour and explore its glorious history, main attractions, park and gardens, and all the information you need to know before visiting one of the finest palaces in all of Europe.

History of Nymphenburg Palace

The beautiful Nymphenburg Palace was built to celebrate the birth of Max Emanuel in 1662. He was longed-for by his parents, Elector Ferdinand Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy who had been married for ten years. He was the highly awaited heir to the throne.

The construction of the palace was carried out by architect Agostino Barelli. It began in 1664 and was completed in 1679, just in time when Max Emanuel began his reign.

After taking over the reins of the palace, he added two more pavilions, which would bring Nymphenburg to its present size. Soon his work was interrupted during the Spanish War, as he had to go to the battlefields. He returned in 1715, and brought along several French artists to finish the work begun by his parents. His patronage of these and other local artists helped to make Munich a flourishing centre for the arts.

Over the decades his successors went on to make their much-loved summer residence even more beautiful and attractive. Most notably, Emperor Charles VII brought in the Amalienburg, an elaborate hunting lodge which was designed by François de Cuvilliés, to Nymphenburg’s park. Similarly, Elector Maximilian III Joseph improved upon the Great Hall, the ceiling of the Chapel and moved the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in front of the palace.

While the palace was always significant in the worlds of art and architecture, in 1741, the Nymphenburg found its place in history, as it hosted the negotiations that resulted in the Treaty of Nymphenburg. This brought an end to the wars between Spain, France and Austria.

A half-century later, the palace began its role in public life when Charles Theodor opened the grounds to all visitors in 1792. At present, the Nymphenburg Palace Munich is open for visitors. However, it is still the home to the Wittelsbach dynasty (presently Franz, Duke of Bavaria).

Nymphenburg Palace Tour

There is so much to see in Nymphenburg Palace and its park that visitors can easily spend more than a day there. Here are some of the main attractions inside Nymphenburg Palace.

Stone Hall (Steinerner Saal)

The dazzling Stone Hall is the best part of the main villa. It’s a three-story grand hall, where guests would first arrive and was the centre of life at Nymphenburg Palace. Dating back to the 1760s, it’s one of the grandest and best-preserved Rococo rooms in Bavaria. It features impressive ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann with Helios in his chariot taking centre stage. It also boasts of elaborate stucco and plaster work by François de Cuvilliés, which includes embedded musical instruments.

Gallery of Beauties (Schönheiten Galerie)

Another well-known attraction within the castle is the “beauty gallery” of King Ludwig I. Joseph Karl Stieler – the court painter was tasked with creating 36 portraits of the most beautiful women in Munich of that time. One of them is the famous Lola Montez, King Ludwig’s infamous mistress.

The Queen’s Bedroom (Queen Caroline)

The Queen’s bedroom is preserved in its original decor and features mahogany furniture from 1815. It’s also the room where King Ludwig II was born on August 25th, 1845. He was named Ludwig to honour his grandfather Ludwig I who was born the same day. As you stroll around you will also see the busts of Crown Prince Ludwig and his brother Otto on the writing desk.

Museums in Nymphenburg Palace

The palace is home to four museums that contain historically significant and artistic works:

Carriage Museum (Marstallmuseum)

The museum is housed in one of the former riding stables in the southern wing of the palace complex. And holds one of the greatest coach collections in Europe from the 17th to the 19th century. On display are over 40 outstanding gilded coaches, carriages, and sleighs; and also includes a 300-year history of princely carriages and the culture of driving and riding. The most famous coach is the Coronation Coach of Emperor Karl VII that stands in the entryway drawn by eight fake white horses.

Porcelain Museum (Porzellanmuseum)

The museum is a unique private collection of porcelain from the 18th to 20th century. Founded in 1747, the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory produced high quality porcelain products and every detail is made exclusively by hand. The museum is located on the upper floor of the Marstallmuseum, and showcases more than 1000 exhibits of ceramics in various styles from the ancient Greeks to the Romantic period to Art Nouveau.

Erwin von Kreibig Museum

This museum is dedicated to a Munich painter, Erwin von Kreibig. He was famous for his illustration of world-famous art journals like the Jugend, the Simplicissimus, and the Eulenspiegel. It’s a wonderful museum, but you may need a guide if you’re not familiar with German art. In addition to Kreibig’s works, there are works by other regional artists exhibited here.

Museum of Man and Nature (Museum Mensch und Natur)

This is a natural history museum in which the history and diversity of the earth and life on our planet is creatively presented. Spread over 2,500 meters, the museum showcases the origin of the solar system, the history of the earth and the development of life. Also covered is the anatomy and biology of man, nutrition and environmental problems as well as the relationship of man to nature are presented. Kids will surely love this museum as it’s full of interactive exhibits that revolve around nature, technology, and life sciences.

Nymphenburg Palace Gardens

No beautiful palace is complete without its gardens and the Nymphenburg certainly lives up to the expectations. The gardens were originally designed in the Italian style in 1671, and were redone in French and later, under Friedrich Ludwig Sckell in English style.

As you approach the palace from front, you’ll pass through the arches and onto the gardens, and you’re in for a visual surprise. The canals out in the front of the palace extend back as far as the eye can see through the garden. And during summer months, the gondolier offers rides. The flower beds and sculptures run parallel to the canal and in the distance, the water shimmers in cascading fountains.

