Imagine this: you’re strolling through the stunning Englischer Garten. The sun is shining, the trees are rustling, and you feel a sense of peace. Suddenly, you turn a corner and notice an elegant building. It’s the Universitäs-Reitschule.
This magnificent structure, with its neoclassical charm, has been part of Munich’s landscape since 1927. It was designed by the architects Eugen Honig and Carl Söldner, who created a beautiful, herringbone-shaped wing building. The Reitschule, meaning “Riding School” in German, was built with an inviting courtyard and a balustrade. It was originally designed for the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, which hosted riding tournaments here.
The Universitäs-Reitschule wasn’t just about horses; it was a prominent meeting point for Munich’s most influential people. From the 1950s onwards, it became known as the “largest establishment in Schwabing,” and in the 1970s, it was a favorite hangout for Munich’s elite. But something fascinating happened in 2023. The Reitschule am Englischen Garten GmbH packed up its horses and ponies, leaving the Universitäs-Reitschule behind. They moved to Karlsfeld, near the Waldschwaigsee, after ten years, marking the end of an era.
Today, the Universitäs-Reitschule still embodies a sense of history and grandeur. It’s a reminder of a time when riding was the most important mode of transportation and a popular sport. It’s a place where you can almost picture noblemen in horseback riding attire, women in flowing dresses, and the clinking of glasses in the restaurant.
Even if the horses have moved on, the Universitäs-Reitschule still stands as a beacon of Munich’s rich past. It’s a reminder of the city’s love for horses and its dedication to beautiful architecture.