Dive into a tale of transformation right here at Gierlinger Park. This 3.4-hectare green space in Munich’s Thalkirchen wasn’t always a public park. It has a rich and layered past. Let’s uncover the stories hidden within this urban oasis.
Gierlinger Park officially became a park in 1965. But its story begins much earlier, around 1810. Back then, a grand house stood here complete with generous outbuildings. It belonged to Aloys Basselet von La Rosée. His family sold the property in 1855. Ownership changed hands several times.
In 1879, Johann and Barbara Wolf built a new house on the land. Property and buildings were valued at 27428 Mark. The Wolfs soon exchanged the property with Otto and Klara Gierlinger. The estate became known as the Gierlingeranwesen. The painter Josef Wagner was also a co-owner. The Gierlingers bought him out in 1885. Otto Gierlinger died in 1896 and Klara in 1907.
Thalkirchen became part of Munich in 1900. In that year, the Gierlingers’ son built a café and restaurant with a garden. It was near the church at the north end of the property. He added an alpine hut, a bowling alley and a pond for gondola rides. Concerts took place daily in the summer. This spot became a popular destination for day trips from Munich. These trips grew from pilgrimages to Thalkirchen. The business wasn’t successful. The restaurant stood empty from 1904. After Klara Gierlinger’s death, the family closed all businesses.
From 1911, the Rank brothers converted the restaurant into the Prinz-Ludwigshöhe-Thalkirchen institute for girls. Dr. Himmer leased it from the Gierlinger family. She ran it until 1916. In 1918, the Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen took over. It opened more services on nearby properties. The city of Munich bought the house in 1921. It was largely destroyed in World War II.
After the war, homeless people used the ruins. One refugee even started a beaver farm for fur. It was shut down. The city decided to demolish the remaining buildings. Finally, in 1965, the Gierlinger Park opened to the public. The Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen continues its social work for women.
As you stroll through Gierlinger Park, remember its layered history. From private estate to restaurant to institute and finally a public park. You are walking through a space that has been transformed. Gierlinger Park offers a green retreat within the city. It connects to a chain of green spaces along the Isar River. The park includes a slope and a flat area. Several springs feed a small stream in the park. The stream flows underground to the Floßkanal. The park also houses a base for the city’s gardening department. They care for green spaces in the surrounding area.
Take a moment to appreciate the present. This park is a testament to change and resilience. The Gierlinger Park is now a place of recreation and peace.