CHINESISCHER TURM

Description

Essentials about the Chinesischer Turm in brief

The Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) is undoubtedly one of the strangest sights in Munich. The 25-meter-high wooden structure in the style of a Chinese pagoda rises from the treetops of the Englischer Garten (English Garden). Built at the end of the 18th century, the tower once served as a viewing platform for the public. Today, it may only be entered by the brass bands that regularly perform there. But that doesn’t diminish its popularity with locals and tourists alike, because at the foot of the tower are Munich’s second-largest beer garden, where you can enjoy beer and chicken against the gorgeous green backdrop of the Englischer Garten, and the historic children’s carousel.

The history and architecture of the Chinesischer Turm

The Chinesischer Turm was built in 1789 and 1790 as part of the planned Volkspark, today’s Englischer Garten. The construction was carried out by the court carpenter Johann Baptist Erlacher according to a design by the architect Joseph Frey. At the end of the 18th century, the Chinese architectural style was in vogue, which is why the Munich tower was modeled on the double-height pagoda in London’s Royal Botanic Gardens (which in turn is a replica of a Majolica Pagoda in Beijing).

In the beginning, the tower construction served primarily as a viewing platform. According to tradition, at the time of construction, the surrounding trees were no taller than the second story. In the meantime, many trees tower above the wooden structure, so that it is no longer suitable as a viewing platform. However, the nearby restaurants gave the structure its current popularity and made it the centerpiece of the Englischer Garten. Because of its wooden construction, the Chinesischer Turm frequently suffered fire damage, but this was always repaired. Towards the end of World War II, the tower burned down completely after being hit by a bomb, but was reconstructed in 1951/52.

The beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm

Today, the Chinesischer Turm is a popular destination not only as a landmark of the Englischer Garten, but above all because of its beer garden, the second largest of its kind in Munich with 7,000 seats. By the way, Hofbräubier is served. According to Bavarian tradition, each guest is allowed to bring his/her own snack for consumption. Only the beer must be ordered at the bar. For those who prefer a more dignified meal, there is the Restaurant am Chinesischen Turm next to the beer garden, which serves regional and international cuisine.

The children’s carousel at the Chinesischer Turm

And there is also a real highlight for children at the Chinesischer Turm, namely the historic children’s carousel. The original carousel, built in Biedermeier style as early as 1823, no longer exists today. But instead there is an equally beautiful carousel from 1913 with two rows full of wood-carved animal figures and old-fashioned carriages, wagons and sleighs that make their rounds to the sound of roller organ and polyphonic music. Children who get dizzy can then enjoy themselves elsewhere in the adjacent playground.

The Kocherlball at Chinesischer Turm

Twice a year, the Chinesischer Turm is also the scene of special events. On a Sunday in July, thousands of men and women in traditional costume flock to the Chinesischer Turm at dawn for the so-called Kocherlball. From 6 o’clock in the morning, people dance to waltzes and folk music. The Kocherlball, by the way, goes back to a custom of the maids and servants, who arranged to dance every Sunday in the summer before work began.

The Christmas market at the Chinesischer Turm

And in winter, one of Munich’s most beautiful Christmas markets is located at the foot of the Chinesischer Turm. Between the snow-covered trees and paths of the Englischer Garten, you can escape the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the tranquility of the snow-covered park with a mulled wine. The many art and craft stalls of the market also offer the opportunity to buy one or the other Christmas gift.