The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Munich Nymphenburg Palace

If you are planning a trip to Bavaria’s capital, one attraction that absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary is Munich Nymphenburg Palace, also called Schloss Nymphenburg in German. This grand Baroque masterpiece is not just one of the most beautiful palaces in Germany, but it is also one of the most historically significant. Located just a 20-minute tram ride away from Karlsplatz and Central Munich, Munich Nymphenburg Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Bavaria’s royal past, complete with opulent architecture, expansive gardens, and centuries of stories waiting to be uncovered.

Originally built as a summer residence for the Wittelsbach dynasty, Munich Nymphenburg Palace has seen everything from royal births to lavish celebrations. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Munich Nymphenburg Palace, dive into the lives of the people who once lived within its grand walls, and highlight the stunning palace grounds. You will also find helpful tips on how to get to Munich Nymphenburg Palace, how to purchase tickets, and what not to miss once you are there. Whether you are a history buff, a garden lover, or simply looking to experience a quieter side of Munich, Munich Nymphenburg Palace is the perfect destination to step back in time and soak up centuries of Bavarian heritage.

A Short History of Munich Nymphenburg Palace & the Wittelsbach Dynasty 

The history of Munich Nymphenburg Palace begins in the mid-17th century, when Elector Ferdinand Maria of Bavaria commissioned the palace's construction to celebrate the birth of his heir, Max Emanuel. Designed in the Italianate style favored by his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, the palace started as a relatively modest villa. However, as the centuries passed and the Wittelsbach dynasty grew in power and wealth, so did the palace. Successive generations expanded and embellished the complex, transforming it into a sprawling Baroque masterpiece. By the 18th century, Munich Nymphenburg Palace had become one of the grandest royal residences in Europe, complete with ornate pavilions, galleries, stables, and vast formal gardens inspired by Versailles.

What's in a name?

The name Nymphenburg translates to “Castle of the Nymphs” in German. A "nymph" refers to the graceful female nature spirits from Greek and Roman mythology; symbols of beauty, fertility, and harmony with nature. At the time, the Baroque aesthetic was rooted in a fascination with mythological themes, natural beauty, and intricate artistic detail. The name of the palace, as well as its grand rooms and garden, were all constructed to be aligned with the times. 

Naming the palace Nymphenburg was a romantic and refined gesture, reflecting a love of classical art and culture, as well as the idyllic setting of the palace just outside the city of Munich. (Nymphenburg Palace did not become a part of the city of Munich until 1891.) So while there were no literal nymphs involved, the name Nymphenburg was meant to evoke a place of elegance, serenity, and natural beauty—an idealized retreat worthy of royalty. There are references to nymphs throughout the palace, including in the grand ceiling fresco in the Great Hall (shown below). 

In this exquisite fresco in the Great Hall, nymphs are paying their respects to the nymph, Flora, who has been made a goddess. (Flora is the Roman goddess of spring and flowers. In Greek mythology, the nymph/goddess's name is Chloris.) A fitting tribute to the palace's name. 

Expansion of the Palace

Max Emanuel (pictured below), who was born in the palace, later became one of its most influential patrons. Under his direction, Nymphenburg Palace was transformed into the grand residence we see today, with the addition of the north and south pavilions. He commissioned renowned architects and artists from across Europe, who contributed majestic halls, elaborate frescoes, and flourishes that continue to captivate visitors. Rulers that came after Max Emanuel continued to put their stamp on Nymphenburg Palace, like Elector Maximilian III Joseph who in the mid 18th century gave the Great Hall its ornate and opulent Rococo design that characterizes the room today. 

A Very Brief History of the Wittelsbach Dynasty  

The Wittelsbach family ruled Bavaria for more than 700 years and held titles ranging from Dukes and Electors to Kings. Their influence extended beyond Bavaria, with strong connections to the Holy Roman Empire (two members of the Wittelsbach family were actually Holy Roman Emperors - Louis IV and Charles VII). Through strategic marriages and alliances, the family intertwined itself with powerful dynasties across Europe, including the royal families in Sweden, Greece, and France. While the Munich Nymphenburg Palace served as their opulent summer residence, the Wittelsbachs primarily resided during the rest of the year in the Munich Residenz, located in Altstadt (Old Town), their official city palace and seat of government. 

