Surfing Munich
The Hawaii of river surfing

Munich is not a coastal town, but the birthplace of river surfing that offers a variety of inland surf spots. Nowadays there are three surfable river waves for all different types of levels from beginner to advanced surfers. In addition, in the south of the city, there is an indoor surfing facility at the so-called “Jochen Schweizer Arena” – a perfect mechanical standing wave that can be adjusted and where standing wave surfing contests are held. So in total, when surfing Munich, four standing wave surfing opportunities await. And as this is not enough, in 2024 the opening of Surftown MUC is expected: a wave pool with environmentally friendly generated and individually adjustable waves. This will turn Munich into a true surf city, providing standing waves and original surfing opportunities of all kinds. Booyah!

1. Introduction to Surfing Munich – river surfing and beyond

Munich offers a unique standing river wave surfing experience that is world-renowned. Two waves are located in Munich’s city center within the Eisbach River in the English Garden (Munich’s biggest inner-city park). In addition, the Floßlände in the south of the city is another free-to-surf river wave, considered best for beginners. Munich first established “river surfing” and then made it respectable which is the reason why Munich is considered the Hawaii of river surfing. In addition, Jochen Schweizer offers a perfect indoor city wave, south of Munich, and in 2024 SURFTOWN® MUC is expected to open its doors: a 20,000 sqm artificial surfing facility in the north of Munich (next to the airport) that is unique in Europe.

2. Munich Standing Waves + Wave Park soon

The surf region Munich provides three standing river waves that are free to surf for everyone, one perfect indoor surfing standing wave, and soon (in 2024) a modern wave park with a lot of different types of waves for all different types of surf abilities. Read on to get the details about each and every wave that awaits to be surfed in Munich.

Eisbach E1 – the infamous river wave

This is the wave Munich is most famous for. The Eisbachwelle München at the entrance of the Englische Garden is a major tourist attraction and the best and most challenging + most competitive wave (Localism – no shit!) of the three river waves in town. Surfers from all over the world come here to surf the famous river wave, even professional ones/world champions like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and Jamie O’Brien have come to surf here.

Eisbach E2 – the longboard river wave

The Eisbach E2 Dianabadschwelle river wave has a long history and since 2014 unfortunately is a very flat wave. But still, it is surfable, ideally with longer boards.

Floßlände

At the Floßlände Munich, river surfing was born in 1972 and so was the rapid surfing of today. The relaxed spot with the big meadow at the Isarkanal is just right for the first attempts on the surfboard. The crowd is very friendly and welcoming, also to beginners. If you are just starting out, you are in good company and won’t feel too intimidated by advanced and competitive river surfers.

Indoor Surfing Jochen Schweizer Arena

The Jochen Schweizer city wave is the first indoor surf wave in Germany. The wave height can be adjusted for all types of levels (beginners, intermediate, advanced, and pro surfers) at ideal water temperatures between 24°C to 26°C. More infos: Indoor Surfing Jochen Schweizer Arena or book your session directly here.

o2 SURFTOWN MUC

With SURFTOWN® MUC, a 20,000 sqm artificial surfing facility is being built just outside Munich IN HALLBERGMOOS that is unique in Europe. Environmentally friendly generated and individually adjustable waves will offer a unique sport, training, and leisure experience for families, beginners, and professionals from the opening in 2024. The entire facility is designed to be CO2 neutral and relies on renewable energy and sustainable operation of the facility.

3. What surfboard (length) do I need to surf in Munich?

For surfing the standing/rapid/river waves Eisbach E1, the Floßlände, and Jochen Schweizer Indoor Arena, a board with a maximum length of 5.6 ft. is recommended in order to fit well into the wave (even if you surf a much longer board in the ocean – the difference is you don’t have to paddle into the waves). At the Eisbach E2, a longer board with more volume makes sense to use, as the wave is very flat.

Once Surftown MUC is opening its doors, bring your typical ocean surfboard (Shortboard, Fish, Groveler, Midlength, …). The scenario is different than surfing a standing wave. In comparison to rapid/river/standing waves, when surfing moving waves, you usually need a longer board and especially more volume to be able to catch waves by paddling into them.

