River waves · building, running, surfing
Case studies: what other river waves cost and how they came about
Every river wave in the German-speaking countries came about differently – and each teaches something different. We have described seven waves in detail, with timeline, costs, technology, permits and operation, each with sources and with what can be transferred to Winterbach. All 35 waves and projects at a glance are shown in the wave directory.
The seven waves compared
| Wave | Construction | Costs | Funding | From idea to operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuchslochwelle Nuremberg (2022) | new channel, two weirs, three hydraulic modules, fish pass | approx. 3 million € | approx. 1 million € each from the Free State and the city, remainder club and sponsors | 11 years |
| Leinewelle Hanover (2023) | three steel wave bodies in the river, hydraulically adjustable | 2.4–2.5 million € | entirely through sponsors and donations, no public funds | 10 years |
| blackforestwave Pforzheim (2021) | steel-and-timber ramp in an existing channel, lowerable | approx. 80,000 € plus volunteer labour | industrial sponsors, municipal utilities, volunteers | 7 years |
| Surfwelle Augsburg (2024/25) | existing bed sill converted, carbon-reinforced concrete, spoiler by hand crank | approx. 350,000 € | 80 % Free State and city, crowdfunding | approx. 5 years |
| Almkanalwelle Salzburg (2010) | timber ramp in a regulated canal | 90,000 € | City of Salzburg | – |
| Thun | natural waves below regulating weirs | none | – | – |
| Eisbachwelle Munich | stilling basin, shaped for decades with suspended boards | none | – | surfed since 1975, legal since 2010 |
What runs through all of them
The infrastructure determines the costs. Where a channel or a sill already exists (Pforzheim, Augsburg, Salzburg), a five-figure to low six-figure sum is enough. Where a channel has to be dug and a weir built (Nuremberg), it is millions. Winterbach is closer to the first group: no channel is needed, structure, banks and access are in place – although the head for the wave still has to be created by an installation. → The Winterbach site
It takes years. Seven to eleven years from idea to operation are the rule, not the exception. The longest stretch is rarely the construction, but permitting and funding.
The club is the operating model. All newer German waves are operated by non-profit clubs: slots, volunteer supervision, lifeguards, insurance through membership. Salzburg (city as operator) and Thun (toleration) show other ways, Munich shows what happens without an operator. → Operators and operation
The state can co-fund – or not. Bavaria paid half of Nuremberg and a third of Augsburg. Hanover went entirely without public funds. In Baden-Württemberg there is not yet an example for a river wave. → Costs and funding
The holder of the fishing rights belongs at the table early. Hanover learnt it in court, Nuremberg planned the fish pass in from the start.
Adjustability is standard. Whether hydraulics (Nuremberg, Hanover, Pforzheim), hand crank (Augsburg) or spoiler boards (Salzburg): every planned wave can be adapted and taken out of the water during a flood. → Wave types and technology
Frequently asked questions
Which river wave was the cheapest?
Among the built waves, Pforzheim with around 80,000 euros for the installation (plus over a thousand hours of volunteer labour) and Salzburg with 90,000 euros – both in existing channels.
Which river wave was the most expensive?
The Fuchslochwelle in Nuremberg with around three million euros – a new build with its own channel, two weirs and a fish pass.
Is there a river wave in Baden-Württemberg?
Yes, one: the blackforestwave in Pforzheim. The Neckarwelle in Stuttgart was not approved in 2019 because of the water quality; the Remswelle in Winterbach is in the feasibility assessment.
Last updated: 15 October 2026 · Initiative Remswelle