Schloss Nymphenburg, Munich

For the time being I can’t write much about the castle itself or its interior, because I was here only briefly, for an early Sunday morning walk with Richie. But this is something I enjoyed very much, so that’s my suggestion:
On a sunny morning anytime of the year go there as early as possible to have advantage of the lovely morning light setting and of an almost empty park. Don’t enter through one of the side gates but from the east, with full view of the castle itself (see here, panorama of the castle). This is where you will arrive when you take the streetcar no 17 (get off “Schloß Nymphenburg”) and walk along the little canal that ends at the outer castle pond. We were only in the southern park but I really loved it. And of course with Richie being a good guide, I saw all the little bits and pieces of buildings hidden in the forest.

For a park plan, click => here. That’s the castle website with more information about the park and the buildings, in English.

Directions:
This depends how and from where you arrive. We came by bus no. 51 from Laim. For details see => park website “how to get there”.

Location of Schloß Nymphenburg (entrance) on Google Maps.

© Ingrid D., September 2012 (just in case Facebook or other website users come along and think they can steal photos).

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It is large at 490 acres, and was first in Italian style for a garden; later changed to English style in early 1800's. It has many winding lanes to traverse, and along the way see the unique and elegant hunting "lodges", or smaller palaces on the grounds. There are two main ponds that extend far into the park area.

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This is built as a hermitage in 1725-28. The theme was to make the building and surroundings look like it was a place where a hermit would live; thereby the outside facade is in half ruin appearance. The south end has a grotto of of St. Mary Magdalene, as well as the entry hall. These are works of art using sea shells, rough fabricated stone look, and figurines standing out of them.
The north is the Elector apartments, small as they were, decorated with oak panels and copper engravings.

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It was built in 1716-19 at the direction of Max Emanuel. The magnificent blue and white tiles of Dutch origin are displayed throughout the small building. It was to be a respite for the weary after playing "Mailspiel game" (whatever that is). The main hall is in great splendor, and the upper rooms have a Chinese motif, and a Boudoir to take a rest. It is a most unique structure. At this time it was vogue to emulate and replicate the Chinese styles; called chinoiserie.

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This 18th century building constructed under the rein of Max Emanuel features the banquet hall with elaborate stucco works and frescoes. One stand out is a two story bath Hall; like a pool to us today. It too four years to build; 1718-22 by the plans of Joseph Effner. The hall in the middle is also a great feature, the banqueting hall

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This was to be used as a "pleasure palace" and hunting lodge for Karl Albert's wife; Maria Amalia. It is Rococo style architecture and was constructed in 1754. Francois Cuvillies designed this building. The large Hall of Mirrors in the center is fabulous and you can see yourself coming and going. There also is a Blue cabinet and bedroom, yellow room, and a hunting room and pheasant room; all opulent and elegant. The stucco and silver to designate wealth and class standing is displayed throughout. Even the kitchen of blue and silver tile is beyond the top in decoration.

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Not enough can be said for this unique museum of carriages, sleighs, and other transport modes. It is on the west wing of the palace, and the entry is separate. I do not think a lot of people are aware how precious this tour is; it surpasses the palace room tour, in my opinion-which is valuable to me. The exhibits also includes porcelain pieces and many rein, harnesses and pictures of famed horses.
The coach house was built by Maximilian I on the east side, but by WWII the items in the museum first exhibited in 1923 were moved to current location. The war destroyed a lot of the area, and it reopened in 1952. The collection is of 18th-19th century transport carriages that onlyh the royals could make so opulent.
Fee to enter is Euro 4,50, but a combo ticket is 11,50 Euro for all museums/buildings. It is open 9-5 daily.

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This is one magnificent place. The compound that was occupied by the Wittelsbach families is "huge" to say the least; or most. It was the summer residence to allow the rulers to get away from the town people in the square where the Residence is located. The palace is 2100 feet long and is segregated into 3 sections; all styled in Baroque, but some interiors were redesigned in later years Rococo or Neoclassical. The park is 490 acres (200 hectares), and holds the "smaller" palaces/retreats of Pagodenburg, Badenburg, Amalienburg, and a Magdalenenklaus meditation retreat. Elector Ferdinand and wife Henrietta Adailade had this built in 1664 to commemorate the birth of the son; but only the main building in the center was first to be constructed. Max Emanuel expanded to add the wings in 1701, which got completed in 1715.

There is a self guided, and no guided tours of the main palace rooms; about 8-10 rooms in all. Entry to this is Euro 6. A combo ticket cost Eruo 11,50 and that includes the outlying buildings. It is open 9-5 daily

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This is one magnificent place. The compound that was occupied by the Wittelsbach families is "huge" to say the least; or most. It was the summer residence to allow the rulers to get away from the town people in the square where the Residence is located. The palace is 2100 feet long and is segregated into 3 sections; all styled in Baroque, but some interiors were redesigned in later years Rococo or Neoclassical. The park is 490 acres (200 hectares), and holds the "smaller" palaces/retreats of Pagodenburg, Badenburg, Amalienburg, and a Magdalenenklaus meditation retreat.

The buildings are in great shape and the grounds beautiful.

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What struck me first when arriving at Schloss Nymphenburg is the enormity of its width. The palace which began construction in 1664 is now over 700 meters wide. To even get a picture of the entire front baroque facade you practically have to stand back on the street.

We took the palace and garden tour only. The palace itself contains rooms with styles from three different periods; baroque, rococo, and neoclassical. Some of the ceiling frescos had been well preserved or recreated. One of my favorite rooms which was the Gallery of Beauties in the south pavilion. King Ludwig I had the portriats of all his many affairs hung in this room.

The park and the garden are worth a long walk. The garden was originally an Italian style garden but was redone in the early 19th century by Prince Charles Theodore. The park is divided by a long canal which begins near the palace and extends out to the statues of the Greek gods.

We did not tour the carriage house or the factory on the first floor.