Erlichsee
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Erlichsee is a small inland lake used for wind sports, with wind mainly driven by passing weather systems rather than thermal effects. The wind is generally best when it comes from the Northwest: that direction is described as coming through cleanly, while other directions can become noticeably gusty—especially close to the launch where trees create wind shadows and turbulence. The lake setup makes it practical for freeride and freestyle windsurfing, with water conditions described as flat to choppy depending on conditions. Launch access is via a small bay with wind cover, and the rigging/launch area is supported by a large parking zone with extensive space for equipment setup, including grass surfaces. In terms of seasonal comfort, water temperatures range from very cold in winter to warm summer conditions, and the best wind months reported for the lake include March, April, May, September, October, and November. Summer can also bring more swimmers and sunbathers, so sessions can feel busy around bathing areas. Safety-wise, the most important considerations are gustiness, wind-shadows near the shore, and changing underwater depth close to the entry. Kitesurfing is not permitted on Erlichsee due to local safety regulations and the close proximity of swimming areas.
- Large free parking with plenty of room for rigging (partly grass)
- Northwest wind is the cleanest wind direction on the lake
- Freeride and freestyle-focused inland windsurfing scene
- Kitesurfing not permitted
- Freeride and freestyle-friendly inland spot with flat to choppy conditions
- Easy access with large free parking and ample rigging space (partly grass)
- Northwest winds are the best form of wind on the lake
- Wind cleanliness is direction-dependent; only Northwest comes through freely and cleanly
- Trees near shore create wind shadows and turbulence
- Swimmers in summer add safety complexity
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Wind Range
- 8–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Northwest is the cleanest wind direction; other directions can become gusty due to surrounding trees.
- Reliability
- Low to moderate; primarily dependent on passing low-pressure systems.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported; wind cleanliness depends strongly on direction and where you are on the lake.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- The bay entrance is sheltered; wind becomes cleaner further out on the lake, with turbulence near the launch due to trees.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy shoreline reported.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Wave conditions described as flat; water can also turn choppier depending on wind.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Some sources describe choppy water; other sources describe flat wave conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Small bay for entry with wind cover; spacious grass rigging area near the parking lot.
Through the year
Can be very crowded with swimmers and sunbathers during hot summer weekends.
Rain is possible year-round, with more frequent storms in autumn.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not permitted on the lake due to safety regulations and proximity to swimming areas.
Freeride and freestyle on flat to choppy inland water. Northwest wind is the cleanest, while other directions can be very gusty due to surrounding trees.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Viable alternative when windsurf conditions are present; sufficiently deep for foils once away from the immediate shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly once you are further out on the lake; immediate shore area is shallower.
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Erlichsee in the full forecast view.
Erlichsee wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–17 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 5–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, Erlichsee is forecast for daytime winds of 3–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Swimmers
- Wind shadows and turbulence near shore
- Underwater depth changes
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard coverage reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue services are reported as seasonal (typically during weekends and public holidays in summer).
- Emergency Info
- General emergency number is 112.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is generally not permitted on the lake; respect designated swimming zones and the private club area.
- No kitesurfing
- Only the Northwest wind comes through cleanly to the lake.
- Rigging is best done on the grass area near the public parking.
- Be especially cautious near the launch where wind shadows/turbulence are stronger.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Oberhausen-Rheinhausen
- Nearest Town
- Oberhausen-Rheinhausen
- Parking
- Large free parking area directly at the spot with ample space for rigging; part includes grass surfaces for setup.
- Access
- Accessible via the L560 road; entrance is via a small bay with wind cover. The spot is located on the eastern side of the lake.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Camping is directly adjacent to the lake shore at Freizeitzentrum Erlichsee.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant/bistro is typically available near the campsite and public beach area.
- Equipment Rental:
- No commercial rental shops on the beach; equipment is generally available via the local windsurfing club for members or scheduled training events.
- Gear Storage
- Storage generally reserved for club members.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized repair shops on-site; nearest sail/board repair services reported in Mannheim or Karlsruhe.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The wider area combines outdoor recreation around quarry lakes with historic and cultural attractions in Speyer within the Rhine valley.
Large technology museum featuring a Boeing 747, a space shuttle, and numerous vintage vehicles.
UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Romanesque monuments from the Holy Roman Empire.
Popular theme park known for the Expedition GeForce roller coaster.
Lakeside restaurant offering regional German cuisine and terrace views.
Large sandy beaches with sunbathing lawns, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Erlichsee?
The best overall months at Erlichsee are April, May, September, October. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Erlichsee?
Erlichsee works with NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Erlichsee?
Recommended equipment sizes at Erlichsee: Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 8–22 kts.
What skill level is Erlichsee suitable for?
Erlichsee suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.