The biggest river wave in Europe… You have to be able to claim that first. But The Riverwave in small Ebensee in Upper Austria is currently out of competition in terms of the size of the standing wave. On a width of 10 meters, the artificially constructed branch of the Traun creates a river wave that is unparalleled.

The construction work on the Riverwave took over 5 years and the result is impressive. The wave is fed by the river and can also be adjusted to different water levels by means of two control flaps.

Here you can find everything you need to know about the wave:

The Riverwave is located between Salzburg and Linz and is best reached by car. There you will find much more than the wave itself.

On an area of about 4000sqm everything you need to spend a warm summer day at the river. In addition to the wave, The Riverwave offers a small snack bar and a large chill area with bathing facilities.

Camping is also basically possible nearby. Not far from the site are two official camper sites, which also allow surf sessions lasting several days.

Contrary to common practice, no single sessions with a fixed slot have to be booked in Ebensee. At The Riverwave a day ticket is offered, with which you can use the wave the whole day at will. The slots are limited to 25 surfers on each day of operation, so that everyone gets their money’s worth. So there’s nothing to stop you from taking a breather between surf sessions. Only the beginner coaching sessions should be booked individually and are bound to fixed periods. These take place outside the normal operating hours.

Since The Riverwave is one of the rapid waves that work on a natural basis, the wave may differ from day to day. Depending on the water level of the Traun and the setting of the two hydraulic flaps in front of the river arm, the wave can therefore differ greatly from day to day. If the water level is right, it is possible for the wave to have a very long and clean transition, inviting extensive bottom turns. A feature that is seeking its equal in river surfing.

Despite the dependence on the natural flow of the water, the two hydraulic flaps nevertheless allow different settings of the wave. For example, the wave can also be adjusted for beginner sessions.

Because of this adjustability, the wave is one of the cleanest natural waves you can find. This means that there is little water turbulence on the wave and only rare differences in the steepness and pressure of the wave.

Compared to many other waves, there is a lot of water under the wave ramp. This makes it possible to surf in Ebensee without fear of hitting the fins. The Traun belongs (mainly due to melt water) rather to the colder rivers, which is why a wetsuit is recommended even in summer. Nevertheless, in midsummer, surfing in boardshorts can also be pleasant and well endurable.