Laacher See (Glees, Eifel)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Laacher See is a volcanic crater lake in the Glees/Eifel area, used mainly for wind-based sports—especially windsurfing—out of the campsite infrastructure. Access and launch are tied to the designated campsite area, with a dedicated rigging meadow and a ramped entry for getting on the water. Wind conditions are driven largely by passing weather systems (frontal/gradient influence). The spot is known for strong gustiness in the crater environment, so riders should be prepared for lulls and surges. South-westerly winds are particularly favored, and conditions are described as being best when low-pressure systems provide good wind. Water is generally described as clean and very deep, with limited exit points around the crater rim. This makes safety planning important, particularly in spring and autumn when the water remains cold. Seasonal closure is enforced for nature conservation, and windsurfing is typically limited to the open season starting April 1 through the end of September (with some sources extending later). On-site facilities are focused around the campsite: showers, toilets, parking, and food options via campsite venues. Rescue availability is limited, and no lifeguards are indicated; regional emergency services and nearby medical facilities should be assumed as the backup plan.
- Volcanic crater lake windsurfing with campsite-based launch and rigging area
- Good infrastructure: showers and toilets on-site
- Deep-water riding with clean water conditions
- South-westerly winds are the key direction; gustiness is a major characteristic
- Freeride/freestyle windsurfing with dedicated rigging and ramped entry
- Clean water conditions and strong local infrastructure via the campsite
- Best winds with south-westerly conditions in spring and autumn
- Very gusty wind due to the crater setting
- Seasonal access (closed in winter for nature conservation)
- Deep water and limited exit points around the lake
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Primarily frontal and gradient winds, with passing weather-system influence; minimal and unreliable thermal contribution.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Gusty conditions are typical due to the crater setting.
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Southern and eastern shores are heavily shadowed by crater walls in prevailing westerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Mud — Mud bottom/shore composition reported; mixed composition also reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Flat water conditions reported; some sources describe minor chop/texture.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Can range from flat to chop depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Dedicated rigging meadow at the northern campsite area with a ramp for water entry.
Through the year
Can be busy on sunny weekends; relatively quiet during the week.
Autumn typically brings stronger frontal winds; rain can occur year-round.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and freestyle windsurfing on an inland volcanic crater lake; flat to lightly textured water with a dedicated rigging area and ramped entry. The crater rim and crater walls can create gusty, turbulent near-shore conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Wingfoiling is permitted under the same access rules as windsurfing. Deep water and gusty conditions require competent handling.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly per enrichment data.
- Min Depth
- 2.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) in the full forecast view.
Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–16 ktsGusts 37 kts
- Direction
- SW228°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 37 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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
- Gusty wind conditions
- Deep water (over 50 meters in the center)
- Cold water in spring/autumn
- Limited exit points around the crater
- Turbulence/wind effects near the shore from the crater rim
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported on-site; limited rescue availability via a northern-shore DLRG presence during summer/weekends per regional baseline.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; DLRG presence near the northern shore during summer and weekends.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Maria Laach or Mendig; regional emergency services: 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Low-profile with local riders; no specific localism barrier noted for access.
Rules of the spot
No kitesurfing (nature conservation). Windsurfing only from the designated campsite area. Windsurfing permitted seasonally (commonly April 1 to September 30; some sources extend into late October). No motor boats; launch from the campsite area. Fishing license required (where applicable).
- Kitesurfing prohibited
- Motor boats prohibited (motor-free launch environment; limited number of motor-free boats)
- Access/launch limited to the designated campsite area
- Seasonal closure for nature conservation (closed from October to May)
- Southwesterly winds are best; conditions can be very gusty in the crater.
- Bring a larger board for lulls between gusts.
- Water can stay quite cold even in June due to the lake depth.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Koblenz
- Nearest Town
- Maria Laach, Glees
- Parking
- Parking available at Maria Laach Abbey and campsite; paid parking for day visitors at the campsite.
- Public Transport
- Regional buses serve the Maria Laach abbey area from nearby train stations in Mendig and Andernach; a bus stop near Maria Laach Parkplatz is available.
- Access
- Through the Campingplatz Laacher See; day guests pay an entry fee at the campsite reception to use facilities and the launch area. Own boards must be launched from the campsite.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Camping is available directly on the northern shore (Camping Laacher See).
- Food & Drink
- Food and drinks available at/near the campsite.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated windsurf rental is reported on-site; visitors typically bring their own gear.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities largely restricted to members of the local surf club.
- Gear Repair
- No major repair shops on-site; specialist shops are in larger Rhineland/Cologne areas.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is centered on the Maria Laach Abbey and the Eifel volcanic landscape, with a nature-focused setting that pairs well with hiking and sightseeing.
A historic Benedictine monastery on the southwestern shore of the lake.
A volcanic museum and deep basalt cellars explaining the region’s eruptive history.
Rustic regional cuisine with lake views.
Highly rated circular hiking routes with panoramic views of the Eifel volcanic landscape.
A family-friendly miniature golf course in the Mendig area.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Laacher See (Glees, Eifel)?
The best overall months at Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Laacher See (Glees, Eifel)?
Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) works with SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Laacher See (Glees, Eifel)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Laacher See (Glees, Eifel): Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) suitable for?
Laacher See (Glees, Eifel) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.