Förmitztalsperre West
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Förmitztalsperre West is an inland, low-profile wind spot centered on the western shore of the Förmitz/Förmitztalsperre reservoir. The entry is described as shallow with a small standing area, and the overall setup is aimed at freeride and freestyle progression, including beginners who want predictable starts and simple beach access. Wind-wise, east winds (with some NE/SE variability reported) are consistently highlighted as the best direction for sessions. Typical reported wind strength for the spot is in the low-to-mid teens of knots, with moderate gusts noted and a reminder that terrain/trees on the west side can add local gustiness and turbulence. Safety is the main operational constraint: the reservoir is subject to a strict seasonal closure for water sports during the late autumn through early spring period. Power lines near the dam and shallow/variable depth near the entry (plus reports of rocky patches underwater) mean careful navigation is important, particularly around the launch and shallow zones. Rescue/lifeguard coverage is not reported at the spot itself; in an emergency, the regional guidance points to using 112 and seeking medical care near Hof/Münchberg. Amenities are oriented around practical day-use: large parking at the west launch area, toilets, and showers are reported, with food and drink available nearby. Water temperatures warm into mid-summer, and wetsuits are typically adjusted through the season—thicker for shoulder months and a shorty only during peak summer heat.
- E/NE wind works best on the west shore.
- Shallow entry with a small standing area supports beginners and freeride progression.
- Large parking lot and easy access for day trips.
- Beginner-friendly west shore with shallow entry and a small standing area.
- East winds are described as best; the west shore works particularly well for east wind.
- Large parking area and generally easy access for day sessions.
- Seasonal closure limits the usable season (no water sports Oct–Apr).
- Power lines are located near the dam at the northern end of the reservoir.
- Early season water can be very cold; rocky patches and shallow entry require caution.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Wind Range
- 8–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Providers describe the wind as E-driven and thermally/pressure-gradient influenced, with strength depending on weather systems.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — West-side terrain can create gusty/turbulent conditions; gustiness is repeatedly noted for this reservoir.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Minimal (in general), but West-shore terrain/trees can make winds gusty and turbulent.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is reported; one provider also notes mixed composition (with sandy/pebbly/grassy access).
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave size is described as flat/low.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — One provider characterizes the water as flat; another describes wind chop.
- Launch
- Small — Shallow entry with a small standing area; grassy launch with sandy/pebbly sections.
Through the year
Can be busy on sunny, windy weekends; very quiet during the week.
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during July and August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and freestyle focus with beginner-friendly shallow entry and a small standing area on the west shore; east winds are best.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–7.5 m²
Increasingly popular on the west shore; riders should be mindful of water level and shallow spots near entry, especially in drier periods.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Providers indicate it is foil-friendly with minimum depth after initial entry around ~1 meter.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter after the initial entry.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Förmitztalsperre West in the full forecast view.
Förmitztalsperre West wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- SW236°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Förmitztalsperre West 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 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
- Power lines near the dam at the northern end of the reservoir
- Cold water in early season
- Rocky patches underwater
- Shallow entry that can become very shallow during dry periods
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard is reported at the spot; however, the wider region notes limited rescue availability with an on-site DLRG presence usually during summer/weekends.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level sources say no rescue at the launch; regional context indicates limited rescue coverage (typically on weekends/summer).
- Emergency Info
- Use 112 (European emergency number). Nearest hospital is in/near Hof or Münchberg; also referenced is Sana Klinikum in Hof (~15 km away).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism level is described as none.
Rules of the spot
Strict seasonal closure: no windsurfing/sailing from October to April (exact dates may vary by conservation ordinances). Follow local club updates for current access windows.
- No windsurfing/sailing Oct–Apr (seasonal conservation closure).
- Kitesurfing generally not permitted or discouraged due to power lines and space.
- E/NE wind is best; the west shore offers the best entry for east winds.
- Avoid sessions during the seasonal closure period (Oct–Apr).
- Check local seasonal dates with the local club before going out.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Schwarzenbach an der Saale
- Nearest Town
- Föıııt
- Parking
- Large public parking lot directly at/near the western launch area, accessible from the road.
- Access
- From A9 exit Münchberg/Sch, follow B289 to Schwarzenbach, then turn to Benk and follow signs to Förmitztalsperre. Parking is north of Förmitz on the west side of the lake.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses in Schwarzenbach or Völkenreuth; hotels in Hof and a dedicated campsite near the reservoir shores.
- Food & Drink
- Seasonal kiosk or small restaurants in nearby villages; nearby options available.
- Equipment Rental:
- Group context indicates limited rental services via local clubs/specialized seasonal operators; Gemini notes no commercial rental on-site.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is reported as available only to members of the local sailing club.
- Gear Repair
- No repair reported at the spot.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The wider Förmitztalsperre area is known for a quiet rural setting with outdoor recreation in Upper Franconian countryside, plus nearby mountain/hiking options.
A museum dedicated to the translator of Donald Duck comics, located in Schwarzenbach.
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 West?
The best overall months at Förmitztalsperre West are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Förmitztalsperre West?
Förmitztalsperre West works with E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Förmitztalsperre West?
Recommended equipment sizes at Förmitztalsperre West: Windsurfing: 4.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 8–20 kts.
What skill level is Förmitztalsperre West suitable for?
Förmitztalsperre West suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.