Surfers and water sports enthusiasts are on tenterhooks for test results on the "Lahnwelle" venture
The future of the proposed "Lahn wave" in the city of Giessen remains uncertain. A few years ago, a group of water-sport lovers conceived the idea of constructing an artificial standing wave for surfers behind a dam on the river. Janne Paul Schmidt, from the "Lahnwellen" initiative, shared with the German Press Agency that they're still waiting for the environmental impact report, which was initially expected in October or November.
Schmidt revealed that their upcoming talks with Giessen city officials have been scheduled for the beginning of the next year. A city spokesperson acknowledged that while all test-related queries haven't been addressed entirely, efforts are being made to resolve them.
The "Lahnwellen" team and volunteers have been working on transforming the popular river stretch for canoeists and kayakers into a bustling "Lahntal Surf Valley" for more than three years. Schmidt dreams of attracting new tourism groups to the region while addressing climate change concerns by adjusting the wave according to the seasonal water levels.
Other towns across Germany, including Hanover, Nuremberg, and Pforzheim, boast such river waves. The famous Eisbach wave in München's English Garden also gains considerable attention.
However, the decision on the "Lahn wave" project is on hold, owing to the pending test results. Schmidt envisions establishing the "Lahntal Surf Valley" as a recreational hub, captivating new tourists while catering to climate concerns with adjustable wave settings.
In light of the evolving situation, it's advisable to regularly monitor local news sources, official city announcements, or the project's official website for the most updated insights.
