Munich River Surfing: Tours and Tips For Surfing the Eisbach River

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A few months ago, Abby and I took an amazing trip to Munich, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria. It was our first time visiting these beautiful European cities, and we quickly fell in love with the culture, people, and gorgeous surroundings. But something I didn’t expect to see was people surfing on a river in Munich! Munich river surfing is a popular pastime in the city, and since I took some great photos, I thought it would be fun to write a post highlighting this unique activity.

In this post, I’ll cover:

The Eisbach River
History of Munich River Surfing
The Munich Surf Scene
Stars Who Have Surfed
Best Munich River Surfing Tours
Munich River Surfing Tips and Etiquette

Munich River Surfing On The Eisenbach River

The Eisbach River is 1.2 miles long and is located in Englischer Garten, a gorgeous public park in Munich, Germany. It is actually a man-made distributary of the nearby Isar River, meaning it diverts upstream water from the Isar and redirects the flow through Englischen Garten.

The river is extremely cold, with an average water temperature ranging from 62 F in summer to 50 F in winter. Fittingly, Eisbach means “icy creek” or “ice brook” in English.

The Eisbachwelle Wave

At the bridge where the Eisbach enters the Englischer Garten, the water forms a large, stationary wave, sometimes 2-4 feet in height. The water here is only about 15 inches deep, and the river is about 40 feet wide. This chute is the perfect place for river surfing and has become one of the most well-known surfing spots in the world. This area where surfing takes place is called the “Eisbachwelle” in German.

The wave is man-made. In the 1970s, the City of Munich placed several large concrete blocks under the bridge to slow the flow of the fast-moving river. The submerged blocks create turbulence, resulting in the surface wave.

The Munich river surfing spot is next to the Haus der Kunst Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and is only about 0.7 miles north of the Munich Old Town city center.

Munich River Surfing Address

The Eisbachwelle is located at: Prinzregentenstraße, 80538 München, Germany

Munich River Surfing History

People have been riding the wave since 1972 when the city originally sunk the concrete blocks. At first, the river levels fluctuated more, and river surfing was only possible in the spring when the snow from the Alps melted and increased water levels.

Once the site became popular, the City of Munich outlawed surfing on the Eisbach. However, a committed core of locals continued Munich river surfing. They eluded the police, added some boards beneath the water to even out the wave, and became the kernel of a future movement. These pioneers helped the sport evolve from the illegal hobby of a bunch of free-spirited rebels into a popular civic source of pride. In 2010, the City officially allowed surfing on the Eisbach River.

The Surf Scene In Munich, Germany

Being a landlocked urban center in the middle of Europe, Munich is not the first place you think of when you think of surfing. With no ocean, beaches, or naturally occurring waves, the City is redefining what a surf culture looks like. But Munich river surfers bring the same energy, passion, and independence to their sport as ocean surfers do. They share a collective sense of awe for nature and a deep-seated belief that man and nature are in harmony.

Now, the people who surf come from all over the world, each seeking the magic of riding a novel wave, challenging conventions, and pursuing personal growth. This spirit has become engrained in Munich, and a core group of river surfers have transformed what it means to surf and what it means to be a surfer. This vibe is unique, merging old-world Bavarian heritage with an organic surfing philosophy originally hailing from Polynesian shores.

Munich is now considered the world’s largest urban surfing spot and the “river surfing capital of the world.”

Stars Who Have Surfed The Eisbach River in Munich

The Eisbach River wave in Munich, Germany, has attracted quite a few famous surfers and stars over the years. Here are a few notable names:

Kelly Slater

The 11-time world surfing champion has ridden the Eisbach wave and brought major attention to the spot. Slater’s time at the Eisbach really highlighted the wave’s challenging appeal and unique urban vibe.

Rob Machado

Another legendary surfer, Machado, has surfed the Eisbach, showing off his graceful style even on this unusual river wave. He’s admired worldwide for his smooth, laid-back approach, which translated well to this tight, continuous wave.

Gabriel Medina

The Brazilian surf prodigy and two-time world champion also rode the Eisbach wave, sharing his experience with fans and bringing further international visibility to this unique surfing location.

Janina Zeitler

Zeitler is a professional surfer from Munich who started her career by river surfing in the Eisbach. She is now considered the world’s best Rapid Surfer and a two-time German Champion.

River-surfing pioneers

German surfers like Dieter “Didi” Knoop and Walter Strasser played crucial roles in popularizing the Eisbach wave and river surfing in Europe. Strasser, in particular, is credited with early innovations that transformed the Eisbach wave into a consistent, surfable spot.

3 Other Surfing Waves In Munich, Germany

The upper Eisbach isn’t the only place to enjoy Munich river surfing. Other river surf spots and an indoor surfing pool in Munich offer opportunities to test your skills and get some practice.

#1 Dianabadschwelle

This wave, also called the lower Eisbach, is located just downstream of the upper wave at the bridge. It’s a more laid-back, less challenging wave that’s perfect for those who want a slower ride. However, getting into the wave (dropping from the shore) is more difficult here.

