K4 (Sylt)
- Wave, Freeride
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 12–21 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
K4 (Sylt K4 / Bunker Hill) is a well-known wave kitesurfing and windsurfing spot on Sylt’s west coast near Hörnum. The wind is described as high reliability and often constant, with typical stronger directions from the South through West to North-Northwest (including S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, and NNW). Typical wind ranges are around 12–21 knots, with a generally steady gust character. On the water, conditions are shaped by the North Sea and by strong tidal currents. Multiple sources flag strong currents and wooden stakes as key hazards, and explain that access and riding conditions can vary notably with tide. Water is commonly described as cloudy, with a sandy bottom and medium-sized sandy access/launch area. Low tide may expose flatter channels, but the area can still be hazardous and requires careful reading of conditions. For kitesurfing, the spot is characterized as advanced and primarily wave-oriented (also including freeride and downwinder use). Wind direction and strength make it a common starting point for downwind trips to Westerland in SW or SSW winds. Kite size ranges commonly cited are roughly 7–12 m², and the riding style fits experienced wave riders seeking powerful, non-trivial conditions. Safety and access rules are emphasized: riders should respect protected dune/nature reserve areas, use designated paths to reach the beach, and stay within designated riding zones. Restrictions around low tide are noted (commonly limited to a window of about two hours before and after low tide, with some notes allowing up to three hours). Rescue assistance exists, but rescue availability is described as limited at the spot level, so advanced preparation and conservative decision-making are important.
- Well-known, advanced wave riding on Sylt near Hörnum
- Used as a downwinder starting point to Westerland in SW/SSW winds
- Strong currents and stakes—plan carefully around tide and access
- High and reliable wind for wave kitesurfing
- Renowned wave riding environment on Sylt’s west coast near Hörnum
- Classic downwinder starting point to Westerland in SW/SSW
- Strong tidal currents and stakes near the riding area
- Advanced-level conditions: powerful waves and challenging access
- Tide restrictions apply around low tide
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, SSW, W, WSW, WNW, NW, NNW, S
- Wind Range
- 12–21 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Primarily frontal/gradient North Sea winds on Sylt; sources also describe constant winds.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom and sand access area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Sources describe powerful/large wave potential for advanced riders.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach/launch accessed from the elevated viewpoint; access may involve walking over dunes using designated paths.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Walk/access described as physically demanding over dunes; spot-level access is also described as easy in some notes.
Through the year
Quieter than Westerland, Wenningstedt, or Hörnum; moderate crowds in peak season (May–September) and can get busy on prime wind days.
Late autumn and winter (October to February) see the highest frequency of storms and precipitation.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier wave riding area on Sylt with strong currents and North Sea swell; also used as a classic starting point for downwinders to Westerland in SW/SSW conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Advanced wave and freeride conditions; walk/access over dunes is physically demanding.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.7 m²
Possible for experienced foilers but challenging due to open-ocean swell and shore break; turbulence possible near dunes.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Listed as limited.
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for K4 (Sylt) in the full forecast view.
K4 (Sylt) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–34 ktsGusts 52 kts
- Direction
- WSW248°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2534 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–3.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 9–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, K4 (Sylt) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–34 kts, peaking around 34 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 52 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.5–3.8 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- strong-currents
- powerful-waves
- stakes
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — Lifeguards noted as absent at the spot level; regional lifeguards can be seasonal at bathing beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level notes describe limited rescue availability; emergency assistance exists (aRescueService) in the wider region.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency assistance available (aRescueService). Regional rescue availability is limited; call the local emergency number if needed.
Rules of the spot
Use only designated access paths and respect protected dune/nature reserve areas; adhere to designated riding zones and tide restrictions.
- Kitesurfing/windsurfing allowed only around low tide (commonly two hours before and after; some notes allow up to three hours).
- Natural reserve: do not step on dunes; use designated zones.
- Check the tide: low tide can create shallow channels with flatter water.
- The spot is used as a starting point for a downwinder to Westerland in SW or SSW winds.
- Don’t step onto the dunes (natural reserve). Access via designated paths from the viewpoint.
- Ride only within the allowed window around low tide (commonly about two hours before and after).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Westerland
- Nearest Town
- Hörnum
- Nearest Airport
- Sylt Airport (GWT) in Westerland (approx. 5–15 km from most spots in this group)
- Parking
- Spacious parking lot between Sansibar and Hörnum; camper/overnight parking is allowed.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the Hindenburgdamm railway link with frequent regional trains; local buses connect Rantum and Hörnum.
- Access
- Accessible via the L24 road between Rantum and Hörnum; look for the K4/Bunker Hill parking area. From the elevated viewpoint, access the beach via the path north of the entrance.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation available in/near Hörnum and Rantum.
- Food & Drink
- Nearby restaurants include Sansibar to the north; parking is between the Sansibar and Hörnum area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is available via local schools for kitesurfing/windsurfing/wingfoiling gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at K4 (Sylt)?
The best overall months at K4 (Sylt) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at K4 (Sylt)?
K4 (Sylt) works with SW, SSW, W, WSW, WNW, NW, NNW, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at K4 (Sylt)?
Recommended equipment sizes at K4 (Sylt): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–21 kts.
What skill level is K4 (Sylt) suitable for?
K4 (Sylt) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced.