Pumping Stations at the Nymphenburg Palace

The pumping stations at Nymphenburg Palace are historic mechanical installations featuring large water wheels that powered fountains and garden features. These systems were designed to reliably transport water throughout the palace grounds over extended periods.

The Green Pump House was built in 1720 by Joseph Effner for Elector Maximilian II Emanuel, who wanted to supply the palace grounds with water. Over time, additional installations were added to meet the growing demands of fountains and gardens.

The pumping stations show the craftsmanship of Bavarian engineers who distributed water across the entire grounds. Visitors can see how large amounts of water were moved without modern electricity.

The stations are located within the palace grounds and are easiest to reach on foot by following marked pathways. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear since the grounds are hilly and can be damp in places.

The machines were designed to harness water from a canal and use the power of horses or water flow to drive the wheels. This reveals a more ingenious approach to energy use than what is common today.

Location: Munich

GPS coordinates: 48.15530,11.49840

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08