Hirschau

Did the deer know their legacy? The Hirschau, once teeming with these magnificent creatures, still whispers their name. Hirschau, in the heart of Munich’s sprawling Englischer Garten, echoes a wilder time. Here, where the Isar River curves and ancient trees cast long shadows, we uncover a story woven from nature, industry, and leisure. The Hirschau wasn’t always a peaceful retreat. Early maps from the 1700s labelled this area “Hirschanger,” a testament to the deer that roamed freely. By 1808, the name Hirschau appeared on city maps, forever linking this northern section of the Englischer Garten to its wild origins. Between 1798 and 1804, the Hirschau expanded, becoming a verdant extension of the Englischer Garten, stretching northwards towards the Aumeister. Imagine the transformation, from untamed wilderness to a carefully planned park. But even with its planned pathways, much of the Hirschau retains a sense of tranquil woodland. This is a stark contrast to the bustling southern part of the Englischer Garten. A fascinating twist in the Hirschau’s story comes from its industrial past. From 1814 onwards, the area housed the J.A. Maffei locomotive and machine factory, complete with a railway line connecting it to Schwabing’s freight yard. The Tivoli power plant, a remnant of this industrial era, still stands today. The railway line, decommissioned in 1950, now exists as the Ernst-Penzoldt-Weg, a peaceful path winding through the park. Today, the Hirschau offers visitors a quieter escape within the larger Englischer Garten. At its edges, the Aumeister and Hirschau beer gardens beckon, promising cool refreshments and traditional Bavarian hospitality. Here, beneath the shade of chestnut trees, you can enjoy a Löwenbräu beer and savor the unique atmosphere. From a haven for deer to a hive of industry and finally to a serene escape, the Hirschau holds a special place in Munich’s history. As you wander through its tranquil paths, remember the whispers of the deer and the echoes of a time gone by. The Hirschau is more than just a park; it’s a living story waiting to be discovered.