Lake Schwerin – Zippendorf
Germany · Windsurf · Wingfoil · SUP
- Best winds W, SW, NW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
At about 21 kilometres long and up to 6 kilometres wide, Lake Schwerin is the second-largest lake in northern Germany. Zippendorf beach, just south of the state capital, is the easy city spot: sand entry, a broad lawn to rig on and thermal afternoon winds in summer. In west, southwest and northwest conditions the wind runs freely along the long axis of the lake, giving solid freeride conditions on flat to lightly choppy water.
Can you kite on Lake Schwerin? Only in a very limited way – the one released kite spot is on the outer lake at Flessenow in the north, with a waist-deep teaching area off the grass. At Zippendorf it's all about windsurfing, wingfoil and SUP. The lake is beginner-friendly but has enough open water for long reaches. Schools and rental are based in Schwerin and on the northern shore.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, January is the windiest month: on 30 % 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 south-west. The most reliable period runs from January to February. The least wind is in September (13 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), July brings the most wind days (19 %).
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
30 %
| 9 kn | SW | 3 °C |
| February |
26 %
| 9 kn | W | 4 °C |
| March |
16 %
| 8 kn | SW | 8 °C |
| April |
18 %
| 8 kn | W | 11 °C |
| May |
14 %
| 8 kn | W | 16 °C |
| June |
14 %
| 7 kn | W | 21 °C |
| July |
19 %
| 8 kn | SW | 21 °C |
| August |
15 %
| 7 kn | W | 21 °C |
| September |
13 %
| 8 kn | SW | 18 °C |
| October |
21 %
| 9 kn | SW | 13 °C |
| November |
15 %
| 8 kn | W | 7 °C |
| December |
16 %
| 8 kn | SW | 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, NW (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
Kitesurfing on Lake Schwerin only at the released Flessenow spot (outer lake, north shore) – not at Zippendorf. In summer wait for the afternoon thermal.
⚠︎ Hazards
Large lake with a long wind axis – offshore wind drifts you out quickly. Use the buddy system and watch for building gusts.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Schwerin – Zippendorf suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Lake Schwerin – Zippendorf suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Chop).
Which wind works at Lake Schwerin – Zippendorf?
Best with wind from W, SW, NW. In the windiest month (January), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south-west.
When is the best time for Lake Schwerin – Zippendorf?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 19 %); overall January is the windiest (30 %), but the water is cold then.
Something missing or wrong? Suggest a change
Your note goes to the editors and is not shown publicly. We only need an email address if we have questions.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.