Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Beginner to Expert
Skill Level
Flat, Chop
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) is a small inland-lake spot on the eastern shore with cloudy water and generally flat-to-choppy conditions. One commonly cited setup is a flat-water learning environment, but another source characterizes the water as more chop and emphasizes a narrow launch with significant physical hazards around the takeoff area. Wind is most often reported from NNE to NE, with the best months falling in April, May, and September through October. Typical reported wind strength is roughly 10–22 knots, but multiple notes also describe heavy gusts and low reliability near the shore. Dense forestation around the launch creates turbulence and wind shadows close to the waterline, so staying mindful of sudden changes matters for safe riding. The top safety priority here is legality and crowd management. Hazards include swimmers and boat traffic (ships, sailboats/steamers), and kitesurfing is explicitly described as prohibited on Scharmützelsee under regional navigation rules. Even if some kitesurfing community listings exist, riders are warned to check whether kitesurfing is allowed and whether any special permit or membership is required before launching. For boardriding alternatives, windsurfing is described as the established use case for NE winds, and wingfoiling is reported as possible once away from the immediate shore where the water deepens quickly enough for foils. Conditions are seasonal and cold-water demanding: sources consistently state that a wetsuit is always needed, with thicker insulation required in colder months and lighter suits possible in midsummer.

  • NE (NNE–NE) is the best reported wind direction for this launch
  • Flat-to-choppy lake water with generally easy shore access from the campsite
  • Wetsuit required year-round due to cold water
  • On-site campsite amenities (at least during season)
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freestyleWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Flat to choppy inland-lake conditions for practicing and learning in suitable (wind/safety-legal) scenarios.
  • Best wind is reported from NNE to NE, aligning with a relatively clean fetch in those conditions.
  • Direct campsite access to the water; showers/toilets and other amenities are available.
  • Wetsuit is always needed due to cold water outside midsummer.
Heads up
  • Kitesurfing is reported as officially prohibited on Scharmützelsee, so riders must verify legality before launching.
  • Launch area can be extremely narrow with dangerous trees and limited space.
  • Wind near shore can be turbulent with gustiness and wind shadows from dense forestation.
  • Can be crowded with campers and sunbathers in summer.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NNE, NE
Wind Range
10–22 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Listed as gradient/NE–NNE driven wind at this lake spot; also described as gusty/variable near shore.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Heavy gusts — Reported as heavy gusts in some conditions.
Best Months
April, May, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Sand — Some sources describe mixed composition; sand is explicitly reported, including sand bottom.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Wave conditions for surfing aren’t specified; water is described as flat/flat-water and also as chop by different sources.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Described as flat to choppy; another source specifically lists chop.
Launch
Small — Small grassy and sandy area within the campsite grounds, bordered by trees.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–24 °C
Water Temperature
-1–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 6/5mm + Boots, GlovesMar–Nov: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesJun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded with campers and swimmers in July and August; quiet in the off-season.

Storm/Rain Season

Thunderstorms are most common in July and August (reported).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat-water lake conditions with gentle learning potential are described by one source; however, kitesurfing legality is a major issue—kitesurfing is described as prohibited on Scharmützelsee, and there is also a warning about trees/limited launch space.

FreerideWaveFreestyle
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

A long-established use case for local windsurfers, particularly in North-East winds with a clean fetch across the lake. Must respect swimming/commerce zones.

FreerideSlalom
Sail Sizes
6–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Reported as suitable once away from the immediate shore where the water deepens quickly enough for foils.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foils reported to be workable as depth increases away from launch.
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
5–7 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
SW224°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2516 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Temperature
7–15 °C

Over the next 7 days, Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 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

  • Swimmers
  • Ships
  • Trees near the launch
  • Stones in shallow water
  • Offshore buoys
Ability Level: Beginner to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsGlovesHoodImpact vestLeashHarness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported at the launch; regional seasonal rescue services may operate around the lake.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional water rescue services are described as available during summer via DLRG stations.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is in Bad Saarow; general emergency number is 112 (regional).
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Local friction is mostly tied to access/space and legal compliance for kitesurfing.

Rules of the spot

Kitesurfing may be restricted or prohibited on the lake—check local/legal permission before launching. Maintain safe distances from swimmers and commercial traffic zones.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing is officially prohibited on Scharmützelsee under the regional navigation rules (Landesschifffahrtsverordnung).
  • Night riding forbidden (reported).
  • Respect swimming zones and fairways for commercial shipping (reported).
Local Tips
  • Best wind is North-East (NNE–NE).
  • Keep kite well away from the shoreline/beach users (reported guidance: around 50m clearance).
  • NE wind is the only direction reported as reasonably steady here.
  • Check whether kitesurfing is permitted locally; a special permit or local kite org membership may be required.
  • Park outside the campsite if you are not staying there to avoid issues.
  • Rig carefully: the launch area can be very narrow with limited space.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Bad Saarow
Nearest Town
Wendisch Rietz
Parking
Limited parking at/near the Campingplatz Schwarzhorn; fees usually apply for day visitors (reported).
Access
Take A12 and exit at Fürstenwalde West, then drive towards Bad Saarow and Wendisch Rietz to reach the Schwarzhorn campsite/lake shore.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Toilets
Showers
Camping
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping and a wider range of hotels/holiday rentals around Bad Saarow.
Food & Drink
A restaurant/bistro is typically available within the campsite during the season.
Equipment Rental:
No specialized wind/water sport rentals directly at this specific launch (reported). Equipment rental may be available via nearby schools in the region.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee)?

The best overall months at Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) are April, May, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee)?

Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) works with NNE, NE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 10–22 kts.

What skill level is Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) suitable for?

Schwarzhorn (Scharmützelsee) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.