Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Foil
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) is a clean, flat-water lake spot where wind sports are mainly driven by afternoon thermal/lake-breeze conditions. The breeze typically develops on sunny days and can strengthen later in the day, making late-afternoon sessions particularly favorable. For windsurfing, conditions are described as well-suited to freeriding and foiling, with flat water and a thermal afternoon breeze. For wingfoiling, the lake depth supports foiling, though the launch area is cramped and requires careful setup. In both cases, strong awareness of other users near the public swimming area is important. Kitesurfing is the main conflict: while some listings associate kitesurfing with this area, kitesurfing is generally prohibited on Lake Ossiach under regional navigation regulations. You should treat this as a strict restriction, confirm local rules before any attempt, and be prepared for additional requirements if any exceptions exist. Safety-wise, expect swimmers/bathers during the season, close trees and buildings near launch, and potentially nearby power lines. Rescue availability is described as limited, with emergency numbers available and water rescue operating during summer months; staying clear of designated swimming zones is essential. Facilities at the public lido include showers and toilets (and additional amenities such as changing rooms, parking, and food options).

  • Afternoon thermal wind pattern (typically late-day strongest)
  • Clean, flat lake water
  • Good lido infrastructure (showers and toilets)
  • Warm mid-summer water temperatures
Great for
Windsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleWingfoil waveWingfoil downwind
What's great
  • Clean, flat lake water with small beach conditions that suit certain wind sports.
  • Afternoon thermal winds provide workable sessions, especially for windsurfing and wingfoiling.
  • Good on-site infrastructure (showers/toilets and additional lido amenities).
  • Warm summer water temperatures.
Heads up
  • Kitesurfing is officially prohibited on Lake Ossiach under regional navigation rules.
  • Launch area is very tight with trees/infrastructure close to the water.
  • Wind can be low-to-moderate and relies on the right pressure/conditions; gusts are common.
  • Crowding from swimmers can be significant in July and August.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, SW, W
Wind Range
8–18 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Afternoon thermal winds (lake–mountain interaction), sometimes channeled between mountains; generally light-to-moderate and can become gusty.
Reliability
Low to moderate; wind depends on local pressure/conditions.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gusty winds are common; stronger gusts mean you may want a larger kite with strong depower (where kitesurfing is legally allowed).
Best Months
May, June, July, October
Shadow Zones
The northern shore can be shadowed by the Gerlitzen mountain during northerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Mixed — Mixed beach material reported; narrow grassy launch area in the lido.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Flat-water conditions for most water sports.
Launch
Small — Very narrow grassy beach at the public lido; trees and infrastructure are close to the water.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Difficult due to cramped launch area and close obstacles near the waterline.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
3–25 °C
Water Temperature
-2–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm or shortyApr–Oct: 4/3mm or 5/4mm
Crowds by Season

Very crowded with swimmers in July and August; quiet in spring and autumn.

Storm/Rain Season

Thunderstorms are common in July and August afternoons.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Kitesurfing is sometimes associated with this spot in older listings, but it is officially prohibited on Lake Ossiach. Where activity is restricted, kitesurfing should be avoided and rules confirmed before launching.

FreestyleWaveFreeride
WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Well-known for windsurfing with flat-water conditions and an afternoon thermal breeze that supports freeriding and foiling.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
6–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for wingfoiling with sufficient depth for foiling; thermal winds are best toward the afternoon peak. Launch area can be cramped.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foiling is best when the thermal wind reaches its peak in the afternoon.
Min Depth
2.0 meters
Wing Sizes
5–7 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) in the full forecast view.

Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–4 ktsGusts 9 kts
Direction
SSE156°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 244 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Temperature
3–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–4 kts, peaking around 4 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 9 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. 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

  • Swimmers and bathers in the designated swimming area
  • Swimmers
  • Trees and buildings very close to the launch zone
  • Nearby power lines
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHelmetImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards are present seasonally.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Water rescue services operate with local bases around the lake; no dedicated coastguard for the freshwater lake setting.
Emergency Info
Emergency number 112; medical 144; police 133; fire 122. Local water rescue (Wasserrettung) is stationed on the lake during summer months.

Rules of the spot

Check local regulations and whether kitesurfing is allowed; kitesurfing is generally not permitted on Lake Ossiach under regional navigation rules. Windsurfers and wingfoilers must yield to public ferry traffic.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing prohibited on Lake Ossiach (regional navigation regulations).
  • Avoid designated swimming zones.
  • Motorized craft restrictions may apply.
Local Tips
  • Thermal winds are typically best in the afternoon when the breeze builds up.
  • The lake works better outside peak summer bathing hours when the beach is less crowded.
  • It’s your responsibility to confirm whether kitesurfing is allowed and whether you need a special permit or membership from the local kite organization.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Villach
Nearest Town
Annenheim
Parking
Public parking is available near the entrance of the Gerlitzenbad and the Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn cable car station.
Access
From the B94 between Villach and Feldkirchen; the spot is located right between Annenheim and Sattendorf with a short walk from the road. The spot is part of the Gerlitzenbad public beach facility.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels, campsites, and guesthouses are available in Annenheim and Sattendorf.
Food & Drink
A restaurant/buffet is located directly within the Gerlitzenbad facility.
Equipment Rental:
On-site equipment rental is reported for windsurfing and SUP equipment during summer.
Gear Storage
Not publicly available; usually restricted to school customers.
Gear Repair
No specialized repair shop on-site (basic repair availability may be via local schools).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area around Ossiacher See combines alpine scenery with warm-summer lake recreation and accessible lakefront infrastructure.

Best time to visit: Summer (May–September).
Gerlitzen Alpe Cable Car0-1 km

Access to the summit for panoramic views of the Julian Alps and surrounding mountain activities.

Burg Landskron5 km

Bird of prey show and a wildlife enclosure ('Monkey Mountain').

Ossiach Abbey8 km

Former Benedictine monastery noted for baroque architecture and the Carinthian Summer Music Festival.

Trailcenter Ossiacher See

Lake bike trail center at Ossiacher See.

Ossiacher See Cycle Path0.1 km

A 27 km flat cycling loop around the entire lake, suitable for all ages.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See)?

The best overall months at Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, October.

Which wind directions work at Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See)?

Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) works with NE, SW, W winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See): Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 8–18 kts.

What skill level is Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) suitable for?

Gerlitzenbad (Ossiacher See) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Expert · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.