Mattsee
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Mattsee is an inland-lake spot in the Salzburg Lake District with clean water and generally flat-to-light choppy conditions. The riding area is small, and water depth is a key factor: providers describe shallow overall with very limited depth near the edges, plus flat/choppy behavior that suits controlled, foil-oriented sessions. Wind is driven by a mix of frontal and thermal influences in the region. Locally, westerly winds are highlighted as the best direction, while a thermal easterly component is also described for the broader Mattsee area, most likely during the afternoon (roughly 12:00 PM to about 5:00 PM). Because of this mix, wind can vary quickly—especially around strong westerly fronts—so checking the forecast for gustiness is important. Safety at Mattsee is strongly tied to local access and conditions. Reports mention reed beds close to shore (fine risk if walking through), gusty wind, and the presence of other lake users such as swimmers and sailors. Cold water is also a year-round concern, with significantly colder shoulder-season and winter temperatures than midsummer. Sport suitability for the lake is supported by local infrastructure for wind sports, including windsurfing and wingfoiling, with foil possible. However, strict local restrictions apply for kitesurfing: official regional guidance indicates kitesurfing is prohibited on Mattsee. If you’re planning a session, ensure your activity is allowed for the exact launch zone and always respect any defined riding areas and access rules.
- Clean inland-lake water and shallow/flat-to-choppy conditions.
- Afternoon thermal easterlies in fair-weather periods across the region.
- Kitesurfing prohibition per local regulations; windsurfing and wingfoiling allowed.
- Small, clean inland lake with flat-to-choppy wind conditions suitable for foil-focused riders.
- Thermal wind component is reported for the region with a typical afternoon window.
- Strong local infrastructure around Mattsee for wind sports and lake tourism.
- Kitesurfing is prohibited on Mattsee per regional navigation regulations.
- Gusty westerly fronts can make conditions variable.
- Very shallow areas and reeds near shore increase hazards during access/launch.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW, N
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 5–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Frontal westerlies plus a thermal easterly wind component reported for the wider Mattsee/Sbring area.
- Reliability
- Low for frontal/westerly conditions; thermal component described as present during fair weather in the broader region.
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Providers describe gusty conditions, especially with strong westerly fronts.
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Eastern shore is often shadowed by terrain/buildings.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Mud — Mud/silty nearshore described; some providers mention mixed shoreline materials.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Flat-to-light choppy; small waves sometimes noted.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Providers describe chop rather than flat water, especially in wind.
- Launch
- Small — Small shallow lake launch with flat/choppy water; access may involve a shallow shore section and reed risk.
Through the year
Higher in July and August with swimmers/tourists; quieter in shoulder seasons.
Volatile summer with heavy rain/thunderstorms (Gewitter).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat-to-choppy lake riding with defined zones and shallow access considerations; foil kiting is highlighted as suitable for this kind of water depth and conditions.
A classic inland-lake windsurfing destination with freeride and foil options; best suited for beginners when wind is light and winds are manageable.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8.5 m²
Foiling is possible, with providers noting shallow-to-deeper-center depth characteristics and that gustiness can make conditions challenging.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil is reported as friendly/possible.
- Min Depth
- shallow
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Mattsee in the full forecast view.
Mattsee wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- WSW246°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Mattsee is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. 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
- Shallow water with flat-to-choppy conditions (risk of impact/grounding).
- Reed beds near shore (fine risk if walking through).
- Gusty wind conditions, especially during strong westerly fronts.
- Other water users (swimmers, sailers) and on-water obstacles such as buoys.
- Cold water in shoulder seasons; very cold in winter.
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited; a water rescue station operates seasonally (typically summer and on weekends in the wider region).
- Emergency Info
- Dial 112 for national emergencies in Austria (ambulance: 144; water rescue: 130). For emergencies, contact the local water rescue (Wasserrettung).
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing rules are strict locally: official sources indicate kitesurfing is prohibited on Mattsee. Respect defined zones if riding is permitted for other wind sports.
- Kitesurfing prohibited on Mattsee per regional navigation regulations.
- Motorboats generally restricted.
- Avoid walking through reed beds when possible; take a boat if you need to access a safer launch line.
- Check forecasts closely for strong westerly fronts due to gustiness.
- Respect defined zones and any access rules for the specific launch/lido area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Salzburg
- Nearest Town
- Mattsee
- Nearest Airport
- Salzburg Airport (SZG)
- Parking
- Public parking available at the lido (Strandbad) and near the sailing school.
- Public Transport
- Regional bus services connect the area to Salzburg; cycling paths are extensive throughout the lake district.
- Access
- From Salzburg drive north to Obertrum, then further north to Mattsee.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various guesthouses and hotels are available in Mattsee.
- Food & Drink
- Several lakeside cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available via local sailing/windsurfing centers focused around the lake district; windsurf and SUP rental described near the lido/sailing area.
- Gear Storage
- Available for members or school clients; storage offered by local clubs/major schools seasonally in the wider area.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be assisted by the local school; basic repair services available through local nautical shops in the wider area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Mattsee is a relaxed Austrian lake destination that pairs inland wind sports with cultural exploration in the village center and surrounding lake-district cycling routes.
An interactive museum showcasing the history of Ferdinand Porsche and classic automobiles.
A historic Benedictine monastery founded in the 8th century with a significant collegiate church.
A popular cycling loop connecting Mattsee, Obertrumer See, and Grabensee.
Fine dining in a historic castle setting with panoramic views of the lake.
Large public lido with slides, diving boards, and shallow areas for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Mattsee?
The best overall months at Mattsee are March, April, May, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Mattsee?
Mattsee works with W, WNW, NW, N winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Mattsee?
Recommended equipment sizes at Mattsee: Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 5–20 kts.
What skill level is Mattsee suitable for?
Mattsee suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.