Gmund West (Tegernsee)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Advanced
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Gmund West is a small, northern-shore launch on Lake Tegernsee, used primarily for windsurfing and wingfoiling. Access is via a small grassy launch area into a narrow, shallow gravel beach, with an approximately 50 m standing zone before deeper water. The site is described as having no shore break and a pebble bottom. Wind at this spot is strongly influenced by thermal effects on sunny days, with classic easterly thermal wind frequently developing (and with southerly Föhn / westerly influence reported depending on the weather pattern). Typical riding wind is reported roughly in the 4–10 knot range, with moderate gustiness. Afternoon is commonly identified as the key thermal period, and east wind can be the most consistent—though it also brings windward congestion from shore planting and nearby vegetation. The spot is generally framed as best for more experienced riders because of the lake’s limited size and variability, plus limited maneuvering room around the launch. Hazard notes include trees and bushes near the launch area and constrained landing space in certain wind directions. There is also a clear activity restriction: kitesurfing is strictly forbidden on the entire Tegernsee lake. Water quality is described as exceptionally high, with water temperature in the warmer months supporting typical seasonal sailing and foiling. Safety planning should assume limited rescue availability and seasonal lifeguards, with local volunteer water rescue active during peak season and emergency services reachable via 112.
- Afternoon thermal wind window
- Pebble beach with ~50 m standing area
- Very high (often described as drinking-water quality) water quality
- Thermal wind spot that can deliver consistent riding when conditions build
- Small grassy launch area with a narrow, shallow gravel approach and a substantial standing zone (~50 m)
- Good environment for windsurfing and wingfoiling within a local community
- Limited space for safe launch/landing in certain wind directions
- East wind can create windward congestion due to shore planting and vegetation
- Kitesurfing is strictly forbidden on the entire lake
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE, S, W
- No-go directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 4–10 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal/valley wind influence on the lake; classic easterly thermal component develops on sunny days, alongside southerly Föhn and westerly flows depending on the day.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Windward congestion near the shore due to vegetation; shore-planting congestion in easterly conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Pebble — Narrow gravel beach with shallow slope near launch.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — One source describes the water as choppy; another describes conditions as flat for waves.
- Launch
- Small — Small grassy area and a narrow shallow gravel beach with roughly 50 m of standing area.
Through the year
Highest crowds on sunny weekends and during summer holidays.
Summer thunderstorms are common in the Alpine region.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and freestyle spot with thermal winds; dominant southerly Föhn and westerly winds can influence conditions. In east wind, windward congestion near shore planting can be an issue.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Increasingly popular wingfoiling location thanks to standing area and thermal breeze; variable conditions require experience. Foil-friendly, but water is shallow near shore and only becomes deep enough after the standing zone.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- deep enough after the 50m standing zone
- Wing Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Gmund West (Tegernsee) in the full forecast view.
Gmund West (Tegernsee) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- WSW241°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 3–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Gmund West (Tegernsee) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 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
- Trees and bushes near the launch area
- Limited space for landing in certain wind directions
- Shore planting and bushes can cause windward congestion during easterly winds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Water rescue coverage provided by local volunteer services with seasonal monitoring.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 112. Nearest hospital reported as Krankenhaus Agatharied (~15 km) / Kreisklinik Bad Wiessee (~5 km). Water rescue services (Wasserwacht) active during peak season; rescue coverage described as limited.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is strictly forbidden on the entire Tegernsee lake.
- No kitesurfing
- East wind is the most consistent, but it creates windward congestion due to shore planting/vegetation.
- Park at the Kaltenbrunn area or designated public lots in Gmund.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Munich
- Nearest Town
- Gmund am Tegernsee
- Nearest Airport
- Munich Airport (MUC)
- Parking
- Free parking available nearby, can fill up quickly on sunny weekends.
- Public Transport
- Rail service via the Munich–Tegernsee line/BRB with buses connecting lakeside towns; direct access to water spots described as limited in some areas
- Access
- Small grassy area with narrow shallow sloping gravel beach, about 50 m standing area; free parking available near the spot (Kaltenbrunn area).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and guesthouses in Gmund and the surrounding Tegernsee valley.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant (Restaurant Kaltenbrunn) is within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is available at other points around the lake, but not directly at this Gmund West launch area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Access to the Wallberg summit with panoramic views of the Alps and the lake.
A former Benedictine abbey housing the Tegernsee brewery and a historic church.
Popular paragliding launch site overlooking the Tegernsee valley.
Iconic Bavarian brewery and restaurant known for its traditional atmosphere and local beer.
Art museum in Tegernsee town featuring works by the famous caricaturist, suitable for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Gmund West (Tegernsee)?
The best overall months at Gmund West (Tegernsee) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Gmund West (Tegernsee)?
Gmund West (Tegernsee) works with E, SE, S, W winds. No-go directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Gmund West (Tegernsee)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Gmund West (Tegernsee): Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 4–10 kts.
What skill level is Gmund West (Tegernsee) suitable for?
Gmund West (Tegernsee) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate to Advanced.