After months of uncertainty about the future of Munich’s urbanization wave, Mayor Dominik Klaus announced this month that Munich would be officially open again. He added in a statement that surfing on the Eisbach River is part of Munich’s way of life and that the waves are a Munich landmark. For many, the news came as a huge relief and signaled that, at least for now, the frustrating battle had come to an end.
Located some 320 miles from the nearest coastline, the landlocked Bavarian capital isn’t the place where surfable swells and wetsuit-wearing communities are most likely to visit, but that’s exactly what it attracts. It is originally a natural phenomenon that only occurs at certain times of the year. Eisbachwelle (Eisbach waves) are boosted by everything from mobile ramps to railroad ties, which help maintain the waves year-round.
First attempted in the 1970s and illegal until 2010, Munich’s river surfing is famous around the world and attracts stars such as Jack Johnson (famous surfer, film director, and musician) and world surfing champion Mick Fanning.
The recent ban began with tragedy. In April 2025, a young surfer died after his safety leash got caught and he became trapped underwater. After that, no definitive investigation was carried out, and the riverbed was periodically cleaned, but as a result the waves completely disappeared. Debate, demonstrations and unauthorized attempts to restore the waves continued, leading to a complete ban on surfing earlier this year.
The mayor’s announcement came after natural deposits once again formed a steady wave. Recent changes in the weather and falling temperatures happened to coincide, but local experts were undeterred. They are used to the cold and typically surf throughout the city’s harsh winters.
Tuesday afternoon I headed out to find some familiar scenery. The bridge over the stream was filled with onlookers, and people stood along the tree line and watched the surfers. Among the crowds were a group of tourists from Minnesota who knew nothing of recent events, and a line of rickshaws carrying passengers huddled under blankets.
One by one, the surfers jumped onto their boards and confidently conquered the tight spaces. I watched them twist, fold, and stretch their bodies, sometimes jumping, spinning, or even staying still for a moment. Losing their balance, some fell slowly into a pillow of white water, while others fell more suddenly, their rosy cheeks being hit with a spray of ice.
It’s hard to describe the atmosphere of a city without Eisbachwelle, but it reminded me of when Oktoberfest was canceled during the pandemic. Part of Munich’s identity had been lost. This week, the classic urban scene of cyclists strapping surfboards to their bikes and heading to streams is back. The waves are definitely coming back.
How to visit Eisbach Wave in Munich
It’s a lot of fun to watch, but surfing is not considered safe Recommended for beginners and those visiting the city. The reopening also comes with a list of new conditions, including limited business hours and a requirement to use quick-release leashes. Surfers are also not allowed to be there alone.
As well as watching a professional Eisbachwelle match, there are plenty of other fun activities to do in the area. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this part of Munich.
Eisbachwelle is located in the central district of Rehel, on the edge of Munich’s largest urban park, the English Garden. Nearby coffee and cake spots include Caos Coffee and Kleine Markthalle Lehel. There is also a branch of the popular ice cream shop Barabeni. You can enter the park directly from the surf and stop for a beer at the Biergarten am Tijneschen Turm, or head to the Hofgarten, the royal garden adjacent to the Residenz Palace.
Right next to the waves is the modern art museum Haus der Kunst, and a little further east is the Bavarian National Museum, with its historical art collection and exhibits on Bavarian culture. The student town of Maxvorstadt, with its many bars, restaurants and other museums, is also within walking distance. Try Alter Simple for Bavarian cuisine or Roux Roux Tagesvar for lighter dishes such as grilled cabbage with sumac and hazelnuts or trout with salted butter and wild herbs.