Munich Endures Isar Flood: Reporting Level 1 Surpassed, Continues to Climb - Photographs Capture Conditions
The Isar River in Munich has been experiencing elevated water levels, with the alert level 1 at the Munich/Isar gauge being reached or exceeded during the night into Tuesday, July 29. As of the morning of the same day, the river's level was 266 cm.
Currently, there are no official weather warnings in Munich and the surrounding area. However, the Water Management Office in Munich has issued a flood warning for the city, and the Flood Information Service (FIS) has forecasted that the Isar's level will stay above alert level 1 until 7 pm on July 29, potentially dropping to 246 cm in the evening.
The High Water Information Service (HWIS) Bavaria forecast predicts that the gauge will reach the critical mark around 10 PM, with possible minor flooding in some areas. The Isar Highway has been closed since early evening due to the flooding.
The increased water levels are attributed to the runoff from the Loisach and Isar catchment areas, which has significantly increased due to recent rainfall. Experts have warned that the next rain showers are already lined up, which may further exacerbate the situation.
The peak water level is expected to be 265 cm and remain at this level throughout Tuesday. The forecast will be updated at 8 PM, according to the Water Management Office.
In terms of potential impact areas, flood warnings at a 301 cm water level typically affect low-lying riverside areas and floodplains in Munich’s urban and forested zones along the Isar. No recent reports from the search results explicitly mention evacuations or severe flooding impacts as of late July 2025.
Despite the flood warnings, recreational activities such as rafting and surfing continue on the Isar, highlighting the river’s strong currents but not mentioning recent extreme flooding or closures. Surfing on the Eisbach arm of the Isar in downtown Munich has recently resumed after safety reviews, reflecting stable but dynamic water conditions.
It is essential to continue monitoring the situation and follow local warnings due to rainfall variability. Stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings from the Water Management Office and Flood Information Service to ensure safety.
[References] 1. Images of flood conditions in Munich 2. Historical flood data for the Isar River 3. Resumption of surfing on the Eisbach arm 4. Isar rafting tours continue 5. Water Management Office website 6. Flood Information Service website
Despite the ongoing flood warnings, some recreational activities like rafting and surfing persist on the Isar River, indicating the river's robust currents. However, weather forecasters have predicted continuous elevated water levels for the Isar River, resulting from the runoff from the Loisach and Isar catchment areas, and potential exacerbation due to impending rain showers.
