Eisbach Wave (Eisbachwelle)
Prinzregentenstraße, Munich, Bavaria, 80538
Being around 310 miles (500 kilometers) from the coast, the landlocked city of Munich is perhaps one of Europe's most unlikely surfing spots. However, surfers have been flocking to ride the city’s artificial Eisbach Wave since the 1970s. The continuous wave is about 3 feet (1 meter) high and the ideal spot for surfers to practice year-round.
The basics
The Eisbach Wave is located in the southern part of Englischer Garten Park, one of Munich’s prettiest outdoor spaces—which makes it a common stop on multiple sightseeing tours. Travelers can visit the park on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a small-group bike tour, a rickshaw tour, or even a Segway tour. It’s also easy to get to the Eisbach Wave independently if you want to surf without a guide or group to accompany you.
Things to know before you go
Before you jump in, be aware that the water is cold, and it’s only an average of 50°F (10°C)—62°F (17°C).
Large concrete objects are in the riverbed, and the wave has a strong current, so it’s only recommended for experienced surfers.
Beginners should try out smaller waves, such as the Flosslande in Thalkirchen.
The average ride lasts between 20–40 seconds.
There’s a kiosk nearby to buy drinks and snacks and a large terrace area at the Goldene Bar (behind the Haus der Kunst art museum).
The park is open day and night, and there’s no entry fee.
How to get there
It’s easy to get to the Eisbach Wave by public transport, as the Lehel metro station is around a 7-minute walk away. Lines U4 and U5 are served by this line. Once you get off at the station, walk along St. Anna Strasse and St Anna Platz until you reach Triftstrasse. Continue on this road until it turns into Wagmullerstrasse, then turn left onto Eisbachbrucke.
When to get there
A surfer’s paradise—you can ride the Eibach Wave 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year. The only restriction is when the river bed gets cleaned (usually in the fall). Ideally, the best months to surf are March—November, when the water levels are best. To avoid big crowds, come during the week, in the morning.
How was the Eisbach wave created?
Amazingly, the mighty Eisbach Wave was created by accident. Engineers were working on a project in 1972 to divert water from the Isar River into an artificial canal. Building a dam created the standing wave as gravel accumulated in the riverbed and acted as a blocker to the current. Then the rest is history—it has been a popular surfing spot ever since.
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