Unusual tourist attraction in Munich, Germany.

If you are in Munich Germany sightseeing, or for the Oktoberfest, probably the last tourist attraction on your mind would be to surfing. Munich, of course has only one sea shore, and that is in the far north. But believe it or not you can see people surfing in the middle of Munich, and maybe take part if you are brave enough. It is always nice to come back from a trip and have a story to tell of something you did or saw that the average tourist doesn't know about.

At the South entrance to the English Gardens nearest the The Haus der Kunst Museum, closest to the Isar River, there is the man-made river, Eisbach, which flows through the English Gardens. Cross onto the bridge and you will see underneath a standing wave about 1 meter high and intrepid surfers in the freezing cold water trying to stay on as long as they can. Being a standing wave the surfers can stay on as long as they keep their balance so the other surfers form a line on the edge of the water and they jump in one at a time.

 In the past they would tie a rope to the bridge to help them stay afloat but this is now deemed dangerous. Surfing started here in 1972, but may not continue for much longer as the municipality wants to outlaw it, for safety reasons. Swimming is not allowed in the river, as there have been cases of drowning in the past. So if you are on your way to the park anyway, why not stop off and watch these guys who would rather be in Hawaii. There are 3 of these surfing areas in Munich but this is my favorite.

Address:

prinzregentenstrasse

Southern entrance to English Garden, Munich, Germany.

When:

More likely in sunny weather, but I have see it in the rain.