Surfers in Munich have been dealt another blow after city authorities removed a makeshift installation that briefly restored a famous urban river wave. The iconic Eisbach wave, a beloved feature in the city's Englischer Garten park, has now been effectively flattened.
The Vanishing of an Urban Landmark
The original Eisbach wave, located on a side branch of the Isar river, had been a fixture of Munich's culture since the 1980s. It was celebrated as the largest and most consistent river wave in the heart of any major city. However, the wave mysteriously vanished in October following routine cleanup work on the riverbed, leaving the local surfing community devastated.
In a bid to revive the attraction, activists took matters into their own hands over the festive period. Early on 25 December, they placed a beam in the water to partially recreate the wave and even hung a banner wishing onlookers "Merry Christmas". This act of defiance was short-lived.
Authorities Intervene, Ending Surfer Hopes
By Sunday, the temporary structure was gone. A spokesperson for the Munich fire service confirmed to AFP that the "installation was removed" at the direct request of the city authorities. This marked the latest in a series of attempts by surfers to reinstate the wave since its October disappearance, all of which have been reversed.
The local surfing association, Interessengemeinschaft Surfen in München (IGSM), has now publicly conceded defeat. In a statement posted on its website on Thursday, the group announced it was abandoning its campaign to save the wave, accusing the city of deliberate inaction and拖延.
A Major Loss for Sport and Tourism
The loss of the wave represents a significant cultural and sporting setback for Bavaria's capital. Franz Fasel, the head of the IGSM, stated in July that between 3,000 and 5,000 local surfers regularly used the Eisbach. Beyond the local community, the unique spot had become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to watch surfers ride the stationary wave in the heart of the city park.
This year has already seen significant disruption for Eisbach surfers. Access was blocked for several months after the tragic death of a 33-year-old Munich woman who became trapped under the surface while surfing at night. The latest removal of the wave by officials now appears to be the final chapter for this unique urban sporting institution, leaving a once-lively spot on the Isar silent and flat.
