Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- 10–20 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Förmitztalsperre Ost is an inland reservoir spot in Upper Franconia (east shore side) known for wind-driven watersports during the warm season. The on-site conditions described by providers emphasize a shallow entry with a small standing area and a practical, nearby parking setup (around 200 m), which makes it convenient for short sessions and progression. For windsurfing, the spot is characterized as freeride/freestyle friendly with beginner access. Wind direction is consistently reported as southwesterly (SW) and is described as best in the May through September months. Providers differ slightly on the wind mechanics (one describes thermal/sea-breeze type behavior kicking in around midday; the regional context frames winds as mainly governed by regional low-pressure/front systems), but both align on the same practical takeaway: strong SW winds are the target for the east-side launch. Safety-wise, the reservoir environment brings typical inland-reservoir risks: gustier wind than you might expect on open coasts, shallow/rocky areas near entry, and physical constraints such as a dam wall and designated swimming zones that should be avoided. Seasonal access is also a major factor: windsports are prohibited between October and April (reported with varying exact date ranges) to protect nature/migratory birds. When planning your trip, the most reliable window is late spring through early autumn, with flat-ish water helping freeride and freestyle practice and wingfoiling becoming more common as riders adapt to the shallow entry zone. Because there is no dedicated rescue at the immediate launch (per spot-level reporting), it’s important to follow local rules and use appropriate personal safety gear.
- Freeride and freestyle focus with beginner-friendly shallow entry
- SW-leaning wind that favors the east shore launch
- Convenient parking about 200 m from the water
- Seasonal closure from October through April
- Freeride, freestyle, and beginner-friendly windsurfing conditions
- Large parking close to the water and an easy launch/standing area
- Flat-water style conditions make it suitable for learning freestyle and freeride maneuvers
- Seasonal closure from October through April
- Can be gusty (inland reservoir conditions)
- Shallow entry zone can include rocks; dam wall and swimming zones require careful navigation
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Providers describe strong SW thermal influence in summer; the group context notes winds are generally driven by regional pressure/low-pressure systems. Net takeaway: wind is best in the May–September window and often works well for the east-side launch.
- Reliability
- moderate to high during summer months (spot-level), but can vary with frontal systems/low pressure (provider-level).
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Gusty inland-reservoir conditions reported by one provider.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Some gustiness/shadowing near shore reported due to surrounding trees/terrain.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand reported by one provider; mixed beach composition also reported by another.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — One provider reports flat/smooth conditions; another describes some chop depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Some chop reported by one provider; other provider describes flat conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Shallow entry with a small standing area; also described as a grassy sunbathing area with easy entry.
Through the year
Can be busy on windy weekends and during summer holidays.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with occasional summer thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and freestyle focus with beginner-friendly conditions thanks to flat water and a shallow entry. Best on the east side in southwesterly winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Increasingly used for wingfoiling due to accessible launch and generally flat conditions; be mindful of shallow depth in the initial entry zone.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported; minimum depth once past initial entry is stated.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.0 meter once past the initial entry.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) in the full forecast view.
Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- WSW239°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 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
- Gusty wind conditions typical of inland reservoirs
- Rocks in the shallow entry zone (reported by one provider)
- Dam wall and designated swimming zones inside the reservoir (avoid)
- Seasonal water level fluctuations
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal in one provider; otherwise no dedicated lifeguard service is mentioned at spot level.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level providers report no rescue availability at the immediate launch.
- Emergency Info
- Use 112. Group context notes the nearest major medical facility is Sana Klinikum in Hof (~15 km away).
Rules of the spot
Windsurfing and similar water sports prohibited from October 1st to April 30th each year. A seasonal closure is also described as surfing prohibited between October and April to protect migratory birds/nature.
- No surfing/windsurfing from October to April
- No kitesurfing reported as generally not permitted on this reservoir
- No motorized craft
- SW is the most consistent/favorable wind direction for the east shore launch.
- The reservoir is also used for fishing and for local recreation (follow local access/signage).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Schwarzenbach an der Saale
- Nearest Town
- Fö···rmitz
- Parking
- Large parking lot on the west shore (Parkplatz Westufer), approximately 200 m from the east-side launch.
- Access
- Drive A9 to exit Münchberg/S Süd, follow B289 toward Schwarzenbach an der Saale. In Weißdorf, turn toward Benk and follow signs to Förmitz and the Förmitztalsperre. The parking lot is north of Förmitz, about 200 m from the water on the east shore.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Providers note accommodation in Schwarzenbach and Hof; group context indicates nearby options and a campsite regulated locally.
- Food & Drink
- Seasonal snack bars or kiosks near sunbathing areas are mentioned by one provider.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area blends quiet rural reservoir recreation with nearby hills and forests for outdoor activities and short sightseeing trips.
Museum dedicated to the translator of Donald Duck comics.
Forested mountain range for hiking, mountain biking, and winter skiing.
Traditional Franconian cuisine served near the water.
Leisure lake with a climbing park and swimming areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia)?
The best overall months at Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia)?
Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) works with SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia): Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) suitable for?
Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.