Three palaces, one of the most important baroque gardens in Europe, Germany's oldest airfield still in operation featuring an aviation museum and a historic regatta course. Oberschleissheim has much more to offer than you might think at first glance. In this article, we take you on a journey of discovery through the fascinating sights of this small community on the outskirts of Munich.
Schleißheim Palace Complex
Schleißheim Palace is one of the most spectacular baroque palace complexes in Bavaria and consists of three palaces connected by the gardens. Each of the palaces has its own history and function, which together reflect the rich heritage of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Old Schleißheim Palace
Starting in 1617, Duke Maximilian I had the manor of his father (Duke Wilhelm V) converted into a Baroque residence: the Old Schleißheim Palace. Today it serves as a museum and houses two collections: one on the history of religion and one on the history of East and West Prussia.
Lustheim (Pleasure) Palace
To celebrate his marriage to the Austrian Emperor's daughter Maria Antonia in June 1685, the young Elector Max Emanuel (grandson of Maximilian I) commissioned his court architect Henrico Zuccalli to build the Lustheim hunting and garden palace. Here, Max Emanuel dined with his father-in-law, Emperor Leopold II, on his journey to Vienna.
Lustheim Palace is situated somewhat secluded. Today, it houses a collection of Meissen porcelain that ranks among the most significant in the world.
New Schleißheim Palace
Built in the early 18th century under Elector Max Emanuel, the New Palace is a Baroque masterpiece that served as a representative residence. Visitors can stroll through sumptuous halls and admire Baroque art treasures. The Great Hall and the Great Gallery with their ceiling frescoes are particularly impressive due to their opulence.
Gifts and souvenirs are available in the museum shop in the New Palace. Here you can also buy schnapps and liqueurs from the castle's own distillery.
Schleißheim Palace Park
After the death of Max Emanuel, it became quiet around the palace complex. It was only under King Ludwig I that Schleißheim experienced a renaissance. The king commissioned the restoration of the extensive baroque garden, which connects the three palaces and is one of the most important of its kind today. The park invites visitors to take a relaxing stroll and explore the canals, fountains and flowerbeds.
If you want to take a break after sightseeing, the “Schlosswirtschaft” or the adjacent beer garden offer a good opportunity to enjoy Bavarian specialties. Here you can enjoy a cool beer under the chestnut trees with a wonderful view of the castle grounds.
Flugwerft Aviation Museum
Just a few meters from the castle you will find the Flugwert Schleißheim Aviation Museum, a branch of the world-famous Deutsches Museum. From Lilienthal gliders to Eurofighters, from flying boats to rockets - the Flugwerft (aircraft hangar) allows you to see around 70 different airplanes, engines and models up close. There is also an aircraft repair shop, where you can watch airplanes being restored.
From the museum you also have a good view of Schleißheim airfield, the oldest airfield still in operation in Germany. Today, it is mainly used by gliders and sports pilots from Munich and the surrounding area.
In addition, the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei offers round trips over Munich from here in summer. During the approximately 45-minute flight, the zeppelin hovers over well-known landmarks such as the Allianz Arena, the Deutsches Museum and the Theresienwiese. You will also get to see the Stachus, Nymphenburg Palace and the Olympic Stadium before returning to the starting point in Oberschleissheim. A very special, albeit pricey, way to discover Munich.
Regatta Course
Just outside the municipality, between Oberschleißheim and Feldmoching, you will find a relic of the 1972 Summer Olympics, the regatta course, a listed monument. After the Olympic Games, it hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1981 and 2007 as wells as a total of 13 World Cup rowing regattas between 1998 and 2012.
Today, the 2000 meter long and 140 meter wide course serves as a venue for rowing regattas, canoe races and swimming competitions as well as a training course for the region's rowing and canoeing clubs. The asphalt track around the course is also popular with inline skaters and cyclists.
If you would like to try rowing like in the Olympics, the Schleißheimer Ruderklub e. V. offers introductory courses a couple of times each year.
The Bottom Line
Oberschleißheim offers a unique blend of history, culture and nature. Nevertheless, the town and its sights are not overrun by tourists. So a walk through the palace park can be quite lonely. Perfect for relaxing after work or for a day trip. From Boardinghaus Eching, Oberschleißheim can be reached by bicycle in around 15 minutes.
