Kleinhesseloher See

Kleinhesseloher See is an artificial lake in Munich's Englischer Garten with three islands scattered throughout its waters. The largest island, Königsinsel, along with two others, forms a defining feature of the lake's landscape.

The lake was first created in 1803 by Reinhard Freiherr von Werneck and was later expanded and reshaped between 1807 and 1812 by Friedrich Ludwig Sckell. These changes established it as a major element of the Englischer Garten.

The three islands within the lake bear names tied to German rulers: Königsinsel, Kurfürsteninsel, and Regenteninsel. These names reflect a time when such titles shaped regional power and governance.

Rowing boats and pedal boats can be rented at the northern shore near Seehaus for visitors who want to get on the water. A large beer garden with thousands of seats sits right along the shore, making it easy to grab refreshments.

During the coldest months of the year, the water surface freezes solid and transforms into a natural ice platform. Visitors then take advantage of this frozen expanse for ice skating, curling, and ice hockey games.

Location: Schwabing-Freimann

Location: Munich

Inception: 1803

Elevation above the sea: 505 m

Length: 480 m

Width: 305 m

Part of: Englischer Garten

Address: Kleinhesseloher See

GPS coordinates: 48.15996,11.59617

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47