First of all, an important note: swimming in the Eisbach river is dangerous and prohibited. Every year there are bathing accidents and drownings. We don't encourage anyone to go for a swim, especially when under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants! It may look like fun at first glance, but swimming down Eisbach can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Furthermore, Munich has many beautiful outdoor pools and bathing lakes that are much better suited for cooling off in the summer. However, if you do decide to jump into the ice-cold water, you can use the following tips to better assess the dangers.

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION MUNICH: EISBACH SWIMMING IN ENGLISH GARDEN

Among experienced locals a popular way to cool off on a hot summer day is to swim down the rapids of the Eisbach, a man-made river that flows through Englischer Garten. People start their ride at the surf spot close to Haus der Kunst and swim down the river until arriving at the second standing wave, which is called E2. At this spot swimmers should get out on the left side of the canal just before the wave. Here there is a steel cable streched across the river that swimmers can hold onto to pull themselves to the exit on the left side of the canal. If swimmers decide to dive through the wave and past the surfers, they always have to make sure the surfers notice them and be prepared for the current behind the wave to be strong! There is no reason to panic, since the river calms down after a few metres. Swimmers can keep on floating until reaching Tivoli Bridge, about 250 meters downstream. This is where all swimmers need to get out of the river, since there is a dangerous waterfall only a few meters further, where getting out is almost impossible. At Tivoli Bridge they can use one of the ladders on the left side to climb out. From here they can walk back along the river to where they started.

If you decide to swim down the Eisbach please bear in mind always, that the current is very strong and floating down the ice-cold river requires excellent swimming skills! The water is freezing cold, which severely limits the ability to swim. Also be aware, that at the bottom of the river there may be objects scattered around (such as broken bottles and even whole bicycles) which can hurt your feet severely. Try not to touch the ground and even wear old sneakers to protect your feet. If you're in doubt, walk down the river first and check out the route and exit spots. We don't want to be killjoys, but think at least twice if going for a swim is worth the risk.

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