Scharmützelsee – Bad Saarow
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil · SUP
- Best winds W, SW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
East of Berlin, the Scharmützelsee is around 12 kilometres long and well earns its nickname "Märkisches Meer" (March Sea). The long, tide-free freshwater lake offers sandy entries around Bad Saarow and Wendisch Rietz, plus watersports stations with rental and courses. You rig on the shore and ride on flat to choppy water – the length of the lake gives plenty of fetch in the right direction.
West and southwest winds come through most steadily, with thermal help on summer afternoons. When does the spot work best? Spring and autumn bring the strongest days with pre-frontal westerlies, while the main season runs from April to October. Kiting is heavily regulated across Berlin/Brandenburg – possible at selected stations, so check local rules. The lake suits beginners and freeriders and makes an easy day trip from Berlin.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, February is the windiest month: on 21 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the west. The most reliable period runs from January to February. The least wind is in August (4 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), May brings the most wind days (9 %).
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
17 %
| 8 kn | W | 3 °C |
| February |
21 %
| 8 kn | W | 4 °C |
| March |
8 %
| 7 kn | SW | 8 °C |
| April |
13 %
| 7 kn | W | 12 °C |
| May |
9 %
| 8 kn | W | 17 °C |
| June |
7 %
| 7 kn | W | 22 °C |
| July |
6 %
| 7 kn | W | 22 °C |
| August |
4 %
| 6 kn | W | 22 °C |
| September |
5 %
| 7 kn | W | 19 °C |
| October |
12 %
| 8 kn | W | 13 °C |
| November |
9 %
| 7 kn | W | 6 °C |
| December |
10 %
| 7 kn | W | 3 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W, SW (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Insider tips
Watersports stations in Bad Saarow and Wendisch Rietz with rental and courses. The long axis in west/southwest wind gives the best fetch. Kiting only where regulated.
⚠︎ Hazards
Long lake with lots of fetch – offshore wind drifts you far out. Watch for passenger ferries and sailing boats and keep a safe distance.
All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.
Nearest surf school
Frequently asked questions
Is Scharmützelsee – Bad Saarow suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Scharmützelsee – Bad Saarow suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Chop). The nearest surf school is about 6 km away.
Which wind works at Scharmützelsee – Bad Saarow?
Best with wind from W, SW. In the windiest month (February), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the west.
When is the best time for Scharmützelsee – Bad Saarow?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, May has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 9 %); overall February is the windiest (21 %), but the water is cold then.
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