Walchensee
Germany · Windsurf · Wingfoil · SUP
- Best winds S (föhn), N
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
The Walchensee is among the windiest lakes in the Alps and is widely seen as Germany's answer to Lake Garda. In summer reliable thermals deliver most of the surf days: through the jet effect of the closely set mountains the wind often whistles in from the northeast across the lake. Add the foehn from the south, which falls over the Kesselberg and is usually very gusty – that's when real strong-wind days open up for windsurfers and wingfoilers. Where is the wind strongest on the Walchensee? It runs hardest in the stretch between Galerie and Schweinebucht. The main spot with a rigging meadow is the campsite at the Kesselberg. The deep-blue, very clear water is alpine cold. The area suits advanced surfers and wingfoilers – kitesurfing is prohibited.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
The wind at this spot is mainly local (thermals, funnelling between mountains or shores). The weather model with its roughly 9 km grid does not capture it and shows hardly any wind here – so we do not show wind-day statistics. For the season, see the spot description.
| Month | Avg wind | Direction | Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 kn | — | 1 °C |
| February | 3 kn | — | 4 °C |
| March | 3 kn | — | 8 °C |
| April | 4 kn | S | 10 °C |
| May | 3 kn | — | 14 °C |
| June | 3 kn | — | 20 °C |
| July | 3 kn | — | 20 °C |
| August | 3 kn | — | 20 °C |
| September | 3 kn | — | 17 °C |
| October | 3 kn | — | 13 °C |
| November | 3 kn | — | 6 °C |
| December | 3 kn | — | 2 °C |
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
Kite ban in force. Main spot the Kesselberg campsite with rigging meadow; strongest wind between Galerie and Schweinebucht. Summer thermals from the northeast, foehn from the south. A warm wetsuit is essential.
⚠︎ Hazards
Gusty katabatic winds and foehn can jump to 5–6 Bft in an instant – not for beginners. Deep, cold alpine water cools you fast, a warm wetsuit is mandatory. Offshore wind brings drift risk.
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 Walchensee suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, Walchensee is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).
Which wind works at Walchensee?
Best with wind from S (föhn), N.
When is the best time for Walchensee?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct.
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