Note (14.11.2025) Although the maintenance work has been completed, it is still not possible to surf on the Eisbachwelle München at the moment because the water level is too low and the wave is not strong enough.
Why is the Eisbachwelle closed?
After the so-called stream sweeping, i.e. the cleaning of the ice stream, the wave no longer builds up accordingly, so that the surfers can no longer ride the wave.
It remains unclear what exactly the problem is. Various solutions are being tried, but so far without success. But: everyone is optimistic that the Eisbachwell can be surfed again soon.
At the “Eisbachwelle München” – it is quite astonishing to see people on surfboards in Munich at any time of the day, night or year, the so-called Eisbach surfers.
If you come across any, they are Eisbach surfers on their way to the standing wave!
Eisbachwelle Munich with new surfing rules (as of November 2025)
Due to the tragic accident in April 2025, in which a young surfer died, the Eisbachwelle was closed for a long time.
In June 2025, the shaft was reopened after lengthy investigations, albeit with the restrictions mentioned below.
Surfing possible with new restrictions
- Surfing is permitted from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Only surf with company (buddy principle – so that someone can help if necessary or get help)
- You may only surf with a self-opening leash (safety line). This is to ensure that surfers can detach themselves from their board in the event of danger.
- The minimum age is 14 years
- Of course: only experienced and physically fit people should surf the Eisbach wave
The city of Munich has also installed floodlights. This should ensure greater safety for surfers in the evening and early morning hours.
You can also take a tour through the English Garden or the Old Town – tip from our partner GetYourGuide (advertising):
Save money with the München CARD or experience Munich all inclusive with the CITY PASS
You’re sitting on your bike in a wetsuit, your surfboard clamped under your arm or climbing out of your car on Prinzregentenstraße.
Surfing in Munich – the standing wave makes it possible
One of the most popular activities in the English Garden is a visit to the Eisbach in Munich. Whether to watch the surfers, sunbathe on the banks or take a dip in the cool water – the Eisbach is a true Munich original.
Tip: For refreshments or a cappuccino, the Fräulein Grüneis kiosk is perfect – it’s just a stone’s throw away.
The famous wave attracts many tourists
In summer and winter alike, crowds of people line the Eisbach bridge and the banks of the stream to watch the surfers ride the world-famous Eisbach wave.
Well-known international surfing stars have also been here.
Eisbach Surfing, Surfer Wave English Garden – how it works
To the left and right of the Eisbach on two ledges, the Eisbach surfers stand in their wetsuits and wait for their predecessor to fall off the board and it’s their turn.
Then comes the jump onto the cold water and the ride on the wave – with sometimes more and sometimes less skill. Of course, you can only surf the Eisbach wave if the water level and the pressure of the wave allow it.
It also seems to be great fun to watch, as people stand still for a long time and can hardly tear themselves away from the sight.
Whether in the middle of the night, early in the morning or during the day – it’s always full here.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
Watch the pros river surfing. But watch out! This is not for beginners.
You can also take a tour through the English Garden or the Old Town – tip from our partner GetYourGuide (advertising):
Save money with the München CARD or experience Munich all inclusive with the CITY PASS
The creation of the Eisbachwelle Munich
The wave has been surfed for around 40 years. Initially there were major concerns and the first surfers were banned from surfing the wave by the police.
Until Munich’s surfers formed an interest group and the mayor at the time, Christian Ude, legalized surfing in 2010.
There are various versions of how the Eisbach wave was created.
Surfing for beginners on the small wave – also known as E2
Riding the wave is demanding, not without danger and there are always accidents.
The creek bed is lined with walls and also takes the surfboard quite a beating.
To ride the big wave, you need to be a professional. Beginners are better off practicing on the small Eisbach wave first.
This is also known as E2 among surfers and is located a little further back in the English Garden.
This can be reached by following the Eisbach for just under a kilometer.
Practice makes perfect
The wave is located in the east of the southern part of the English Garden, at the level of Himmelreich/Dianastrasse.
Known to Eisbach surfers as E2 at the Dianabadschwelle.
Surfing is actually not allowed here, but surfers deliberately ignore this.
If you are coming with the board, it is best to take the bike, if you are only coming to watch, you can also walk or take the bus or streetcar 16/36 to the Paradiesstraße stop.
The Munich surfing interest group is ready to talk. (Süddeutsche Zeitung Online on April 14, 2018, Alfred Dürr)
Not every beginner wants to expose themselves to the eyes of the tourists right away and tries to get out on the water there first.
Tip: Beginners can also try out the beginners’ wave on the Isar at the Floßlände in Thalkirchen.
PS: Because the residents there feel disturbed and surfing is actually not allowed, a new wave near Tucherpark is being considered. Floodlights and noise are a problem for residents.
Eisbach surfers – insider sport in Munich
Surfing on the rivers has become a real trend and people are enjoying it more and more, not just on vacation!
Under no circumstances should it be ignored that surfing on the large Eisbach wave or the small wave is only possible for the time being due to public use and the “good will” of the City of Munich.
It is therefore essential that the rules for use are observed!
Info for professionals:
If you really want to go surfing, you can also find out more on the IGSM website (Interessengemeinschaft Surfen in München).
Important and well-known to all surfers: The IGSM e.V. (Interessengemeinschaft Surfen in München) represents the interests of around 2000 surfers in the city.
The interest group is a registered association that takes care of all matters relating to river surfing in Munich.
It campaigns for the preservation of existing waves in the city and the surrounding area, fights for new surf spots, negotiates with the city’s political bodies and supports young people in practicing this sport. Almost a must for every surfer!
Further information: the information page of the Eisbachprofis
Infobox – Eisbachwelle Munich and Eisbach surfers
Address: Eisbachwelle at the English Garden Munich, Prinzregentenstraße 1, 80538 Munich
Directions:
By subway: Take subway line 4 or line 5 to the Lehel stop. Then continue with streetcar number 36 in the direction of “Effnerplatz”. Get off at the stop Bayerisches Nationalmuseum or Haus der Kunst
Alternatively, take the U4 or U5 or the U3/6 to the subway station “Odeonsplatz”. Then continue with the museum line 100 in the direction of Ostbahnhof. Get off at the “Königinstraße” stop.
By bus: Bus 100 (museum line: Hauptbahnhof Nord-Ostbahnhof) to the stop Königinstraße
Access and parking by car: there is a paid parking lot right next to the Haus der Kunst.
Map of the English Garden with the Eisbach surf wave
Nearby: Kleine Eisbachwelle E2, Die Goldene Bar, Kiosk Fräulein Grüneis, Bavarian National Museum
Tip: Where to go after Eisbach surfing
If you want to take a break from watching, you can enjoy a coffee or an Aperol sprizz in the Golden Bar at the back of the Haus der Kunst.
But be careful, it’s all about the chic Micki alarm.
If you want something nicer and more casual, you can go past the Fräulein Grüneis kiosk.
There is always hot soup, cake and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.