Munich Tip: Water sports and raft trips in Thalkirchen near Maria Einsiedel
Munich's surf spot at the Floßlände is the oldest surfable river wave in the world
River surfing at the Floßlände in Thalkirchen (DEUTSCH)
Munich. Anyone familiar with the Isar River also knows the Hinterbrühler See in the Isarauen Landscape Protection Area. Not far away, in the south of Munich, lies the surf wave known as the Floßlände (near Maria Einsiedel). It is hard to believe, but this is the oldest river wave in the world. Located in the Thalkirchen district, it is just a few minutes away from Hellabrunn Zoo. The wave runs during the summer months (roughly May to October) from 9:00 a.m. onwards, depending on the Isar's water level. The so-called "standing wave" at the Floßlände was the birthplace of river surfing, a sport that spread from Munich to the rest of the world; surfing has taken place at the Floßlände since the early 1970s—long before the Eisbach wave at the Haus der Kunst (Eisbachwelle am Haus der Kunst). It is a river spot characterized by a continuous, steady current and concrete edges that provide access; surfing conditions are determined by the changing water levels of the Isar. Anyone wishing to surf here must bring their own equipment. According to the IGSM (Interessengemeinschaft Surfen in München e.V. – website: www.igsm.info), boards up to a maximum length of 5'6" work best here; longer boards are not practical... During low-water periods, the wave only runs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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| Raft landing area in Thalkirchen near Maria Einsiedel; photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
At the raft landing area in Munich, you can surf the wave and occasionally watch rafts riding it
Water sports at the Maria Einsiedel raft landing area in Thalkirchen: Located at the entrance to the raft canal, it creates a standing river wave suitable for surfing. However, surfers share the area with Isar rafts that arrive here in the afternoon from Wolfratshausen. Music plays on the rafts, and people celebrate; it gets loud when a raft slides over the wave.
But take note: there are operating hours, surfing rules, and important safety tips for visiting the raft canal.
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| Raft landing area in Thalkirchen near Maria Einsiedel; photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
The raft landing area is a relaxed spot for beginner surfers
But be aware: swimming and bathing are not permitted at either location.
Key features for surfers
- Perfect for beginners and advanced surfers
- The surf spot is freely accessible
Season & Times: The wave runs during the summer months (roughly May to October) starting at 9:00 AM, depending on the Isar River's water level.
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| Floßlände in Thalkirchen near Maria Einsiedel; Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
Floßlände Surf Spot Operating Hours 2026
As things stand, the wave runs daily from 9:00 AM in 2026
The season ends on October 12
May: until 9:00 PM; June / July: until 9:30 PM
- August: until 8:30 PM
- September 1–15: until 8:00 PM
- September 16 – October 3: until 7:30 PM
- From October 4: until 7:00 PM
During low water levels, the wave runs only from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Note: Swimming is prohibited at the Floßlände, just as it is at the Eisbach Wave / Eisbachwelle.
The canal is closed during high water levels. Current notices from the IGSM and on-site signage are the deciding factors.
OTHER watercraft have priority:
- Canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, and rafts
- The wave must be cleared as soon as a watercraft comes into sight.
LOCATION: Zentralländstr. 35, 81667 Munich
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| Floßlände in Thalkirchen near Maria Einsiedel; Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
Here is our article on a Munich landmark: The Eisbach Wave and its surfers
The Eisbach Wave in the English Garden is the world's most famous inner-city surf spot—athletes travel from all over the globe to surf the standing river wave located behind the Haus der Kunst, right in the heart of Munich.