Nymphenburg Park

Just beyond the immediate palace premises and its gardens is a beautiful wooded park. In this park there is so much to see that you can easily walk through it for a whole day and always discover something new.

There is a wide network of walkways, beautiful avenues, ornamental gardens, artistically designed flower beds, fairy-tale forests, picturesque lakes, small streams, canals with bridges and locks, water cascades and fountains, three castles, hundreds of statues, a temple and even a small village.

Nymphenburg Park Palaces

There are four Park Palaces that you can visit and all offer something unique – they are Pagodenburg, Badenburg, Magdalenenklause and Amalienburg.

Please note that the Park Palaces are closed in Winter (October 16 – March).

Pagodenburg, the Royal Tea House

This octagonal two-story pavilion was built for Max Emanuel by Joseph Effner from 1716 -1719 years as a ‘rest house’ and ‘tea house’. The royals used this pavilion for tea parties and relaxing after a game of boules – a sport similar to golf.

On the ground floor there is a hall that features richly coloured blue and white Dutch tiles and other exotic items. On the first floor, there are small and beautifully designed rooms – the Chinese living room, the Chinese cabinet, and a Boudoir.

Badenburg, the Royal Bathing House

Badenburg was also built by Joseph Effner between 1719-1721. It was the first royal bath house ever built and you might think of it as the first modern swimming pool. The building contains a ballroom and several other rooms, such as the hallway, study, bedroom and dressing. The bathroom is equipped with a heating system, kitchen, and other rooms are located in the basement.

Magdalene Klause, The Grotto Chapel

The most hidden building in the Nymphenburg Park is the Magdalene Klause (Maria Magdalena’s Inn). It was built between 1725-28 by Joseph Effner and commissioned by Max Emanuel, who didn’t live to see the building’s completion.

While the Magdalene Klaus looks like it’s falling apart, the ruined appearance is intentional. It was meant as a place for silent contemplation and escape from the courtly life for the royals. Inside, there is a grotto chapel of St. Mary Magdalene.

Amalienburg

The Amalienburg (Amalia’s castle) is a small hunting lodge and pleasure palace. It is lavishly decorated in the rococo style and was built between 1734-39 by the Elector Karl Albrecht of Bavaria, as a gift to his wife Archduchess Amalia of Austria. At the centre of the building is the hall of mirrors and silver ornaments. And all rooms of the building are decorated with rich paintings, stucco work, wood carvings, and much more.

Temple of Apollo (Apollo-Tempel)

This temple was built in dome-style by the famous architect Leo von Klenze in the years 1862-1865. On a bright and clear day, it’s the perfect place to rest on its steps and admire the tranquil landscape surrounding it.

Nymphenburg Palace in Winter

Nymphenburg Palace is one of the most popular attractions in Munich when it snows. The whole park transforms into a true winter wonderland and will be half as busy as in summer.

You can go ice-skating or try curling on the frozen canal in front of the palace. And if you’re visiting around Christmas time, there are several food and drink stalls around the canal providing refreshments.

Visitors Information

The Nymphenburg Palace garden and park is free to enter for everyone throughout the year. The opening hours differ for each attraction and depending on the month you visit.

Nymphenburg Palace, Carriage Museum with Porcelain Museum.

April to 15 October: Every day from 9 am to 6 pm
16 October to March: Every day from 10 am to 4 pm

Park Palaces (Pagodenburg, Badenburg, Magdalene Klause, Amalienburg).

April to 15 October: Every day from 9 am to 6 pm
16 October to March: Closed

Entry is free for children under 18 years of age. Some students over 18 may get free entry. There is also a special audio guide for children from 6 to 12 years.

Audio guide is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.

Backpacks and large bags must be checked into a locker before taking the palace tour.

The Nymphenburg Palace Munich closes for only five days a year: Shrove Tuesday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years’ Eve and New Year’s Day.

Why You Should Book Nymphenburg Palace Tickets in Advance

It can be a stressful experience for most visitors when they try to visit the Nymphenburg Palace on their own. As you have understood so far there is lots to see within the palace complex and may confuse you. Further, tickets are often sold out well in advance.

Therefore, it’s advisable to book your Nymphenburg palace tour with Rosotravel before you get to Munich, or as soon as you arrive. We offer private guided tours to the most popular attractions within Nymphenburg Palace and Park.

While you can tour the outer grounds for free, you really need to join a private guided tour of the palace to get a better understanding of Bavarian royal history.

By joining our ‘Skip the Line’ private guided tour you will avoid the long queues as your tickets are already organized and your entrance time is booked in advance. Further, our tour includes a comfortable and safe transport with pick-up and drop off service from your hotel.

Near Nymphenburg Palace

The botanical garden is located in the Northeast end of the Nymphenburg Park and is not part of the palace complex. It’s partially separated by a wall and a road from the park.

Spread over an area of 21 hectares, the garden is one of Germany’s largest botanical gardens and is home to over 20,000 species and subspecies of exotic plants. The highlight of the garden is the Victoria House, with its huge pond and giant water lilies.

Finally,

Is Nymphenburg Palace Munich Worth a Visit?

Yes. It’s a good idea to add historical attractions in Munich to your bucket list. We recommend you book our Nymphenburg palace tour and explore the palace and its gardens with our expert guide. After exploring the palace in great detail and the overall experience, you’ll be able to visualise Nymphenburg Palace in its full glory.

So, this was our guide to the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. Hope we have been able to convince you to visit. Still got any questions? Comment below!