Hamburg, August 24, 2026 – A new leisure attraction, the “Floating Wave,” is set to transform the Hamburg-Altona fishing port. This innovative project will feature a floating pontoon with an artificial surf wave, integrated gastronomy, and terraces, offering a unique recreational experience on the Elbe River. The facility is envisioned to be located opposite the prominent Dockland building.
Project Details and Location
The “Floating Wave” is designed as a floating pontoon, approximately 20 by 40 meters, situated in the fishing port of Hamburg-Altona. Its strategic location opposite the Dockland ensures high visibility and accessibility. The core of the facility will be a standing wave, approximately 1.5 meters high, generated by pumps using filtered Elbe water, without the use of chlorine.
Current Status and Approval Process
The project has received a positive preliminary building permit, and the Hamburg Port Authority has already granted a mooring permit for the pontoon. The Altona District Assembly also expressed support for the project’s general concept in 2024. However, the approval process has faced delays. The project company initially submitted its documents on December 23, 2025. Due to a change in Hamburg’s building code, the building application had to be resubmitted to the Altona District Office, which received the new application in June 2026. As of now, a building permit has not yet been issued, and the application is currently under review.
Anticipated Opening and Costs
Despite the delays, the project company’s website indicates an anticipated opening year of 2027. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The costs associated with the Hamburg project are also not publicly known at this time.
Beyond Surfing: Gastronomy and Social Hub
The “Floating Wave” is envisioned as more than just a sports facility. The pontoon will feature a tapas bar and two terraces, providing space for up to 200 people. Access to the facility for spectators or those wishing to simply enjoy the atmosphere will be free of charge. For surfing enthusiasts, the wave will accommodate ten surfers at a time. The project company has stated a price of 25 Euros for a half-hour surfing session and 50 Euros for an hour.
Inclusive Design and Technology
The facility aims to be inclusive, catering to both beginners and experienced surfers. Coaches and a comprehensive training program will be part of the offering. Additionally, an acoustic system is planned to assist visually impaired individuals in surfing. In collaboration with the Social Surf Club, special programs for children are also in development.
Sustainable Water Management and Energy Efficiency
Technologically, the “Floating Wave” distinguishes itself from traditional land-based surf parks. The wave will be twelve meters wide and will utilize filtered Elbe water instead of drinking water, without the addition of chlorine. According to the project developer, the wave technology employed requires approximately 50 percent less energy than other artificial wave systems in Germany.
Construction and Impact on the Elbe Waterfront
The pontoon is being built by MEYER Floating Solutions, a Finnish company part of the Papenburg Meyer Werft group. The construction contract was awarded in 2025. The platform will be manufactured under controlled shipyard conditions outside of Hamburg, shifting a significant portion of the construction work away from the fishing port itself.
The “Floating Wave” is poised to add another recreational element to the northern Elbe waterfront. Several other projects are currently reshaping the Altona area, including the redevelopment around Altona train station. The actual opening of the artificial wave in 2027 largely depends on the ongoing approval process.
Source: NDR Hamburg, Altona District Assembly, Floating Wave Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, MEYER Floating Solutions, SZENE HAMBURG
