My Favorite Attraction in Munich

About My Trip to Munich

I visited Munich, Germany, in December of 2023. Munich served as my fly-in location for a trip to Austria and Slovenia. On the way home, I had a full day to spend seeing what this German city and the capital of Bavaria had to offer. Although I knew quite a few of the top sights to see in Munich, I was surprised by what became my favorite attraction in Munich.

Before I get into my favorite attraction in Munich, let me explain how I spent my one day in Munich. I began by walking around Marienplatz, which is Munich’s famous square. After watching the Glockenspiel perform, I walked around Old Town Munich and visited quite a few Christmas markets.

I then walked to the banks of the Isar River and followed the river to the English Gardens. It was at the English Gardens that I saw my favorite attraction in Munich. Believe it or not, people were surfing on the Eisbach River at the English Gardens. Watching the surfers quickly became one of the highlights of my entire trip to Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.

New Town Hall is One of the Top Attractions in Munich
New Town Hall is One of the Top Attractions in Munich

A Video Showing the River Surfers in Munich, Germany

My Favorite Activity in Munich - Table of Contents

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My Favorite Activity in Munich - Watching the Surfers on the Eisbach River at the English Garden

I had read about the famous river surfers in Munich, but I had not paid attention to where to watch them. As I walked through the English Garden, I was surprised to realize I had stumbled across the river surfing location.  Despite being December 30th, there were five surfers wearing wetsuits riding the waves of the Eisbach River.

A Surfer Riding the Waves on the Eisbach River - Munich, Germany
A Surfer Riding the Waves on the Eisbach River - Munich, Germany

To view the river surfers in Munich, head towards the English Garden. The human-made Eisbach River flows through the English Garden, although only a small part of the river is used for surfing. To locate the surfing area, look for the bridge near the Haus der Kunst Art Gallery on Prinzregentenstrasse. 

To See the Surfers - Follow the Signs to the English Garden
To See the Surfers - Follow the Signs to the English Garden
The Eisbach River - Munich, Germany
The Eisbach River - Munich, Germany

According to my research, surfers have been surfing the Eisbach River in Munich for over 40 years, and it is known as one of the premier river surfing areas in the entire world. The wave that the surfers ride is not natural and is created by a stone step at the outlet of the river. 

Surfer in Munich Germany Surfing the Eisbach River
Surfer in Munich Germany Surfing the Eisbach River

I didn’t realize this at the time, but many of the surfers who surf the Eisbach are professionals. Surfing the Eisbach should only be done by advanced surfers as the wave is not suitable for beginners. There are cement barriers on either side of the river that could cause head injuries, and there is also a strong current that makes swimming difficult.

Surfer in Munich Germany Surfing the Eisbach River
Surfer in Munich Germany Surfing the Eisbach River
Surfing the Eisbach River in Munich, Germany
Surfing the Eisbach River in Munich, Germany

Other Things to do in Munich, Germany

I only spent one day in Munich and did not get to see the whole city. I did visit Marienplatz and the English Garden but did not experience the whole city. For first-time visitors to Munich, I recommend the following sights.

English Garden

Marienplatz

New Town Hall and the Glockenspiel

Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral)

Nymphenburg Palace

Munich Residenz

Olympic Park

Allianz Arena

Viktualienmarkt

Munich Cathedral
The Frauenkirche - Munich's Main Cathedral
The Glockenspiel at Marienplatz
The Glockenspiel at Marienplatz

Tours that Include the English Garden

The surfers are located on the edge of the English Garden. It is easy to reach the English Garden via public transportation, and I do not believe a tour is necessary. That being said, I know some people like to be led around by a local guide. I have linked two tours below that caught my eye. Both of these tours stop at the English Garden. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Private Tour Including the English Garden
Private History and Culture Munich Tour - English Garden, Marienplatz & more - $135.00

Embrace the original Munich with our personalized walking tour with a local guide.

You can ask about going anywhere you like and your guide will take you daydreaming through the fairy-tale streets of Munich with great enthusiasm.

Learn about interesting places, cultural peculiarities, and the best restaurants, explore the city’s non-evident but wonderful sights and get an incredible experience of complete immersion.

• Learn everything you’ve always wanted about the city with a private local guide
• Let your guide design an itinerary especially for your personal preferences
• Follow your new friend to reveal some hidden paths of this beautiful city
• Make Munich a place where you would like to come back

Private Tour Including the English Garden
Private Munich Rickshaw City Tour and English Garden - $117.83

Munich can traditionally be visited excellently with a rickshaw, as the most beautiful sights and the English Garden can be easily reached.
The City Guides are intensively trained, always in a good mood and also respond to individual requests. Enjoyment made easy!

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