The move follows a land swap agreement and builds on the success of the Eisbach wave and the existing surf spot at the Floßlände.
Roughly two weeks after surfing was reinstated at the Eisbach wave—where it had been temporarily banned following the tragic death of a young woman—Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter announced that legal surfing would also be allowed at the smaller, less hazardous Dianabadschwelle.
Beach Scene Unfolds at Dianabadschwelle Ahead of Legalization
On Wednesday, beach sand was spread along the riverbank at the Dianabadschwelle, creating a pop-up coastal scene that drew the attention of surprised surfers in the English Garden. This temporary beach set the stage for the official visit by Söder and Reiter, who presented the plan to open the new site to surfers.
The legalization hinges on a land exchange that will provide official access to the wave, which is currently blocked by private and state-owned fencing. On one side, a private property owner has extended a fence nearly to the stream, while on the opposite bank, land managed by the Bavarian Palaces and Lakes Administration belongs to the Free State of Bavaria. That property will be handed over to the city of Munich to complete the deal.
Surfing to Be Permitted Under Strict Safety Conditions
As with the Eisbach wave, surfing at the Dianabadschwelle will be allowed at one’s own risk. Mayor Reiter emphasized that the same safety regulations will apply. “We must make it as safe as possible,” he said. Since the fatal accident in April, new rules have been introduced: surfing is only allowed between 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., only in the presence of another person, and only with a quick-release safety leash.
Söder Envisions Munich as Germany’s Surf Capital
Negotiations are still ongoing regarding what the city will offer in return for the approximately 1,300 square meters of land at the Dianabadschwelle. However, Söder expressed confidence that all legal and logistical questions would be resolved by next summer. He envisioned Munich becoming “the ultimate surfing hotspot in Germany,” calling it “a bit like the California of Germany.”
Further Surf Projects Under Consideration
With the Dianabadschwelle, Munich will boast three legal surf waves: the Eisbach wave, the Floßlände at Maria Einsiedel, and the new Dianabadschwelle. But the city’s ambitions do not stop there.
The local initiative “Surfen in München” is already exploring further options. Mathias Schmidt, who heads a working group within the organization, mentioned that additional surf locations are under discussion. One idea involves creating a stationary wave at Marienklause in southern Munich. Another proposal calls for the use of underwater drones in the Middle Isar Canal to simulate ocean-like waves. “That would be a great idea for the Olympics,” Schmidt said.
These plans mark a new phase in the evolution of urban surfing in Munich, as the city continues to expand its role as a center for river wave innovation.
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