Eisbach Wave Returns, But Surfing Prohibited Due to Safety Concerns
Munich, February 11, 2026 – The iconic Eisbach wave in Munich’s English Garden has partially reappeared, but city authorities have issued a strict prohibition on surfing. The ban, outlined in a recent general decree, is a direct response to warnings from experienced surfers who have deemed the current conditions life-threatening. The city’s decision also follows a tragic accident in April 2025, where a surfer died after an incident on the wave.
Dangerous Whitewater Conditions Lead to Ban
The primary concern, according to city officials, is the presence of significant ‘whitewater’ – a powerful water roller that can pull surfers underwater, making it extremely difficult to escape. “The current water roller is not comparable to its previous state,” stated a city spokesperson. “Representatives of the surfers themselves have declared that the current situation is life-threatening.”
The city’s concern is further amplified by the fact that rescue personnel would be put at significant risk during attempts to extricate individuals from the wave or whitewater.
Fatal Accident Precedes Current Prohibition
The ban comes nearly a year after a tragic incident in April 2025, where a 33-year-old female surfer died in the hospital following an accident on the Eisbach. Her leash, the safety line attached to the board, became entangled for unknown reasons. Fire department swift water rescuers, risking their own lives, managed to pull her from the Eisbach, but she later succumbed to her injuries.
This fatality has undoubtedly influenced the city’s heightened caution regarding the wave’s safety.
Ongoing Efforts to Restore the Wave
The Eisbach wave, a world-renowned surf spot and a major tourist attraction, had temporarily disappeared last autumn after a river cleaning operation by the municipal building department. In an attempt to restore the wave, surfers had installed unauthorized structures during Christmas, which briefly made surfing possible again. However, the city promptly removed these illegal installations, leading to a dispute between city officials and the surfing community.
Currently, both sides are collaborating to find a sustainable solution. A multi-month trial is underway to make the wave surfable again using approved installations. Initial tests conducted last week have not yet yielded the desired effect. Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) anticipates that the wave will be fully restored and surfable by summer at the latest.
Historical Context of Eisbach Surfing
Surfing on the Eisbach, particularly near the Haus der Kunst, has a long and storied history. Previously, surfing was permitted under a general decree from December 2025, “provided a ‘surfable’ wave forms.” The current situation marks a significant departure from this long-standing tradition, underscoring the severity of the safety concerns.
The temporary disappearance and subsequent efforts to restore the wave highlight its importance to both the local surfing community and Munich’s tourism sector. The outcome of the ongoing trials will determine when this unique urban surf spot can once again safely welcome surfers.
The city emphasizes that the current prohibition is solely for “the protection of life and health of surfers on the Eisbach.”
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-eisbachwelle-surfen-verboten-li.3385926
