Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSnowkiting
Freestyle, Freeride
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Chop
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof is an inland lake spot near Gunzenhausen that supports wind and water sports with strong on-site infrastructure. The launch setup centers around a large grassy meadow right at the water’s edge, making rigging and launching straightforward, and it’s commonly described as suitable for beginners due to the controlled, lake-like riding conditions. For wind sports, the prevailing wind is west-northwest and mainly driven by weather-front/gradient flow rather than thermal effects. On the water, conditions can be gusty, but typically remain manageable for lake riding. Kite activity is organized around a designated Kite-Zone at the Schlungenhof Surfufer, and access follows seasonal rules (typically from April 1 to October 31), with an additional note to avoid the bird sanctuary on the northern side of the lake. Water conditions are described as flat with occasional chop, and water quality can vary (often cloudy at the spot). Water temperatures reach roughly 22°C at peak summer, while colder periods can run much lower; wetsuits are generally expected year-round, with thicker insulation needed in winter and shoulder seasons. Some shallow areas require care when wingfoiling, as foil-safe depth is reached only after walking out from shore. Safety-wise, the main practical hazards include gusty wind near the shore, swimmers in adjacent areas, and near-shore structures such as stone groynes/wooden pilings. Late-summer cyanobacteria blooms can occur, so it’s important to check local warnings before traveling—especially during prolonged hot spells. Lifeguard coverage is typically weekend-based in summer, and emergency response relies on local services with the general emergency number 112.

  • Meadow rigging/launch right at the water
  • Designated kite zone and clear seasonal riding rules
  • Strong beginner access due to large standing area near shore
  • On-site school, rentals, and gear storage/repair options
  • Late-summer cyanobacteria risk—check warnings
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideWindsurfing freestyleWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyle
What's great
  • Large meadow for rigging/launching with direct access to the water
  • Flat inland-water conditions are generally friendly for beginners and progression
  • Good infrastructure: surf school, rentals, and on-site gear storage/repair support
Heads up
  • Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) risk in late summer during prolonged hot periods
  • Kitesurfing is restricted to a marked zone with seasonal access rules
  • Gusty winds and hazards near shore (pilings/groynes) require caution around swimmers
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Predominantly weather-front/gradient driven; west-northwest directions are favored.
Reliability
The wind relies on low-pressure systems moving through Central Europe; conditions can be gusty due to inland/topography.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gusty at times, but generally manageable for lake conditions.
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–17 m²
Shadow Zones
Light turbulence can occur near tree lines and nearby buildings in Schlungenhof.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand described, with some sources also noting mixed shore composition.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Lake water with generally flat conditions; some sources also note chop.
Chop Level
Light chop — Chop/controlled inland roughness can occur, but the riding area remains relatively calm.
Launch
Medium — Large grassy meadow for rigging and launching directly by the water.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
3–24 °C
Water Temperature
1–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Feb: 5/4mmMar, Apr: 4mmMay–Sep: 2-3mm (or rashguard / shorty)Oct: 3-4mm
Crowds by Season

High during windy weekends and summer holidays; very quiet in early spring and late autumn.

Storm/Rain Season

Occasional summer thunderstorms can produce strong, dangerous gusts.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Freeride/freestyle on predominantly flat lake water with a grassy meadow directly at the water’s edge for rigging and launching. A designated kite zone is used for on-water riding.

FreestyleFreerideFoil
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Flat water conditions suitable for freeride, with strong infrastructure and on-site support.

FreestyleSlalomFreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Flat-water wingfoiling with foil-friendly conditions; note that the water shallows near the shore and requires a short walk before reaching foil-safe depth.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
Approximately 1.0 meter after walking out from the shore.
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SnowkitingSkill Level

Suitable for snowkiting in winter with appropriate thick gear.

Flat field
Snow Conditions
Packed
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) in the full forecast view.

Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–18 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
WSW240°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2518 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Temperature
3–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Gusty winds near shore
  • Stone groynes and wooden pilings near the shore
  • Swimmers in adjacent zones
  • Seasonal blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in late summer
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitGlovesBootsImpact vestHelmetHoodLeashKnife

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Weekends only — Lifeguards are typically present during summer weekends.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Local rescue services operate mainly during summer and on weekends.
Emergency Info
Emergency number: 112. DLRG/lifeguards are often present during summer weekends.

Rules of the spot

Kitesurfing is strictly limited to the marked Kite-Zone at the Schlungenhof Surfufer, with seasonal access rules typically active from April 1 to October 31. Avoid the bird sanctuary on the northern side of the lake.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing only in the designated Kite-Zone
  • Seasonal access rules (April 1 - October 31)
  • Avoid the bird sanctuary on the northern side of the lake
Local Tips
  • Check local warnings before traveling for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
  • Parking fills up quickly on windy weekends.
  • For calmer lake sessions, the spot can be quiet when winds are gusty but stay lake-appropriate.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Gunzenhausen
Nearest Town
Gunzenhausen
Nearest Airport
Nuremberg Airport (NUE) ~60 km
Parking
Large parking lot/paid parking directly at the surf beach; can be used for overnight camper parking and fills up quickly on windy weekends.
Public Transport
Accessible via Gunzenhausen railway station with local bus connections around the lake perimeter.
Access
From Munich: take A9 and exit in Greding, drive B13 to the lake, pass Gunzenhausen, then turn left on Ansbacher Strasse until the lake. From Nuremberg: A6 to exit Ansbach, drive south on B13, turn right on Ansbacher Strasse before Schlungenhof; follow signs to the surf area. Park directly at the spot.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Camping
Toilets
Changing rooms
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping/motorhome options adjacent to the activity area, plus accommodation in Gunzenhausen.
Food & Drink
On-site lakeside dining with hot meals and drinks.
Equipment Rental:
Full range of kite, windsurf, and wingfoil equipment available via the on-site school.
Gear Storage
Storage lockers for seasonal or daily use at the surf center.
Gear Repair
Minor sail and kite repairs can often be handled by the local school.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Vogelinsel (Bird Island)4 km

Large nature reserve at the northern end of the lake with an observation tower for viewing rare bird species.

Gunzenhausen Old Town2 km

Historical town center featuring medieval architecture and sites related to the Roman Limes (UNESCO).

Altmühlsee Cycle Path0 km

Flat 12.5 km circuit around the entire lake, popular for cycling and inline skating.

Seerestaurant Schlungenhof0 km

Lakeside dining with traditional Franconian cuisine and views of the water.

Erlebnisspielplatz (Adventure Playground)1 km

Themed playgrounds located at various beach areas around the lake.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen)?

The best overall months at Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen)?

Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) works with NW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) suitable for?

Altmühlsee / Schlungenhof (Gunzenhausen) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate · Snowkiting: Beginner.