4. Munich best time to surf

The best time for river surfing in Munich is typically during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer. The Eisbach River wave is a consistent standing wave located in the English Garden. It can be surfed year-round, although the conditions may vary depending on the water level and flow rate. The wave at the Floßlände usually runs between the end of April / beginning of May until the end of September / beginning of October. Since the city diverts the water for the canal from the energy supply, the times are renegotiated every year. Indoor Surfing at the Jochen Schweizer Arena is possible all year round in warm water temperatures between 24°C to 26°C and also the wave park Surftown MUC (opening in 2024) is expected to offer the opportunity to surf all year round.

Munich Surf Map

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Beach Break
Breakwater/Jetty
Point Break
Reef Break
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Standing Wave
Wave Pool
Difficulty / Minimum Skill Level:
Advanced Level
Beginner Level
Intermediate Level
Pro Level
Works best during:
High Tide
Low Tide
Mid Tide
Left Hand Wave
Right Hand Wave
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East Wind
North Wind
Northeast Wind
Northwest Wind
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Southeast Wind
Southwest Wind
West Wind
Works best with:
East Swell
North Swell
Northeast Swell
Northwest Swell
South Swell
Southeast Swell
Southwest Swell
West Swell

5. What to do in Munich besides Surfing?

Munich, the capital of Bavaria in Germany, offers a variety of activities and attractions.

Drinking Beer

Munich is renowned for Oktoberfest and its beer culture and thus is home to several traditional breweries and beer gardens. The city has a rich history of brewing, and beer has become an integral part of its social and cultural fabric. Check out a list of recommended beer gardens below, all situated in Munich’s city center and close to the Eisbach River waves:

Augustiner Keller

Augustiner-Keller, Arnulfstraße, Munich, Germany

Seehaus

SEEHAUS im Englischen Garten, Kleinhesselohe, München, Germany

Parkcafé

Park Café München, Sophienstraße, Munich, Germany

Max-Emanuel Biergarten

Max Emanuel Brauerei - Wirtshaus und Biergarten, Adalbertstraße, Munich, Germany

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm, Englischer Garten, Munich, Germany

Explore the city center: Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt

Visit the heart of the city, Marienplatz, and marvel at the impressive architecture of the New Town Hall. Don’t miss the famous Glockenspiel, which performs a charming show several times a day. Wander through the bustling Viktualienmarkt (right next to Marienplatz), a popular food market in the city center.

Visit the Nymphenburg Palace

Explore the grand Nymphenburg Palace, a Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. Discover its opulent rooms, the Marstallmuseum (carriage museum), and take a stroll in the extensive park.

Visit Lakes outside of the city

If you love spending time in nature, Munich and its surrounding regions got you covered with its beautiful lakes that offer scenic landscapes and recreational activities.

  1. Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See): Located only about 25 kilometers southwest of Munich, Lake Starnberg is the lake closest to Munich city. It is surrounded by picturesque villages and offers various water sports, boat trips, and walking trails.
  2. Ammersee: Situated to the west of Munich, Ammersee is the third-largest lake in Bavaria. It is popular for sailing, swimming, and fishing. The lakeside towns of Herrsching and Diessen offer charming promenades and cafes.
  3. Lake Chiemsee: Located about 90 kilometers southeast of Munich, Lake Chiemsee is often referred to as the “Bavarian Sea.” It is the largest lake in Bavaria and offers beautiful beaches, boat tours, and opportunities to visit the famous Herrenchiemsee Palace on the island of Herreninsel.
  4. Walchensee: Situated in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, approximately 80 kilometers south of Munich, Walchensee is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. It is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, and hiking.
  5. Kochelsee: Located around 70 kilometers south of Munich, Kochelsee is another scenic lake nestled amidst the Bavarian Alps. It offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking, and is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Franz Marc Museum.

Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg, Germany

Ammersee

Ammersee, Germany

Chiemsee

Chiemsee, Germany

Walchensee

Walchensee, Kochel, Germany

Kochelsee

Kochelsee, Germany

Ready for your surf trip to Munich? Get inspired:

These guys have done it before, going to Munich surfing and drinking beer.

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