While the Wittelsbach family no longer holds political power (the end of their power came in 1918 with the end of World War I), but their cultural and philanthropic influence in Bavaria remains significant. It is also worth noting that the Wittelsbach family actively opposed the Nazi regime during World War II, with some of the family members ending up in concentration camps.

Incredibly, Munich Nymphenburg Palace is not just a historic site and museum, but it is still a royal residence. Members of the Wittelsbach family continue to maintain a private wing of the palace. While much of the complex is open to the public as museums and a cultural site, a portion remains closed off, quietly serving as a home to the descendants of Bavaria’s former royal family. (Although, as of March 1, 2025, the private royal residence can now be rented via Kempinski Hotels, starting at an eye-popping €25,000 per night.) This unique arrangement makes Munich Nymphenburg Palace one of the few European palaces still connected to descendants of its original royal family.

What to See at Munich Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace and its surrounding estate are large, encompassing some 445 acres (180 hectares). The main highlights, in my opinion, are located in the main palace and can be seen in about an hour. As I previously mentioned, members of the Wittelsbach family still call Nymphenburg Palace home and other parts of the palace are used for museums (there are three other museums on site which I will cover in the next section); therefore, the main palace tour includes only 21 historic state rooms, although some rooms do close without advance notice for restoration work. 

The main highlights of the state rooms at Munich Nymphenburg Palace, include: 

• Great Hall: This soaring two-story hall is a Rococo masterpiece, richly decorated with elaborate stucco work, gilded details, and a dramatic ceiling fresco that depicts the gods of Olympus—a stunning setting once used for royal festivities and formal court life. It is one of the first rooms you see on your visit to Munich Nymphenburg Palace and certainly the most elaborate. This room has remained unchanged since the mid 18th century, a testament to the enduring grandeur of this spectacular space. This is without a doubt the most spectacular room in the palace. Photos do not do the room justice!

• King Ludwig I's Hall of Great Beauties (Salon of Great Beauties): This unique art collection features 36 portraits of women from all walks of life (not just members of court), each chosen by King Ludwig I for her beauty. Painted by court artist Joseph Karl Stieler, the gallery includes noblewomen, a dancer, and even a shoemaker’s daughter, reflecting both Ludwig’s romantic idealism and his appreciation for female grace beyond social rank. The gallery is one of the most beloved and humanizing features of the palace, a rare royal tribute to beauty in all its forms. Plus, I must admit, the women depicted in the portraits are truly stunning, even by today's beauty standards.

• North Antechamber: The large fresco on the ceiling of the North Antechamber depicts Ceres, the Goddess of Agriculture, and dates to the late 17th century. More significant, however, is the French-inspired design of this room. Max Emanuel spent time in exile in France and upon his return to Bavaria, he spent considerable time expanding and decorating Munich Nymphenburg Palace. This is one of the last remaining rooms that showcases the French-inspired design completed under Max Emanuel. 

• Electress's Bedchamber: Located in the South Apartment, the Electress's Bedchamber is characterized by its rich green wall cover, matching canopy bed, and magnificent ceiling fresco depicting Flora, the Roman Goddess of Flowers - who, in an homage to the palace's name, was also a nymph-turned-goddess in Roman and Greek mythology. 
• Chinese Lacquer Cabinet: A small but exquisite room adorned with East Asian lacquer panels, highlighting the 18th-century European fascination with chinoiserie. 
• Queen's Bedchamber: Located in the Queen's Apartment, the Queen's Bedchamber looks a lot like the Electress's Bedchamber in terms of color palette, but is more subdued and without the magnificent ceiling fresco. This room, while not visually significant, was actually the birthplace of King Ludwig II. (King Ludwig II, known as the Mad King and also the Fairy Tale King, is responsible for the construction of the otherworldly Neuschwanstein Castle, located about 90 minutes outside of Munich.) The room is still decorated with its original furnishings.  

