New Attempt for Munich's Legendary Surf Wave on the Eisbach - Munich's legendary Eisbach wave fights for a comeback after sudden disappearance
Munich's iconic Eisbach wave vanished in October after workers cleared debris from the stream bed. The loss sparked frustration among surfers, who had already faced a long closure since April 2023. Now, city officials and the surfing community are teaming up to bring the legendary wave back to life.
The Eisbach wave first closed in April 2023 after a skilled surfer died in a tragic accident. The incident led to stricter safety rules and a temporary ban on surfing. Despite the shutdown, the wave briefly reappeared over Christmas when someone installed an illegal ramp—but authorities removed it for safety reasons.
By January 9, 2026, a pilot project agreement between the city and surfers marked progress toward a controlled reopening. On the same day, the first attempt to restore the wave took place, with surfers lowering a board-like device into the water to shape a small wave.
City officials have repeatedly warned that the Eisbach wave is only for experienced surfers. Munich's Lord Mayor, Dieter Reiter, publicly wished the surfers luck and expressed hope for a swift restoration.
Once the wave returns, the city plans to collaborate with authorities and the surfing community to create a legal framework for its use. The goal is to balance safety with the wave's long-standing role as a cultural landmark. For now, efforts continue to bring back one of Munich's most famous attractions.
