Grimnitzsee (Schorfheide)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Highest in July and August with beachgoers; windsurfers mostly appear on windy days in shoulder seasons.
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.
Flat-water freeride and beginner freestyle described for the lake, but one source states kitesurfing is prohibited in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.
Well-suited for flat-water freeriding and learning; calm, safe environment for practice. Best conditions are reported with strong Westerly fronts.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8.5 m²
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
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.
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
- 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
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.
- Kitesurfing prohibited (nature conservation regulations in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve).
- Motorboats restricted.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
An observation platform in a renovated water tower providing panoramic views of the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.
An ornate historic railway station built for the German Emperor, now used for cultural events and exhibitions.
A wildlife park featuring native species like wolves, otters, and elk in large natural enclosures.
Traditional German cuisine with terrace seating overlooking the lake.
A small tourist train and playground facility located near the holiday village.
From riders who've been here
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.