Förmitztalsperre Ost (Upper Franconia)

WindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Windsurfing freestyleWindsurfing freerideBeginners
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm or shortyApr–Oct: 5/4mm
Crowds by Season

Can be busy on windy weekends and during summer holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with occasional summer thunderstorms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Freeride and freestyle focus with beginner-friendly conditions thanks to flat water and a shallow entry. Best on the east side in southwesterly winds.

FreerideFreestyleWaveFoil
Sail Sizes
5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

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 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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHarnessLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • No surfing/windsurfing from October to April
  • No kitesurfing reported as generally not permitted on this reservoir
  • No motorized craft
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area blends quiet rural reservoir recreation with nearby hills and forests for outdoor activities and short sightseeing trips.

Best time to visit: May to September is ideal for combining watersports with tourism and hiking.
Erika-Fuchs-Haus~4 km

Museum dedicated to the translator of Donald Duck comics.

Fichtelgebirge Nature Park~10 km

Forested mountain range for hiking, mountain biking, and winter skiing.

Gasthof zum See~1 km

Traditional Franconian cuisine served near the water.

Untreusee~12 km

Leisure lake with a climbing park and swimming areas.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.