Eisbach

Surfing seems an unlikely sight in a landlocked city—but watching surfers master the waves of Munich’s Eisbach (Ice Stream) River has become a serious pastime for locals and visitors alike. Special boards and skills are needed for this cold-water sport, which was banned at the spot until 2010 but now draws brave professional and semi-professional athletes in wetsuits year-round. Unlike ocean surfing, there’s no paddling to catch waves, which are artificially created on a concreate break: this means surfers must be ready to ride as soon as they hit the water. It’s best to have experience before diving in. On the hottest summer days, things get a little weird; you may see a local or two surf naked.