Bose-Einstein condensation has been achieved in a magnetic surface microtra
p with 4 x 10(5) Rb-87 atoms. The strongly anisotropic trapping potential i
s generated by a microstructure which consists of microfabricated linear co
pper conductor of widths ranging from 3 to 30 mum. After loading a high num
ber of atoms from a pulsed thermal source directly into a magneto-optical t
rap the magnetically stored atoms are transferred into the microtrap by adi
abatic transformation of the trapping potential. In the microtrap the atoms
are cooled to condensation using forced rf-evaporation. The complete in va
cuo trap design is compatible with ultrahigh vacuum below 2 x 10(-11) mbar.