Kippenhausen (Lake Constance)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 10–20 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kippenhausen on the northern shore of Lake Constance is primarily a west-wind windsurfing destination with shallow, calm-to-near-flat water that supports learning and progressive sessions. Access is via the lido/Naturstrandbad area, with a standing area near shore and a pebble beach landing surface. Wind is most associated with westerly frontal systems (and occasionally stronger Föhn days), which can create more demanding conditions than the typical learning-friendly baseline. Lake-breeze/thermal assistance is generally weak in this section, but summer afternoons (June through August) may bring light lake-breeze conditions. Typical on-the-water wind is described around roughly 10–20 knots, with reliability varying by system. Safety is a priority due to a mix of summer swimmers and passenger ferry/ship traffic on the lake. Riders should stay well clear of shore (minimum 25 m), respect nature conservation areas marked with red-white-red buoys, and follow lake shipping regulations when boats are present. A swimming area is located to the east of the entrance—watch for it during approach, launching, and landing. Amenities are concentrated at the Naturstrandbad/lido area, including paid parking and seasonal facilities such as toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Local rescue coverage for Lake Constance involves DLRG, and lifeguards are described as seasonal. In terms of season, conditions are commonly best from late spring through early autumn, with warmer months also bringing more swimmers and peak crowding.
- Pebble-beach, standing-area launch within the Naturstrandbad/lido
- Beginner-friendly west wind with shallow, manageable water
- Clear safety guidance: 25 m from shore and respect for protected zones
- Professional lake-wide rescue presence (DLRG) and seasonal lifeguards
- Beginner-friendly west-wind access with shallow, flat water for learning and practice.
- Facilities at the lido (parking, toilets, showers, changing areas) and strong local safety organization for the lake.
- Well-known west-wind classic on the northern Lake Constance; can deliver steady conditions with Föhn on strong-wind days.
- Kitesurfing is not permitted here (not a designated kite zone).
- Launch area can be constrained (trees/shore-lawn; narrow standing area).
- Boat traffic and summer swimmers require careful timing and approach.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — West/South-West frontal systems with occasional strong Föhn days; thermal winds generally weak locally.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Can also become more gusty depending on incoming systems; reliability varies.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- North-westerly shore areas can be gusty or shadowed due to local topography.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Pebble
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave action described as small; overall conditions are typically calm/low-wave for the lake.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Lake can show chop depending on wind strength and system; one source also characterizes the water as choppy.
- Launch
- Small — Standing area near shore; accessible via the lido/Naturstrandbad.
Through the year
Higher in summer with more swimmers; fewer riders in winter.
Summer (June–August) frequently brings heavy afternoon thunderstorms with sudden gusts; autumn can also bring frontal passages and storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is not permitted here; specific rules apply for the entire Lake Constance area.
A classic west-wind spot on the northern Lake Constance with shallow, mostly flat water and a standing area near the shore. Best west conditions bring steady sessions; Föhn can create stronger advanced conditions. Wingfoiling is possible as the water deepens quickly enough for foils, though the launch area is narrow.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–7.5 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling with adequate depth for foils, but the launch area is narrow.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) in the full forecast view.
Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–18 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- W266°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2518 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is W. 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
- Swimming area east of the entrance
- Passenger ships (Weiße Flotte)
- Slippery stones at the entrance
- Swimmers during summer months
- Trees and shoreline infrastructure (launch area can be constrained)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Water rescue is available but described as limited at the spot level; regional professional rescue coverage applies on Lake Constance.
- Emergency Info
- DLRG (German Life Saving Association) is active on the lake, especially during summer weekends. Emergency number 112.
Rules of the spot
Keep at least 25 m distance from shore; land only at designated shore areas. Avoid red-white-red marked nature conservation zones.
- Kitesurfing is generally prohibited on Lake Constance except in specifically designated zones with a permit; this spot is not a designated kite zone.
- Follow Lake Constance shipping regulations (Bodensee-Schifffahrts-Ordnung) for boat traffic.
- Watch for the swimming area to the east and avoid it when launching/landing.
- Observe nature conservation zones marked by red-white-red buoys and signs.
- Be aware of passenger ferries/ships and give way per Lake Constance shipping regulations.
- Access via the lido can be restricted or subject to fees during the summer swimming season.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Immenstaad
- Nearest Town
- Kippenhausen
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at/near the lido entrance (paid).
- Access
- Access via lido / Naturstrandbad Kippenhausen; follow signs for the lido.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various guesthouses and hotels in Immenstaad and Kippenhausen.
- Food & Drink
- A kiosk/restaurant is located at the Naturstrandbad during the season.
- Equipment Rental:
- Yes
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
World’s largest aviation museum focusing on the history of airships.
Known as the ‘Flower Island’, with expansive gardens and a butterfly house.
Historic wine-growing region with numerous tasting cellars and traditional cooperatives.
Famous cycling route circling the entire lake (multi-day).
Lakeside terraces serving local white fish (Felchen) and regional wines.
High-ropes forest adventure park suitable for children and adults.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kippenhausen (Lake Constance)?
The best overall months at Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) are June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Kippenhausen (Lake Constance)?
Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) works with W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Kippenhausen (Lake Constance)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Kippenhausen (Lake Constance): Windsurfing: 4–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) suitable for?
Kippenhausen (Lake Constance) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.