Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSnowkiting
Freeride, Freestyle
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Chop
Spot Type
12–25 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Rottachsee – Moosbach (Allgäu) is an inland reservoir near Sulzberg/Kempten that’s set up for wind-based board sports, with a large grassy lawn at the water’s edge for rigging and quick launches. The area is generally family-friendly, with straightforward access and on-site recreation facilities. Wind is primarily driven by regional weather systems: frontal patterns in low-pressure setups and North-Easterly 'Bise' during stable high pressure. A strong standalone thermal pattern is not prominent; if anything, wind effects are most likely to build during warm afternoon periods rather than through a consistent thermal daily cycle. For planning, the spot is best in spring and autumn (notably April, May, September, and October), when winds are typically more dependable. Condition-wise, sources describe relatively flat to choppy water depending on the wind and weather. Kitesurfing is strictly regulated: a special permit is required, and access/usage is more focused on other parts of the lake rather than Moosbach. Swimmers use the designated bathing areas, so riders should expect people in the water and follow priority rules. For wingfoiling, the key practical advantage is that the lake deepens quickly away from shore, supporting foil setups once you’re a few meters out. Safety planning matters due to cold water outside peak summer and the presence of marked swimming zones plus seasonal fishing nets; rescue coverage is described as limited and mainly seasonal/weekend-focused. Emergency services are reachable via 112, and the nearest major clinic is in Kempten.

  • Large grassy rigging/launch lawn right at the water
  • Strong focus on windsurfing and a growing wingfoiling scene
  • Family-oriented facilities and bathing areas
Great for
Windsurfing freerideWindsurfing freestyleWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyle
What's great
  • Large grassy rigging area directly at the water’s edge, making launches and assembly easy.
  • Clean inland water and convenient access infrastructure (toilets, showers, and family-oriented facilities).
  • Good environment for wingfoiling due to quickly increasing depth just a short distance out.
Heads up
  • Kitesurfing is permit-restricted and not a general-access option from Moosbach.
  • Cold water in spring and autumn; winter/shoulder-season conditions can be significantly colder than peak summer.
  • Wind can be calmer in mid-summer, despite being reliable in spring/autumn.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW, W, E, NE
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal winds associated with low-pressure systems; also North-Easterly 'Bise' in stable high-pressure weather.
Reliability
moderately reliable during spring and autumn; often calmer in mid-summer
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gusty conditions are common, especially before rain fronts.
Best Months
April, May, September, October
Shadow Zones
The western shore can be slightly sheltered in very light westerly winds due to local topography.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Mixed
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Flat
Chop Level
Heavy chop — Described as chop/choppy by one source; other data describes flat to choppy depending on wind and fronts.
Launch
Big — Large grassy lawn directly at the water’s edge for rigging windsurf sails and wingfoil gear.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–23 °C
Water Temperature
-2–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar–Nov: 5/4mm + BootsJul, Aug: 3/2mm (or shorty)
Crowds by Season

Very popular with families and swimmers in July and August; can become crowded on lawns and parking.

Storm/Rain Season

Occasional heavy summer thunderstorms (Gewitter), particularly in July and August.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Kitesurfing is strictly regulated and permit-based at Rottachsee; access/focus is more on the Petersthal area than Moosbach.

FreerideFoil
Kite Sizes
9–15 m²
WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A traditional, very popular windsurfing side with a large grassy rigging area and easy water access.

FreerideFreestyleSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

A local hub for wingfoiling; the deep water near the shore and the clean lawn for gear assembly are valued by foilers.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly with minimum depth around 1.2 m.
Min Depth
1.2m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) in the full forecast view.

Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–17 ktsGusts 33 kts
Direction
WSW243°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2517 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Temperature
1–18 °C

Over the next 7 days, Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. 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

  • swimmers
  • cold water
  • buoys marking swimming zones
  • seasonal fishing nets
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHarness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Rescue coverage is mainly in summer and on weekends with higher visitor traffic.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — DLRG operates stations at the main recreational areas (Petersthal and Moosbach), mainly in summer and on weekends.
Emergency Info
Emergency number 112 applies for medical and rescue services; the nearest major clinic is in Kempten.

Rules of the spot

Swimmers have priority in designated bathing areas. Kitesurfing requires a special local permit. Avoid nature protection zones; motorboats are generally prohibited.

Restrictions
  • No kitesurfing without a permit
  • Avoid designated nature protection zones
  • Motorboats are generally prohibited
Local Tips
  • Southwest (and West/Southwest) winds are often the strongest but can be gusty, particularly before rain fronts.
  • Water level can vary significantly because this is a reservoir.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Kempten
Nearest Town
Sulzberg
Nearest Airport
Memmingen Airport (FMM)
Parking
Paid parking is available at the Moosbach recreation area, located a short walk from the water.
Public Transport
Accessible via regional bus lines from Kempten; a private vehicle is recommended for transporting sports equipment between launch sites.
Access
Accessible by car via the A7 motorway, taking the Oy-Mittelberg or Sulzberg exits.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Campgrounds directly at the lake plus guest houses and holiday apartments around Sulzberg/Petersthal.
Food & Drink
A kiosk/bistro located directly at the Moosbach recreation area offering snacks and drinks.
Equipment Rental:
Rental services are available via the local water sports center during summer months; no permanent rental station is described directly on the Moosbach beach.
Gear Storage
Limited seasonal storage via local clubs.
Gear Repair
Repair shops are located in nearby Kempten; minor issues can often be handled locally.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A quiet natural setting in the Allgäu where outdoor days combine lake water sports with mountain and cycling routes.

Best time to visit: Summer is best for water activities; shoulder seasons are ideal for hiking and cycling in cooler mountain air.
Allgäu Alps20 km

Extensive hiking and mountain-biking trails with panoramic views of German and Austrian peaks.

Archaeological Park Cambodunum15 km

Ruins of a Roman settlement in nearby Kempten, featuring reconstructed temples and baths.

Erzgruben Erlebniswelt am Grünten12 km

Historical iron ore mines with guided tours and an adventure park for children.

Seeterasse Petersthal0.5 km

Lakeside dining offering traditional Bavarian cuisine and views of the water.

Rottachsee Circular Path0 km

A 15-kilometer paved trail around the lake suitable for cycling, walking, and strollers.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu)?

The best overall months at Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu)?

Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) works with SW, W, E, NE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu): Kitesurfing: 9–15 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) suitable for?

Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner.