Nymphenburg Palace

Introducing Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace, located in the northwest suburbs of Munich, Germany, served as the summer residence of successive kings and nobles. Built between 1664 and 1728, its main structure is Baroque-style. The palace, facing east and west, consists of a series of connected square buildings, stretching 600 meters in front.

Climate and best time to travel

Munich has a continental climate, strongly influenced by the nearby Alps. Because the city is located close to the northern slopes of the Alps, the city experiences significant altitude differences and high precipitation. Unexpected, heavy rainstorms are common. Temperatures fluctuate greatly between day and night, and between winter and summer. Hot, dry winds blowing from the Alps can drastically change the temperature in a matter of hours, even in winter.

Munich's winter, from December to March, is quite cold, but snow is rare. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -2°C. Snow can accumulate for at least two weeks in winter. Munich's summer (May to September) is relatively warm, with the hottest month, July, having an average temperature of 19°C.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

China Pavilion

Among the many halls in the palace, the Chinese Pavilion (Chineselacquer) is worth mentioning. The decorations inside are all Chinese style, such as wallpaper and screens painted with dragons and phoenixes, landscapes, flowers and birds, insects and fish, and Chinese lacquerware and porcelain are also displayed.

Beauty Gallery

The palace also houses the "Gallery of Beauties," which houses portraits of the most beautiful women of the era, painted by court painter Josef Stieler (1781-1858) for Ludwig I. Each of these women possesses natural beauty and graceful demeanor. For over 100 years, this gallery has captivated countless art lovers and tourists. Ludwig I was a suave and charming king, known as a lover of beauty. However, not all of the 36 beauties in the Gallery of Beauties were related to him. They were ladies of noble families, painted for their beauty and displayed for public viewing. However, three of them do have stories to tell. Mane Konign was the queen, the principal wife. Miss Helene Sedlmayr is a special case. She is the only person depicted in plain clothing, having come from a poor family. She was discovered by the king while he was out and about, and because of her beauty, she was painted as an exception. According to folklore, this beautiful girl later became the king's lover. The last and most famous example is Lola. Montez, she was known as a dancer, while some said she was just a lowly dancer. But no matter what, this South American and German mixed-race beauty was indeed charming and became the king's favorite lover. So much so that after the queen's death, she was immediately made a count. The king naively thought that by giving her status, he could give her aristocratic bloodline, and it would not be difficult to further make her queen. However, people refused to recognize her status and bloodline and firmly opposed the title of queen. The king forced the title, which caused an unprecedented and fierce demonstration. The demonstration eventually got out of control and led to King Ludwig I being forced to abdicate. It was another good show of loving beauty more than power. Today, the appearance of this beauty can still be seen in the Beauty Gallery.

Carriage Museum

The south wing is the Marstall Museum, which displays the royal vehicles of the past and the Porcelain Workshop (Nymphenburger Porzellanmanufaktur), which is famous for producing high-quality royal porcelain. It is also a place not to be missed.

palace-style gardens

Behind the palace lie palace gardens and vast meadows and woods. Nestled amidst the lush greenery lies the charming hunting lodge, Amalienborg, with its exquisitely decorated interiors. This palace is a rare artistic treasure among Rococo palaces. The Nymphenburg gardens are vast, and a complete tour will take some time. If you're tired, you can relax in one of the cafés, which boast unique garden landscapes. The castle also houses a greenhouse, ensuring the gardens are always lush and green regardless of the season.

Tickets

From April 1st to October 15th, the ordinary ticket is 11.5 euros and the discounted ticket is 9 euros; from October 16th to March 31st of the following year, the ordinary ticket is 8.5 euros and the discounted ticket is 6.5 euros.

This ticket includes admission to the museums and gardens of Nymphenburg Palace.

Attraction opening hours

April 1st to October 15th: 09:00-18:00; October 16th to March 31st: 10:00-16:00; Closed on January 1st, Ash Wednesday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve

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Most Popular FAQs for Nymphenburg Palace

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Nymphenburg Palace, located in Munich, Germany, was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Bavarian rulers. It is an iconic example of Baroque architecture and has remained a symbol of royal power and wealth. The palace and its vast gardens are major attractions for those interested in European royal history and architecture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The palace is located in the western part of Munich. You can take tram line 17 or bus 51 from the city center to get there. The nearest U-Bahn station is "Laimer Platz" (U5), from where you can walk to the palace in about 15 minutes.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring or summer when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is perfect for outdoor exploration.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for the palace is around €8 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official Nymphenburg Palace website for convenience and to avoid long lines.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer). Booking a few days ahead is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes approximately 2-3 hours to explore the main palace and the surrounding gardens. If you plan to visit the Marstallmuseum and Gallery of Beauties, you may want to spend an additional hour or two.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The main palace rooms, including the stunning Hall of Mirrors.
• The Marstallmuseum with its impressive collection of royal carriages and sleighs.
• The Gallery of Beauties, showcasing portraits of Bavarian women from the 19th century.
• The expansive palace gardens, including the Swan Lake and the Badenburg Pavilion.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in German and English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are also available for rent at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the front of the palace, the main garden with its fountains, and the Swan Lake. The view from the upper floors of the palace overlooking the gardens is also great for panoramic shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the palace interiors to explore the grand rooms and the Gallery of Beauties. Afterward, stroll through the gardens and enjoy the scenic beauty. Finish with the Marstallmuseum and then relax by the lake or in one of the many garden pavilions.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available at the palace, but during certain times of the year, the palace hosts special events and evening tours. It's best to check the official website for any special events or light shows.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The palace can be quite crowded during the summer months, particularly on weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays in the morning or late afternoon, especially in the off-peak seasons (autumn or winter).

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The palace has public toilets, a café, and a gift shop offering souvenirs and books. There are also benches in the gardens where you can rest and enjoy the view.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The palace is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with wheelchair ramps and elevators available. Some parts of the gardens may be more difficult to navigate for those with limited mobility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and card payments are accepted at the entrance, cafés, and gift shops. Mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are also accepted at most locations.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• The palace café, which offers snacks, coffee, and cakes.
• Nearby, you can find local Bavarian restaurants offering traditional dishes like pretzels, sausages, and schnitzels.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in some locations in Munich.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotel Laimer Hof, located about 1 km from the palace, offers comfortable accommodation.
• The Westin Grand Munich is another option, located around 3 km from the palace.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• SchwabenQuellen, a shopping mall and entertainment complex nearby.
• The BMW Museum and BMW Welt, which are a short drive from the palace.
• Olympic Park, a former Olympic venue now open for visitors.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The souvenir shop inside the palace sells royal-themed items, including replica artworks, postcards, and books. You can also find small trinkets like magnets and traditional Bavarian gifts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• You can take the tram (line 17) or bus (51) back to the city center, or use the U-Bahn at Laimer Platz station.
• Taxis are also available for a quick and convenient way to get around Munich.