Feldafing (Lake Starnberg)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 10–15 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) is a small, clean-water lake spot where wind sports depend heavily on getting the right wind direction, especially ENE/E/ESE. Conditions near the entry are shallow for roughly the first 50 meters, with a quick drop-off beyond, so the launch and early water depth can be a key factor for safety and progression. The launch is described as easy in one dataset but also as technically challenging in another: the entry is extremely narrow and bordered by large trees, a golf course fence, and restricted paths. This setup can create turbulence and wind shadow close to shore, and it can make the first minutes of riding difficult—particularly for less confident riders. Wind is commonly reported as thermal/afternoon-driven on sunny days (with 10–15 knots described), which is why wing foiling is the standout recommendation when the breeze develops. However, another dataset emphasizes that there may be no strong thermal component and that the spot may work primarily on specific weather situations that bring East wind, with limited reliability. Safety-wise, plan for cold water much of the year and expect no lifeguard presence. Wetsuits are strongly recommended all year. For kitesurfing specifically, local rules are highlighted as restrictive or prohibited in different ways across datasets (bird-protection seasonal access vs a general prohibition/no official kite zone), so you should confirm what is allowed on the day at this exact launch.
- Clean lake water
- Best wind directions: ENE, E, ESE
- Afternoon wind can support wing foiling
- Shallow launch zone (~50m) with quick deep-water drop-off
- Clean water and small beach entry
- Wind directions ENE/E/ESE are consistently highlighted as best
- Afternoon wind can be suitable for wing foiling when thermal conditions build
- Lake size can support consistent breeze for foiling when conditions line up
- Very tight/narrow launch area with large trees and other access constraints
- Shallow for ~50m then deep water drops quickly
- Cold water for most of the year
- Wind availability is East-direction dependent and can be conditional
- Kitesurfing rules are inconsistent across datasets (seasonal restriction vs general prohibition); verify on the day
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ENE, E, ESE
- Wind Range
- 10–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sunny afternoons can create a thermal wind component; typical kite/wing wind is stated around 10–15 knots, and ENE/E/ESE directions are favored.
- Reliability
- Wind is described as unreliable/conditional in one dataset (works mainly on specific weather situations bringing East wind), but another dataset describes recurring thermal/afternoon behavior in summer. Overall: primarily East-wind dependent.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness is reported.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Trees near the shore/launch can create wind shadow and turbulence, especially affecting beginners.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand reported; another dataset describes a pebble launch surface. Treat as sandy/pebble mix depending on entry zone.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Reported as flat or chop depending on conditions; generally flat-to-choppy.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Described as flat to choppy water.
- Launch
- Small — Small beach entry; additionally described as a very narrow strip bordered by trees and golf course fence.
Through the year
Low crowd due to technical difficulty/unofficial status, but the wider park/area is busy with tourists in summer.
Rain is most frequent in June and July and can include summer thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat to choppy conditions with shallow water for about 50m and a small sandy/pebble beach; launch is near trees, making it intermediate-feeling for some riders. Legal status is disputed between datasets (restricted by season/bird protection in one dataset; technically banned in another).
Suitable for windsurfing with flat-to-choppy water and shallow near shore; one dataset emphasizes East-wind driven conditions and rare days, while another describes the spot as intermediate-friendly due to trees near launch.
Wing foiling is highlighted as a good match for the afternoon wind—when the wind is present at the entry—using 10–15 knots described for thermal afternoons and a large enough lake for consistency.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — One dataset reports it as foil friendly generally, while another notes the deep-water needs start soon after launching, making entry difficulty a factor.
- Min Depth
- Requires very shallow water transition; a shallow zone is stated as about 50m from shore.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) in the full forecast view.
Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- WSW250°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 3–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. 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
- Launch near trees
- Very limited/narrow launch area
- Shallow water for about 50m from shore and deep water drops quickly beyond
- Golf course fence and restricted pathways near access
- Turbulence/wind shadow near dense tree lines
- Cold water temperatures for most of the year
- Boat traffic/ferries and shipping lanes
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence is reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue services are described as limited via BRK Wasserwacht coverage in the area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are reported in Starnberg city; regional rescue services operate via BRK Wasserwacht with coverage in multiple nearby towns including Feldafing and Starnberg.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Reported as locally governed/moderately local (especially given restrictions and technical launch constraints).
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is restricted by conservation/bird-protection rules (April–October) in one dataset; a separate dataset states kitesurfing is generally prohibited on the lake and riders may face fines, with additional navigation restrictions near nature reserve areas. Follow local signage and authorities on the day.
- Kitesurfing restricted/allowed only April–October due to bird protection (one dataset).
- Kitesurfing described as technically banned/generally prohibited on the lake in another dataset, with no official kite zone and risks of fines.
- Best wind directions are ENE, E, and ESE.
- Wear a wetsuit all year due to continental weather.
- Launch conditions can be tight due to trees at/near the entry; consider skill level accordingly.
- Only kite when allowed under current local restrictions on the day and keep respectful distance from protected areas.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Starnberg
- Nearest Town
- Feldafing
- Nearest Airport
- Munich Airport (MUC)
- Parking
- Parking is available near the golf course access point to the water; one dataset also mentions parking near the Feldafing S-Bahn station or the public park entrance with a significant walk carrying gear.
- Public Transport
- Excellent connectivity via Munich S-Bahn (S6) and regional rail to towns including Feldafing; buses connect to lakeside towns and there are cycling paths along the shore.
- Access
- By car to the west side of Lake Starnberg until Feldafing. Find the golf course and cross it to get to the water (crossing/fenced access and designated paths are noted).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and guesthouses are available in Feldafing and the surrounding Starnberger See area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Wind-related equipment rentals are described as widely available via local schools during summer.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The lake blends refined Bavarian lakeside life with alpine scenery and is a popular weekend destination from Munich.
Historic island with a villa and extensive rose gardens, accessible by ferry.
World-famous art museum in Bernried featuring Expressionist works.
Dedicated to Austrian Empress Empress Elisabeth, located at the historic Possenhofen station.
A 49 km scenic cycling route that circles the entire lake.
Traditional Bavarian restaurant and beer garden with direct lake access.
Large public water park and bathing area with indoor and outdoor pools.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Feldafing (Lake Starnberg)?
The best overall months at Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) are June, July, August. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Feldafing (Lake Starnberg)?
Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) works with ENE, E, ESE winds.
What skill level is Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) suitable for?
Feldafing (Lake Starnberg) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Beginner.