#2 Floßlände River

The Floßlände River is located south of the city center and is actually the place where the Munich River surfing first started roughly 50 years ago. The waves here are more mellow and easier to ride. You can surf here from early May through the end of September. After that, the water level of the river is usually too low.

#3 Jochen Schweizer Arena

For those who aren’t great surfers, there’s an indoor surfing pool in Munich! You can surf all year round at this indoor wave pool and challenge yourself with everything from beginner waves to expert-level swells. This is a perfect place for families with small kids and new surfers to get their literal “feet wet!”. All equipment is provided.

You can also get 10% off the price of surfing at Jochen Schweizer Arena if you purchase a CityTourCard, a city tourist pass offering discounts on public transport and popular sightseeing spots.

Best Munich River Surfing Tours

With the growing popularity of river surfing in Munich, a number of guided tour experiences are available. These tours let you surf the river waves with the help of an expert guide. These local guides will ensure you have everything you need to safely and successfully try Munich river surfing.

I wanted to provide you with a couple of Get Your Guide’s top-rated Munich river surfing tours. Each tour is highly recommended by multiple reviewers and is rated at least 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Eisbachwelle River Surfing Experience

This 3-hour Munich River Surfing tour gives surfers of all ability levels a chance to surf the iconic Eisbach. Surfboards, bodyboards, and a wet suit are provided, along with an expert guide who will show you the ropes. The guide will help ensure you have the gear, fundamentals, and techniques needed to maximize the fun and excitement of this very Munich experience. Be sure to bring a change of clothes!

Surfing In Munich Eisbach River Wave

This 3-hour surfing experience in Munich is a great way to feel the thrill of Munich river surfing. Everything is provided, including a surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit, pictures of your group, and drinks. This tour is a perfect option for those who want to tackle the most famous urban river surfing spot in the world.

Munich River Surfing: Tips and Etiquette

Surfing the Eisbach wave in Munich is a thrilling experience. Still, it requires a different approach than ocean surfing due to the river’s fast-moving, narrow wave and the bustling environment around it. Here’s a mix of tips, practical guidance, and essential etiquette for surfing safely and respectfully:

Understanding the Wave

The Eisbach is a standing wave, meaning it stays in a fixed position due to the river’s flow. Unlike ocean waves, which break and move toward shore, the Eisbach wave is continuous and fast, requiring you to balance dynamically against the force of the water.

The wave is shallow, only about 1-2 feet deep, so wipeouts can be painful if you land wrong. Some areas have rocks and concrete beneath, so protecting yourself during falls is critical.

Use the Right Board

River surfing boards are generally shorter and more durable than ocean surfboards, often with reinforced edges to withstand the shallow bottom and constant pressure.

Avoid using longer boards, as they can be harder to maneuver in the narrow space. If you’re new, consider a soft-top board to reduce the risk of injury.

Dress Appropriately

Even in summer, the water can be cold, so a wetsuit is essential. In winter, you may need a thicker suit with gloves and boots. Helmets are increasingly common here due to the rocky bottom and potential collisions in crowded conditions.

Practice the Drop-In Technique

At the Eisbach, surfers use a “drop-in” technique from the side, holding onto a rope or ledge and stepping directly onto the wave. Practice getting into position quickly and confidently.

Respect the Lineup and Wait Your Turn

The lineup at the Eisbach is usually along the riverbank. It’s customary to take turns, moving back to the end of the line after each ride. Wait for the surfer in front of you to finish before dropping in. The wave is narrow, so only one surfer can ride at a time.

Avoid cutting in line or taking too long on the wave if there’s a line of people waiting. When other surfers start hitting their surfboards, that means you’ve been on the wave too long, and it’s time to let someone else ride.

Avoid Crowds if You’re New

If you’re new to Munich river surfing, consider going early in the morning or on weekdays when there’s less crowding. This allows you to learn without feeling rushed or crowded by more experienced surfers.

Be Prepared for Quick Rides

Most rides on the Eisbach are short and intense. Instead of trying complicated moves, focus on controlling your balance and enjoying each moment. If you fall, aim to fall flat to avoid hitting the shallow riverbed. Quickly swim to the side to make room for the next surfer.

Respect Local Etiquette

The Eisbach has a tight-knit local surf community. Respect, friendliness, and patience will go a long way toward creating a positive experience. Locals are generally open to visitors, but they appreciate it when newcomers observe the culture of the wave and follow basic etiquette.

Observe Before Surfing

Spend time watching others before jumping in. You’ll pick up on the rhythm of the lineup, timing, and ideal entry points.

Munich River surfing can be disorienting, especially in a narrow channel like the Eisbach. Stay aware of other surfers and swimmers, and always prioritize safety.

An Exciting Munich Surfing Adventure

Munich is a world-class city steeped in the charm of magnificent architecture, great food, and a proud German people. It’s an unlikely place to be crowned “the river surfing capital of the world,” but it wears it well.

I loved Munich and definitely recommend you spend time exploring the wide array of landmarks and sightseeing destinations. You won’t forget the fun and excitement of trying to surf the cold waters of the Eisbach, and your group is sure to make unique memories. So feel free to “go against the flow,” channel your inner surfer, and discover this once-in-a-lifetime Munich river surfing experience.

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