The Park at Munich Nymphenburg Palace

The park at Munich Nymphenburg Palace is an incredible example of evolving European landscape design, blending Baroque formality with Romantic naturalism. Originally designed in the French style in the late 17th century by Dominique Girard, a student of Versailles' landscape architect André Le Nôtre, the gardens were later transformed into a more natural park. Today, the park at Nymphenburg Palace is free to enter, making it a beloved green space for locals within the city of Munich.

At the heart of the park is a canal, much like at Versailles, lined large trees that reflect the ideals of the Romantic era and more natural landscape design. As you move farther from the palace, the landscape continues to softens into a more naturalistic setting with meadows, woodlands, and winding paths, offering a peaceful retreat for leisure walks walks and picnics. 

The park at Nymphenburg Palace is quite large and contains a number of other sites, but most visitors to Nymphenburg Palace stick to the area closest to the palace. If you are interested in visiting other areas of the park, or just visiting the park itself, I recommend consulting the official map of the Nymphenburg Park on the Nymphenburg Palace website. The park is also home to a collection of smaller pavilions and park palaces—each one with its own story and design. These palaces are open to the public and worth visiting if time and weather permit, including: 

• Amalienburg
• Badenburg
• Pagodenburg
• Magdalenenklause

I ran out of time during my visit to Nymphenburg Palace to fully explore the park and the park palaces. However, from the photos that I have seen, Amalienburg looks absolutely spectacular—an incredible example of Rococo design. Spending more time in the park is on the top of my list for my next trip to Munich. 

Other Attractions at Nymphenburg Palace

As I previously alluded to, there are a few museums on the Nymphenburg Palace estate, aside from that of the main palace. While I only visited the historic state rooms of the main Nymphenburg Palace and the surrounding park, these museums appeal to a wide-variety of tastes. These museums include: 

• Marstallmuseum (Museum of Carriages & Sleighs): Housed in the former royal stables at Nymphenburg Palace, this museum showcases one of the most important collections of historic state coaches, sleighs, and riding gear in Europe, including those used by Bavarian kings and queens. Admission to the Marstallmuseum is included with the Nymphenburg Palace Combination Ticket. Separate tickets can also be purchased for the Marstallmuseum which also includes entry into the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain. Tickets can be purchased online via the Nymphenburg Palace Ticket Shop website. For more information, please visit the Nymphenburg Palace website.
  
• Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain - Bäuml Collection: Located in the southern wing of the palace, this museum highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of Nymphenburg porcelain. As the name suggests, Nymphenburg porcelain is manufactured at Nymphenburg Palace and is owned by the Wittelsbach family. The porcelain produced by Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory (Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg) is still entirely produced by hand. The collection on display at the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain includes delicate figurines, tableware, and decorative pieces from the 18th century onward. Admission to the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain is included with admission to the Marstallmuseum and/or the Nymphenburg Palace Combination Ticket. For additional information, please visit the Nymphenburg Palace website. 
• Museum Mensch und Natur (Museum of Mankind & Nature): The Museum of Mankind & Nature is a family-friendly natural history museum located in the north wing of the palace, it offers exhibits on evolution, geology, biodiversity, and environmental science. The Museum of Mankind & Nature website is only available in German and from the research I have done, it appears that the exhibits are also presented solely in German, which is important to consider if you plan to visit. A separate admission ticket is required for the Museum of Mankind & Nature. 
• Munich Botanical Garden (Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg): Adjacent to the palace park, the Munich Botanical Garden (also called the Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg) is home to over 16,000 species of plants and trees from around the world, featuring themed gardens, greenhouses, and tranquil walking paths. The Munich Botanical Garden is open daily, with the exception of December 24 and December 31, annually. Opening hours vary based on the season. A separate admission ticket is required for the Munich Botanical Garden. For additional information, please visit the Munich Botanical Garden website. 

