Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Freeride
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Chop
Spot Type
17–33 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide–Joachimsthal) is an inland freshwater lake used for wind and water sports near Joachimsthal, set inside the Schorfheide–Chorin Biosphere Reserve. The water is reported as clean with a protected character that supports flat-water style sessions, and there is typically a shallow entry near the shore before deeper water further out. Wind at the lake is described as primarily gradient and driven by passing weather fronts, with prevailing directions from the west through south-west and north-west. Reported wind ranges vary by source (one source cites roughly 17–33 knots; another describes 10–22 knots), and gustiness is generally moderate. Because the wind depends on front passage, conditions are often most consistent in spring and autumn, especially when a strong Westerly front is moving through. For windsurfing, the spot is described as a safe environment for freeriding and for practicing and learning maneuvers, including foil progression depending on conditions and depth. One source also identifies a possible intermediate-level windsurfing scene, with sail-size guidance provided for the wind range. For wingfoiling, deeper parts of the lake are described as workable, but launch may require walking out past shallow reed zones; foil-friendliness is therefore reported as limited compared with more consistently deep lakes. Safety-wise, expect hazards around the shore such as reed beds, stones near the entry, and seasonal swimming activity. Summer restrictions include avoiding designated swimming areas, and motorized access is restricted. Kitesurfing is specifically flagged by one source as prohibited in this protected nature area, so any kite plans should be confirmed locally before launch. Rescue and lifeguards are reported as limited/seasonal, so riders should rely on conservative planning and avoid getting caught in restricted swim zones.

  • Freshwater, clean lake conditions within a biosphere reserve
  • Flat-water/free-riding friendly with shallow entry for beginners (but requires deeper water for foil)
  • West/SW/NW wind pattern tied to passing weather fronts
Great for
Windsurfing freerideWingfoil freerideBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Generally protected flat-water setting for freeride and learning
  • Cool-to-warm season with best activity in spring and autumn
  • Excellent freshwater bathing/water quality reported
Heads up
  • Kitesurfing may be restricted/prohibited due to nature conservation regulations
  • Wind depends on passing weather fronts (not purely steady/thermal-driven)
  • Shallow water near shore can require a longer walk-out to reach foil-usable depth
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, SW, NW
Wind Range
17–33 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Primarily gradient winds associated with passing weather fronts (also described as frontal by one source).
Reliability
Reliant on passing weather fronts; most consistent during spring and autumn storms.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Wind gustiness reported as moderate.
Best Months
April, May, September, October, November
Shadow Zones
Eastern shores can be shadowed by trees in Easterly winds; southern shore is best for West winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand and mixed areas reported; grassy and sandy launch zones.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — One source notes chop/wavy conditions; surfing/wave size reported as flat.
Chop Level
Heavy chop — One source characterizes conditions as choppy/rough; another describes flat-water use—overall: expect choppiness at times.
Launch
Small — Shore access described as shallow, flat-water shore launch; grassy/sandy areas at the campsite and designated beach zones.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
3–23 °C
Water Temperature
0–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Apr–Oct: 5/4mmJul, Aug: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Highest in July and August with beachgoers; windsurfers mostly appear on windy days in shoulder seasons.

Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and winter see the most frequent storms; thunderstorms are most common in late summer (July–August).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Flat-water freeride and beginner freestyle described for the lake, but one source states kitesurfing is prohibited in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.

FreerideFreestyle
WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Well-suited for flat-water freeriding and learning; calm, safe environment for practice. Best conditions are reported with strong Westerly fronts.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible in deeper parts of the lake; launch may require walking out past shallow reed zones. Reported as good for foil practice in protected, shallow-to-moderate water.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil friendliness reported as limited; shallow entry may require getting into deeper water.
Min Depth
Approximately 1.0-1.5 meters beyond the immediate shore.
Wing Sizes
5–7 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
SW231°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2516 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Temperature
7–14 °C

Over the next 7 days, Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. 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

  • Reed beds along the shore
  • Seasonal swimming buoys
  • Stones near the shore
  • Swimmers in summer
  • Walking out past shallow reed zones can be required depending on water depth
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHarness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Seasonal rescue services are provided by DLRG during peak summer months and weekends.
Emergency Info
General emergency number is 112. Werner Forßmann Hospital in Eberswalde is about 20 km away.

Rules of the spot

Respect the Biosphere Reserve boundaries. Avoid designated swimming areas during the summer months.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing prohibited (nature conservation regulations in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve).
  • Motorboats restricted.
Local Tips
  • Best access is via the campsite on the southern shore.
  • Works best when a strong Westerly front is passing.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Joachimsthal
Nearest Town
Joachimsthal
Nearest Airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Parking
Small informal parking near shore; parking also described at the campsite and near the public beach area.
Public Transport
Accessible via the RB27 regional train line to Joachimsthal Kaiserbahnhof, followed by a short bike ride or walk to the lake shore
Access
Shore access via small parking area near Joachimsthal; lake is surrounded by forest. Access also described as primarily through the campsite or public parking areas.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Camping
Restaurant
Accommodation
Nearby town — Options include Campingplatz am Grimnitzsee and various guesthouses in Joachimsthal, plus holiday village/campsites nearby.
Food & Drink
A restaurant is available at the nearby campsite.
Equipment Rental:
Windsurfing equipment and other watercraft are available via local schools and major campsites; one source also states no specialized windsurf rental on-site and to bring your own gear.
Gear Storage
Limited storage typically available for guests staying at the local holiday village or in school programs.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A nature-focused weekend escape around the biosphere reserve, with cycling and hiking trails and local cultural history in and around Joachimsthal.

Biorama-Projekt3 km

An observation platform in a renovated water tower providing panoramic views of the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.

Kaiserbahnhof Joachimsthal2 km

An ornate historic railway station built for the German Emperor, now used for cultural events and exhibitions.

Wildpark Schorfheide12 km

A wildlife park featuring native species like wolves, otters, and elk in large natural enclosures.

Gasthaus am See1 km

Traditional German cuisine with terrace seating overlooking the lake.

Grimnitz-Express1 km

A small tourist train and playground facility located near the holiday village.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide)?

The best overall months at Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide)?

Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide) works with W, SW, NW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide): Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 17–33 kts.

What skill level is Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide) suitable for?

Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.