The Eisbach Wave in Munich has vanished. What happened, and when will it return?

TL;DR

• The iconic Eisbach wave at Munich’s Haus der Kunst disappeared after the annual “Bachauskehr” canal cleaning. Since then, no standing wave has re-formed.
• Cause still unknown: experts suspect a mix of altered water flow, riverbed changes, or hydraulic imbalance — but there’s no official statement yet.
• Measures underway: city engineers are testing increased water flow from the Isar River into the Eisbach; further adjustments are expected.
• Outlook: if the right hydraulic balance returns, the wave could come back within days — but no guarantee yet. Surfers are currently using a smaller secondary wave nearby.

1) What Happened?

After the routine cleaning and inspection of Munich’s Isar side channels and the Eisbach canal in late October, the city’s famous standing wave failed to return. Where there’s usually a strong, surfable wall of water, there’s now only turbulent whitewater. The Eisbach is currently unsurfable.

2) Probable Cause (What We Know and Don’t Know)

What we know: the disappearance followed the yearly “Bachauskehr,” when sediment, algae, and gravel are removed from the canal. The water level and discharge rate (flow volume per second) are key to creating the standing wave.

What’s unclear: small changes to the riverbed shape, flow distribution, or outflow structures might have altered the balance. The city says the cause is still under investigation.

In short: the hydraulic setup — the combination of depth, speed, and slope — seems to be just outside its “sweet spot,” so the wave can’t stabilize.

3) What the City Is Doing to Bring the Wave Back

• Increasing water flow: the city is testing higher discharge (flow rate) from the Isar River into the Eisbach, hoping to reactivate the wave. Early tests haven’t yet produced the desired results; further adjustments are in progress.
• Close coordination with surfers: engineers and the local surf association are working in real time, adjusting water levels based on live flow data.
• Possible next step: if higher flow isn’t enough, there’s talk of fine-tuning the riverbed by restoring gravel formations — though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.

Realistic outlook: if the ideal combination of water level and riverbed contour returns, the Eisbach could be back very soon. But until the exact cause is known, uncertainty remains.

4) Impact on Surfers (Short-Term)

• Plan B in Munich: locals are temporarily riding a smaller secondary wave in the same park — less powerful and more crowded.
• Safety measures still apply: new lighting and surf time rules (introduced after a fatal accident earlier this year) remain in effect and are unrelated to the wave issue.
• Visiting soon? Check local updates from the City of Munich or the surf association before traveling. If you’re coming specifically for Eisbach, wait for confirmation that it’s surfable again.

5) Timeline of Events

• Oct 17–31: annual “Bachauskehr” cleaning of Isar arms and canals, including the Eisbach; water level lowered and area closed.
• Nov 1–3: water flow restored, but the wave doesn’t return. City announces an investigation and site checks.
• Nov 4–6: international media report on the missing wave; city increases Isar inflow. First reactivation attempts show little effect; fine-tuning continues.

6) FAQ

When will the Eisbach wave return?

No one can say for sure. If higher flow or minor bed corrections restore the hydraulics, it could happen quickly — but there’s no fixed date yet.

Was anything damaged during cleaning?

No structural damage has been reported. The wave simply isn’t forming under the current water flow and riverbed profile. Investigations are ongoing.

Can you river surf elsewhere in Munich?

Yes. There’s a smaller secondary wave in the same park and a few alternative spots in the city, though conditions and rules vary. Or go to O2 surftown of course.

Is this related to new safety rules?

No. Updated lighting and restricted surf times were implemented earlier this year for safety reasons and are unrelated to the current issue.

7) Sources & Further Reading

• Official updates: City of Munich (Baureferat) and local surf association.
• Local media: Süddeutsche Zeitung, Münchner Merkur.
• International coverage: AP, The Guardian, The Independent.

Editorial note: this situation is developing quickly. We’ll update this article as soon as official confirmations are available.