Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freestyle, Freeride
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Mixed, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) is a Baltic sandy beach spot known for a large, gently sloping standing area that supports beginner-friendly waterstarts and easy access for progressing riders. Water quality is described as clean, with shallow sandy water that extends roughly 100–150 meters offshore depending on conditions. Wind is primarily driven by Atlantic frontal systems, with reliable sessions most often linked to western and northern wind patterns. Reported typical wind is about 12–25 knots, with good overall reliability during spring and autumn storms. Southwest winds are a major exception: they’re described as offshore and extremely gusty, and are strongly discouraged for safe riding. Kitesurfing is the standout activity here. The combination of sand bottom, standing area, and broad wind-direction window supports a wide range of riding styles (freeride, freestyle, and foil), with kite sizes commonly reported around 9–14 m². Summer can bring busy conditions, including a described separation of rider and swimmer zones—follow local signage and designated areas. Other sports are also possible: windsurfing is described as a classic Baltic setup with freeride/slalom options in West or East winds, while North winds can generate wind-swell waves. Surfing is generally limited—waves are described as poor and mostly confined to stronger, sustained North/Northeast storms, where the sandbar break can close out in heavy conditions. Across all disciplines, pay special attention to underwater boulders (Findlinge), which can be just below the surface, particularly near the bay edges and during low water levels.

  • Large sandy standing area for learning and progression
  • Wind reliability is reported as good, especially in spring and autumn storm periods
  • Designated kiting/windsurfing zones during the summer season
  • Kitesurfing commonly works across most non-southerly directions
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWingfoil freerideBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Large sandy standing area suitable for beginner progression and freestyle/foil progression for some sports
  • Generally good wind reliability, especially during spring and autumn storm periods
  • Cleanest angles reported for West–Northwest side-shore conditions
Heads up
  • Offshore and extremely gusty Southwest winds
  • Large submerged stones can be difficult to spot, especially at low water
  • Surfing waves are usually poor and only rideable during strong sustained North/Northeast storms
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, WNW, N, NE, E
Offshore directions
SW
No-go directions
SW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Primarily driven by frontal systems; occasional light sea breezes in summer.
Reliability
Good, particularly during spring and autumn storms.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
April, May, September, October, November
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Flat
Beach
Sand — Long, gently sloping sandy beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small
Chop Level
Light chop — North winds can bring chop alongside swell.
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching; it can become narrower during high water levels.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–21 °C
Water Temperature
0–24 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Apr–Oct: 5/4mm + BootsJun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mmJan–Dec: drysuit or 6/5mm
Crowds by Season

Very crowded on sunny weekends in summer; quiet and spacious during the off-season.

Storm/Rain Season

Storm season is typically October through February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Reported as a very popular spot with a large standing area and sandy bottom; works in most directions except South/Southwest.

FreerideFreestyleFoil
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Classic Baltic windsurf spot; freeride/slalom in West or East winds, and North winds can produce rideable wind-swell waves.

FreerideSlalomFreestyleWave
Sail Sizes
4.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable after the inner sandbars; shallow water requires a short walk out to reach sufficient depth for foils.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Minimum depth reported around 1.2 meters after the first sandbar.
Min Depth
Approximately 1.2 meters after the first sandbar.
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Primarily a wind-swell location; only reliably rideable during strong, sustained North or Northeast storms.

Sandbar
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
North winds can create the swell but also bring chop; Northeast provides cleaner angles.
Bigger Swell
Closes out in heavy storms.
Wave Quality
Poor
Wave Power
Soft
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Slow
Ride Length
Short
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–21 ktsGusts 38 kts
Direction
SW226°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2521 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.2 m3s period
Temperature
7–15 °C

Over the next 7 days, Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 38 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.2 m with a period of about 3s. 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

  • Large submerged stones (Findlinge) underwater—especially near the edges and during low water levels
  • Offshore and gusty Southwest winds
  • Groynes at the beach boundaries
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHelmetHarness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Use 112 for urgent services; nearest major hospitals are in Kiel.

Rules of the spot

Specific zones for kitesurfing and windsurfing are often designated to separate riders from swimmers; observe local signs at the campsite entry.

Restrictions
  • Kiting is restricted to designated zones during peak summer
  • Launch/parking fees may apply through the local campsite
Local Tips
  • West–Northwest is reported as the cleanest side-shore direction
  • Avoid the spot in Southwest winds as it is offshore and dangerous
  • Watch for Findlinge (large boulders) just below the surface during low water levels

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Kiel
Nearest Town
Schwedeneck
Nearest Airport
Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Parking
Paid parking at the Grönwohld campsite and public lots nearby; fees apply during the season.
Public Transport
Regional bus services connect the Schwedeneck area to the main railway stations in Kiel and Eckernförde.
Access
Accessible via the B503 from Kiel or Eckernförde; follow signs for Grönwohld and the local campsite.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Camping
Electricity
Fresh water
Playground
Accommodation
Direct — Grönwohld Camping is directly at the spot, offering camping and small rental cabins.
Food & Drink
A restaurant and snack bar are located within the campsite premises.
Equipment Rental:
Available at the local surf school on the beach.
Gear Storage
Storage options available for campsite guests and via the school.
Gear Repair
Basic repairs may be handled by the local school; major repairs in nearby Kiel.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck)?

The best overall months at Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) are April, May, September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck)?

Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) works with W, WNW, N, NE, E winds. Offshore directions are SW. No-go directions are SW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) suitable for?

Groenwohldt (Schwedeneck) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.