Munich is fighting for the Eisbach wave: surfers demand solutions!

Munich is fighting for the Eisbach wave: surfers demand solutions!

The Eisbachwelle in the English Garden in Munich is a popular surfing spot that is a real magnet not only for locals but also for tourists. But the wave has disappeared since October, which is not only a disappointment for surfers. The Surfing Munich Interest Group (IGSM) has now spoken out and is striving for a pragmatic solution to restore the wave. Loud Time The IGSM is not interested in a further escalation of the situation and plans to have a similar installation approved through official channels.

In October, unknown people illegally installed a ramp that allowed people to surf the wave at short notice during the Christmas holidays. However, on December 28th, this device was removed by the Munich fire department and police, as the Augsburger Allgemeine reported. The surfers were already frustrated because they could no longer use the wave as usual after removing the debris and sediment in the stream bed. This whole situation caused a lot of discontent among the surfing community; the Surf Club Munich even described the eviction as a “declaration of war” against the surfers.

The challenge of the requirements

The IGSM criticizes the city administration's strict requirements. It is criticized that the demands placed on surfers are unrealistic: liability, cost assumption and technical evidence must be provided at a high level, which is difficult for many to implement. Not only the IGSM, but also other surfers see the rules as a hurdle that makes it almost impossible to revive the wave. Slight progress has been made in discussions with the city administration, but a common solution has not yet been found. The IGSM is now calling for more flexible regulations in an imaginative way in order to enable a scientifically supported experiment.

A rethink is needed

The Eisbachwelle is suitable for professionals, not beginners, and bathing and swimming are expressly not permitted at this point. The safety regulations were made stricter, especially after a fatal accident in spring 2025. Nevertheless, the place is also a place for visitors who just want to enjoy the hustle and bustle. You can easily take a look at the surfers from the National Museum bus stop and also combine the Sunday trip to the Haus der Kunst with watching the surfers, both in summer and winter, like that Munich portal highlights.

The discussions about the return of the Eisbach wave seem to be far from over. One thing is certain: the surfing community is not easily discouraged and is trying to establish a dialogue with the city in order to bring back the beloved wave. Who knows, maybe people will soon be surfing in the waves of the Eisbach again - until then, we can only hope that those responsible will change their minds.