Rottachsee - Moosbach (Allgäu)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Very popular with families and swimmers in July and August; can become crowded on lawns and parking.
Occasional heavy summer thunderstorms (Gewitter), particularly in July and August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is strictly regulated and permit-based at Rottachsee; access/focus is more on the Petersthal area than Moosbach.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
A traditional, very popular windsurfing side with a large grassy rigging area and easy water access.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8.5 m²
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
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.
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
- swimmers
- cold water
- buoys marking swimming zones
- seasonal fishing nets
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.
- No kitesurfing without a permit
- Avoid designated nature protection zones
- Motorboats are generally prohibited
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet natural setting in the Allgäu where outdoor days combine lake water sports with mountain and cycling routes.
Extensive hiking and mountain-biking trails with panoramic views of German and Austrian peaks.
Ruins of a Roman settlement in nearby Kempten, featuring reconstructed temples and baths.
Historical iron ore mines with guided tours and an adventure park for children.
Lakeside dining offering traditional Bavarian cuisine and views of the water.
A 15-kilometer paved trail around the lake suitable for cycling, walking, and strollers.
From riders who've been here
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.