Consider this: F\u00fcrstenried, initially known as Poschetsried, owes its present name to Elector Max Emanuel. The term “ried” signifies a clearing. F\u00fcrstenried’s story is intertwined with Munich’s growth.
F\u00fcrstenried is primarily a residential area. Its most prominent building is Schloss F\u00fcrstenried. This palace lends its name to the district. Large housing complexes and smaller family homes characterize F\u00fcrstenried.
Max Emanuel commissioned Josef Effner to construct Schloss F\u00fcrstenried between 1715 and 1717. It served as a hunting lodge. The name F\u00fcrstenried first appeared in 1716. The area officially became part of Munich on January 1, 1912.
Schloss F\u00fcrstenried bears a resemblance to Nymphenburg Palace. It is sometimes called “Little Nymphenburg”. Later, Otto of Bavaria lived in the palace. He was the mentally ill brother of Ludwig II. Schloss F\u00fcrstenried was also used as a military hospital during wartime.
The palace grounds are not open to the public. A glimpse through the gate reveals the beautiful gardens. In the early 20th century, the plant diversity made it a botanical attraction. Today, the palace serves as a retreat center for the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising. It also hosts conferences, not only for religious organizations.
Between 1947 and 1949, the palace housed the Ludwig Maximilian University and the Gregorianum seminary. Young theology students conducted research here. Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, was among them.
F\u00fcrstenried as a district largely emerged in the 1960s. Large-scale housing projects were quickly erected in F\u00fcrstenried-West and F\u00fcrstenried-Ost. These projects still define the district’s appearance. Similar to Hasenbergl, the goal was to rapidly create affordable housing. This addressed the needs of Munich’s growing population. The “Gro\u00dfsiedlung F\u00fcrstenried” resulted in tall apartment blocks. Many have since been renovated and enhanced with small green spaces. The “Sparkassen-Hochhaus” on Winterthurer Stra\u00dfe is particularly well-known. Upon its inauguration in 1962, it was Bavaria’s largest residential building.
The southern part of F\u00fcrstenried features many attractive single-family homes. Most were built in the last twenty years. A small garden often accompanies them. This makes them appealing to families. Its proximity to Munich’s city center and good transport links also contribute to F\u00fcrstenried’s popularity. The nearby Forstenrieder Park adds to the appeal. This green space is one of Munich’s finest recreational areas. It is only a short distance from F\u00fcrstenried.
While F\u00fcrstenried lacks a historic center, Schweizer Platz has become an unofficial focal point. Locals gather at the square’s fountain. The block has become a symbol of the district.
St. Matthias Church on Appenzeller Stra\u00dfe resembles a castle. Architect Alexander von Branca designed the building in the 1960s. It features dark brown clinker brickwork and a detached bell tower. The church’s outbuildings feature attractive atrium-like courtyards.
On Olympiastra\u00dfe, formerly the driveway to Schloss F\u00fcrstenried, stands a late Gothic plague column. It commemorates the plague or expresses gratitude for its end. The column was renovated in 1906.
The Stadtliches Bad Forstenrieder Park is easily accessible from F\u00fcrstenried. It is also known as “St\u00e4blibad”. Here, sports take center stage. The 25-meter pool offers endurance swimmers and divers an ideal training ground.
F\u00fcrstenried West offers excellent public transport connections. It lies about 10 km from Munich city center. The district is near the workplaces in Martinsried and Gro\u00dfhadern. It is located between Forstenrieder Park and the Waldfriedhof cemetery. This location provides ample green spaces. This leaves room for families, activities and relaxation.