Since the reopening by Dominik Krause (Greens) last Friday, spectators have been flocking to the Eisbach bridge at the Haus der Kunst. The atmosphere is lively: "I was surprised with this trip for Mother's Day; it's so nice to watch the surfers again," said Monika Vogt to München. Berlin resident Mischa (31) also traveled specifically to see the scene, calling it "absolutely gigantic."
New rules after fatal accident
The reopening comes with strict regulations, as München further reports. Surfing is only allowed in pairs and between 5:30 AM and 10 PM. Additionally, surfers must wear a safety leash that detaches from the leg in case of emergency. This follows a fatal accident in April 2025, where a 33-year-old surfer died shortly before midnight after her leash got caught in the riverbed. The exact cause remains unclear.
Natural formation instead of artificial structures
After the closure, the city of Munich initially attempted to artificially restore the wave, including scientific tests and grid structures. Meanwhile, unknown individuals repeatedly placed prohibited wooden ramps in the water. However, nature has surprised everyone: the wave is stabilizing on its own, without technical interventions. "The wave has a life of its own and needs time," explained Surf Club Martin Grün to München. Warmer temperatures have allowed moss to grow, which promotes wave formation. The temporary structures from the past weeks have also contributed.
Grün warns, however: "The Eisbach wave is still not perfect, and it won't remain as it is forever." A permanent solution will be necessary for the future. The city of Munich and the Surf Club plan to continue working on a stable regulation.