How to Visit Munich Nymphenburg Palace: Opening Hours, Tickets, & More

Munich Nymphenburg Palace is open daily, with the exception of January 1, Shrove Tuesday (February 17, 2026 & February 9, 2027), December 24-25, and December 31, annually. Opening hours vary based on the season, with reduced opening hours during the winter months (mid-October through March). The last admission to Munich Nymphenburg Palace is 30 minutes before closing. For additional information regarding opening hours, please visit the Nymphenburg Palace website. 

Two restaurants are available on the Nymphenburg Palace grounds: Schlosscafé im Palmenhaus and Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige. Schlosscafé im Palmenhaus is located in the park, while the Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige is located in the south wing of the palace. 

Lockers are available onsite to store large bags as they are not permitted inside of the palace. Food and drink are also not allowed inside of the historic state rooms.

Munich Nymphenburg Palace Ticketing Information

I highly recommend purchasing your tickets for Munich Nymphenburg Palace online, in advance of your visit. While it is possible to purchase your admission tickets onsite, there are often long waits. Tickets for Munich Nymphenburg Palace are both date and time specific, so be sure to plan accordingly and arrive on time for your visit. To purchase your tickets for Munich Nymphenburg Palace, please visit the Nymphenburg Palace Ticket Shop website.

A variety of tickets are available, including a Combination Ticket, which includes access to the Munich Nymphenburg Palace, Marstallmuseum, Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain, and the four park palaces (Amalienburg, Badenburg, Pagodenburg, and Magdalenenklause). The entry time applies solely to Nymphenburg Palace, while the other museums and park palaces can be explored at any time on the day of your ticket. Please note that the four park palaces are closed during the winter months (mid-October through March). 

If you are interested in only visiting the Munich Nymphenburg Palace's historic state rooms, then you can purchase a ticket just for the Nymphenburg Palace. The park surrounding the palace, as I previously mentioned, is free to visit and no entry ticket is required.

Audio guides are available to rent for a small fee and can be added at the time of booking. I found the audio guide to be very informational as there are not many written descriptions around the palace state rooms. 

If you are interested in visiting Munich Nymphenburg Palace with a tour guide, that is also an option with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. The tour includes skip-the-line tickets to both the historic state rooms and the Marstallmuseum. 

*If you book a tour or experience through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, we may earn a small commission that helps us content to produce this content for you.

Getting to Nymphenburg Palace

Munich Nymphenburg Palace can be easily reached by public transportation from Central Munich. When I visited Munich Nymphenburg Palace in October 2023, I traveled via tram and it was very straightforward. The trams run every 10 to 15 minutes. Clear signage directing visitors to Munich Nymphenburg Palace is available from the tram stop. The walk from the tramp stop to the palace takes about 10 minutes. If you have mobility issues, you may want to consider traveling to Nymphenburg Palace by taxi. 

• From Munich Hbf (Munich Central Station), board Tram 17 towards Amalienburgstraße and exit at Schloss Nymphenburg. From the tram stop, it is a short walk to the palace grounds. From Munich Hbf, it should take approximately 26 minutes to reach Munich Nymphenburg Palace.
• From Karlsplatz, board Tram 17 towards Amalienburgstraße and exit at Schloss Nymphenburg. From the tram stop, it is a short walk to the palace grounds. From Karlsplatz, it should take approximately 30 minutes to reach Munich Nymphenburg Palace. 

Looking for additional information to help you plan your trip to Munich and Nymphenburg Palace? Be sure to check out our Munich Travel Guide for hotel recommendations, things to do, and more. Heading to Munich for Oktoberfest? Learn what to expect with our Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest Munich: Trip Planning Tips & More and Oktoberfest Outfits: What to Wear to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany blogs. Prost! 🍻

Have you visited Munich Nymphenburg Palace? Or is it on your itinerary for your upcoming trip to Munich? If so, we would love to hear from you! Drop a comment below. ⬇️