Schloss Nymphenburg: Gardens

Much like Versailles, Nymphenburg was a palace with extensive grounds. As I have stated, the original building was a hunting lodge, so while other palaces might have manicured lawns, gardens, and orchards, Nymphenburg has remained more forested.

The park itself is still stocked with small deer and birds, much as it would have been in the eras when Germanic royalty used it in their leisure time, though the animals are doubtlessly much safer when visitors arrive to the palace now than they used to be back then. As always, these photos were taken by the lovely Forest!

If you’re quiet, and look around carefully, you might spot one of these creatures skittering through the underbrush. More likely though, you’ll see the swans which are pervasive in the lakes, ponds, fountains, and canal which make up the waterworks of Nymphenburg. You can approach and pretend to feed the swans all you like, but you’ll also see geese, and as a Canadian I encourage you to leave those ill-tempered dinosaur descendants alone, especially if there are goslings nearby. When Forest and I visited Nymphenburg, one naïve, presumably non-Canadian young man learned this lesson the hard way after trying to pet some of the babies. Mama was very angry.

The waterworks themselves have an interesting history, one which you can learn more about I believe by visiting the pump house, though Forest and I did not visit. For Forest and I it was enough to take in the sight of the water, cross the charming bridges which crossed the canals, and admire the waterfalls at the end of the estate. Unlike Versailles there are really no massive fountains, instead Nymphenburg is a place where tranquil and calm waters are pervasive. Nymphenburg is a place which reminds one that it is not the destination but the journey and the friends you share the road with which are important.

Thank you very much for joining me in November in Nymphenburg!

I’ll resume my regular schedule of posts on Friday.

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle reader.