K4 (Sylt)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • Strong tidal currents and stakes near the riding area
  • Advanced-level conditions: powerful waves and challenging access
  • Tide restrictions apply around low tide
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–20 °C
Water Temperature
1–23 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Apr, Oct: 4/3mm + Boots, HoodNov, Mar: 5/4+mm + Boots, HoodJun–Sep: 3/2mm + Boots
Crowds by Season

Quieter than Westerland, Wenningstedt, or Hörnum; moderate crowds in peak season (May–September) and can get busy on prime wind days.

Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and winter (October to February) see the highest frequency of storms and precipitation.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

WaveFreerideDownwinderStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Advanced wave and freeride conditions; walk/access over dunes is physically demanding.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–5.7 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

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

  • strong-currents
  • powerful-waves
  • stakes
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHoodBootsHelmetImpact vestGloves

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.

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.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Picnic area
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: June to August for the best balance of weather and lifestyle activities; September for windier conditions and professional events.
UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site0 km
Mudflat Hiking (Wattwandern)1-5 km
Sansibar Rantum1 km
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.