A piece of the Pacific Ocean is rolling into southern Germany. Where bicycles normally whiz by and streams babble, people are now surfing to their hearts’ content. The first “citywave” has been splashing around in Freiburg since May. Location: not the coast, but the grounds of irie surf – right in the middle of the tri-state area, surrounded by the trade fair grounds, the university, and a soccer stadium.
Nine meters of waves, zero swell
The new surfing facility conjures up a nine-meter-wide wave on dry land – smooth, controlled, almost too perfect. Beginners glide gently into wet bliss, while advanced surfers skillfully throw themselves into the water. The whole thing works at the touch of a button: The “citywave” in Freiburg is not a wild force of nature, but a precisely constructed playground for water lovers.
Surfing, snacking, chilling
But where there’s surfing, the right scenery is a must. Around the wave, a little paradise is emerging for feet in the sand and faces in the sun: food trucks roll up, flat whites flow in the café, and the occasional concert creates waves beyond the water. Spectators won’t get bored – and surfers will be hungry afterwards. It’s a winning formula!
Surf slots can be booked in small groups. Sessions cost between 44 and 55 euros. It’s worth jumping in several times, as multi-visit tickets are cheaper.
More than just a paddling pool
Behind “citywave” is high-tech from Munich, developed by two engineers with a penchant for the perfect wave. What began in the city on the Isar is now spreading worldwide, from the US to Japan. Freiburg is not only getting a new attraction, but also a piece of surf culture with a social heart: the Soulflow e.V. association is getting disadvantaged young people on boards and bringing movement into rigid lives.
