Parsteiner See (Barnim)

WindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Freestyle
Best for
Beginner
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Parsteiner See is a small inland lake in the Chorin Lake District (Barnim) area, known for clean water and conditions that suit windsurfing progression—especially for beginners. The lake setup is characterized by a large standing area for getting on the water comfortably, alongside mostly flat water conditions without surf in the typical sense. Wind is commonly described as gradient/frontal-driven with a prevailing west to southwest component, and sessions may also involve variable wind directions across the lake. Gustiness is a recurring theme, so planning your rig choice and riding area matters; the conditions can change depending on where you are on the water. Access and safety logistics are closely tied to the campsite launch. A valid sticker/permit is required and nature reserve boundaries marked by buoys must be respected. The entry/standing zone includes shallow areas that can pose a risk for long fins, and foil riders should be prepared to walk out beyond the shallow zone before flying over it. In terms of seasonality, spring and autumn are highlighted for the most consistent wind (with the best wind months generally landing in April/May and September/October, and strong overall late spring into early autumn). Water temperatures vary widely—from near-freezing in winter to warm summer values—so suit choice is important for comfort and session length.

  • Beginner-friendly large standing area
  • Clean water reported for the lake
  • Designated campsite launch with facilities
Great for
Windsurfing freerideWindsurfing freestyleWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Large standing area and generally beginner-friendly conditions
  • Clean water reported and mostly non-tidal inland-lake setup
  • On-site facilities and a designated campsite launch
Heads up
  • Wind can be gusty and variable depending on where you ride on the lake
  • Shallow standing zone can be hazardous for long fins and complicates foil use
  • Kitesurfing is strictly prohibited
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, SW, NE, NW
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Wind is described as frontal/gradient-driven with prevailing west to southwest influence; conditions can vary across the lake and be gusty.
Reliability
Moderate; best in spring and autumn storms.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gusty conditions are commonly reported; wind can differ depending on where you are on the lake.
Best Months
April, May, June, September, October
Shadow Zones
South and South-East winds can be gusty and shadowed by trees near the shore.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Flat water conditions are emphasized; no significant waves reported.
Chop Level
Light chop — Some reports describe chop; overall conditions remain manageable for progression.
Launch
Medium — Spacious grassy and sandy area at the campsite beach for rigging.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
3–24 °C
Water Temperature
-1–24 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mmApr–Oct: 5/4mm or 4/3mmNov–Mar: Drysuit required for winter sessions
Crowds by Season

High during summer weekends and sunny holidays; quiet during weekdays and colder months.

Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and winter bring more frequent storms; late autumn and winter storms and increased frontal activity are also reported. (Regional note: June to August has moderate rainfall with occasional thunderstorms.)

By sport

What to expect for each.

WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Beginner-friendly windsurfing on flat, inland-lake water with a large standing area. Wind can be gusty and variable across the lake, but the environment is described as safe for casual freeride progression.

FreerideSlalomFreestyleFoil
Sail Sizes
5–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for wingfoiling, but riders must walk out past the shallow standing area to avoid the bottom with the foil. Foil friendliness is described as limited.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Shallow standing zone requires caution and getting clear of the bottom area before foil use.
Min Depth
Approximately 1.2 meters beyond the standing area.
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Parsteiner See (Barnim) in the full forecast view.

Parsteiner See (Barnim) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–17 ktsGusts 31 kts
Direction
SW220°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2517 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Temperature
6–14 °C

Over the next 7 days, Parsteiner See (Barnim) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. 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

  • Shallow water for long fins in the entry zone
  • Nature protection zones (avoid buoy-marked boundaries)
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard presence is seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited; seasonal support reported for major summer sport/swimming areas.
Emergency Info
Local emergency services accessible via the campsite office.
Localism / Vibe
None — No localism friction reported.

Rules of the spot

A valid surfing permit (sticker) is required and can be purchased at the campsite reception. Nature reserve boundaries marked by buoys must be respected. Access is generally restricted to the designated launch at the campsite. Kitesurfing is strictly prohibited on the entire lake.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing is strictly prohibited on the entire lake.
  • Access is generally restricted to the designated campsite launch area.
  • Respect buoy-marked nature reserve boundaries.
Local Tips
  • Wind can be different depending on where you ride on the lake, so adjust your placement/plan accordingly.
  • Check campsite opening times, as access is often through the campsite grounds.
  • Buy a seasonal sticker if you plan to visit more than a few times.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Eberswalde
Nearest Town
Chorin
Nearest Airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) (~90 km)
Parking
Paid parking is available at the campsite and near the entrance.
Public Transport
Accessible via RE3/RB24 to Chorin or Angermünde, then local bus services or cycling
Access
Access is primarily via the Campingplatz am Parsteiner See near Pehlitzwerder.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Camping
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Campingplatz am Parsteiner See offers pitches and small cabins; guesthouses in Chorin plus multiple campsites directly on the lakeshore are also available.
Food & Drink
A bistro and restaurant are located directly at the campsite.
Equipment Rental:
Windsurfing gear, SUPs, and kayaks are available for rent at the local watersports center.
Gear Storage
Seasonal storage options are available for regular guests at the campsite.
Gear Repair
Basic repair services may be offered by the local surf school.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area mixes freshwater sport with nature and heritage tourism within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape around Chorin and Eberswalde.

Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve0 km

Extensive networks for hiking, bird watching, and cycling through ancient beech forests.

Kloster Chorin8 km

A world-famous 13th-century Cistercian abbey known for its North German Brick Gothic architecture.

Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve0 km

Extensive networks for hiking, bird watching, and cycling through ancient beech forests.

Kloster Chorin8 km

A world-famous 13th-century Cistercian abbey known for its North German Brick Gothic architecture.

Ökodorf Brodowin10 km

An organic farming village offering tours, a farm shop, and insights into sustainable agriculture.

Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve0 km

Extensive networks for hiking, bird watching, and cycling through ancient beech forests.

Chorin Village Restaurants3 km

Local restaurants and cafes in the village of Chorin.

Gasthaus am Kloster8 km

Traditional Brandenburg cuisine served in a historic setting near the abbey.

Wildpark Schorfheide25 km

Large wildlife park featuring native species like wolves, elk, and bison in spacious enclosures.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Parsteiner See (Barnim)?

The best overall months at Parsteiner See (Barnim) are May, June, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Parsteiner See (Barnim)?

Parsteiner See (Barnim) works with W, SW, NE, NW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Parsteiner See (Barnim)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Parsteiner See (Barnim): Windsurfing: 5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.

What skill level is Parsteiner See (Barnim) suitable for?

Parsteiner See (Barnim) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.