One doesn’t even have to leave Munich’s city limits to enjoy some of Bavaria’s most exquisite royal palaces. Whether you are living in Munich or just visiting, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit any one of these three spectacular famous residences.
3 Royal Palaces in Munich
Munich Residence
Located in the heart of downtown, this royal home began its “humble” beginnings as a small moated castle in 1385. Over the next centuries, the Munich Residence was gradually expanded with additional buildings and beautiful gardens, thus transforming it into a grand palace. It served as the seat of government as well as a residence to Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918.
Although most of the Residence was destroyed during WWII, it was gradually reconstructed and can be visited today. There are three Museums housed in the Residence (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) which makes it one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria. Due to its large size, we have a few tips on how to plan your visit accordingly.
Tips
- The Residence is open daily except for January 1st, Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday in February or March that comes before Ash Wednesday), December 24th, 25th, and 31st. This means it is open most Sundays. This is fantastic news for those looking for something to do on Sundays, when most things in Munich are closed!
- If you want to visit all three museums, you will definitely need the entire day. Especially, if you plan on utilizing the audio tours. Otherwise, if you currently reside in Munich, you could come back and see what you missed at your leisure. If you are just visiting Munich and don’t have an entire day, then we recommend visiting the Treasury. The collection of royal objects, crown jewels and goldsmith work should not be missed!
- There are no regularly scheduled guided tours. However, there are audio guides available for the Residence Museum and the Treasury in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian.
- A visit to the Cuvilliés Theatre is something special if you have a passion for old theaters. It is very beautiful and interesting, but does not require more than 15 minutes of viewing.
- Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
Schloss Nymphenburg
Located west of Munich’s city center and easily reachable by tram, this royal palace was first built in 1664 as a summer residence. Nymphenburg Palace was a gift from the Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria to his wife Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, on the occasion of the long-awaited birth of their heir, Max Emanuel in 1663, after ten years of marriage.
Home to a spectacular park with waterways, green houses, a delightful café, visiting Schloss Nymphenburg is a MUST when in Munich. Here are a few helpful tips when planning your royal “sojourn”.
Tips
- Schloss Nymphenburg is open daily except for January 1st, Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday in February or March that comes before Ash Wednesday), December 24th, 25th, and 31st. Click here for more updated information on opening hours.
- The combination admission ticket includes tours of the palace, the Marstallmuseum (Museum of Carriages and Sleighs), the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain, and each of the park palaces (Amalienburg, Badenburg, Pagodenburg, Magdalenenklause). More information on admission here.
- If you are just visiting Munich, then we recommend blocking out an entire day to tour this royal gem. If you reside in Munich, then no need to rush as you can always come back time and time again!
- There are no regular guided tours in Nymphenburg palace. However, there are audio guides available in German, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese.
- Take an enchanting stroll through the palace park with the downloadable free app as your companion guide. We totally recommend it!
- Feeling really romantic? Then take your sweetie out for a Gondola ride* after an enjoyable meal at Schlosscafé im Palmenhaus.
- Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München
*only available during the summer season
Schloss Blutenburg
Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Obermenzing, along the banks of the river Würm, you will find this small, but beautiful 14th century castle. Although, it was first erected as a manor-house during the early 13th Century, it was re-built for Albert III, Duke of Bavaria in 1438 as a hunting lodge.
Historical Fact: Duke Albert III was the founder of the Benedictine monastery in Andechs, which to this day houses his remains.
Blutenburg castle holds within its fortress walls and towers: a small mansion, a late gothic chapel and several event halls. The inner courtyard is surrounded by apple trees, a beautiful setting when they are in full bloom. Wedding bells anyone? Start planning.
The International Youth Library is also housed within the castle with an inventory of about half a million international children’s books.
Tips
- Admission times and prices vary. Here for more info.
- Admission to the chapel is free of charge. Open April-Sept: 9am – 5pm or October-March: 10am – 4pm
- The International Children´s Library is open Monday-Friday: 10am – 4pm
- The Michael Ende Museum (within the library) opens Wednesday – Sunday: 2pm – 5pm
- Restaurant Schlossschänke is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am – 10pm. Take a break and sip some wine out by the lake.
- Public Transport: Bus 143, 159, 160: Stop: Bertha-von-Suttner-Weg. Find your connection with MVV München.
- Public Transport: S-bahn from central station S4, S5, S6 or S8 to Pasing. Transfer to Bus #56 direct to Blutenburg.
- Address: Seldweg 15, 81247 München