Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Traunsee (Ebensee) / Rindbach is a flat-water alpine lake spot best known for its reliable summer thermal wind system (Niederwind). The wind typically comes from the north through NE to E on sunny days, building through the afternoon and giving a focused session window in warmer months. Water quality is described as clean and the launch is set up with a small pebble beach and a very limited/narrow launch space. Several sources emphasize that the water is cold even during summer (commonly around 14–16°C at peak), and that conditions near shore involve hazards such as trees and, depending on conditions, currents. Because of the combination of narrow launch and immediate deep water, the spot is primarily suited to intermediate-to-advanced riders. For kitesurfing, the spot is presented as a premier thermal venue for freeride/foil, and also supports freestyle and wave-style sessions depending on conditions. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also supported by the flat water and (for wingfoiling) deep water suitable for foiling, though launch-side constraints and cold-water preparation remain important. Safety and access details matter here: kitesurfing can be strictly regulated by a local club, typically requiring a day pass or membership and restricting launching to marked zones. Additional warnings include avoiding shipping lanes further out and taking extra care around the shoreline obstacles during launch.
- Reliable afternoon thermal wind (Niederwind)
- Flat-water conditions on the lake
- Cold alpine water (commonly ~14–16°C in peak season)
- Strict kite-zone rules and fee/membership requirements
- Reliable summer thermal wind (Niederwind) for afternoon sessions
- Flat-water conditions for multiple disciplines (kiting, windsurfing, wingfoiling)
- Clean lake water quality described as very good/clear
- Good foiling depth away from shore
- Small, narrow launch area with immediate deep water—difficult for beginners
- Cold water (around 14–16°C in peak season)
- Currents and near-shore obstacles (trees) require caution
- Kiting can be strictly regulated with fees and designated zones
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 9–13 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Niederwind thermal system (north building through the afternoon), generally from NE to E on sunny days.
- Reliability
- summer only; best with bright weather conditions
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Can be gusty near the shoreline due to trees and terrain.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Pebble — Small pebble beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Lake conditions described as flat water for most sessions.
- Launch
- Small — Very narrow pebble beach/meadow at Rindbach with limited space; trees immediately behind/near launch.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Despite some sources calling it easy, multiple safety notes emphasize narrow, physically demanding launch for beginners.
Through the year
Can become very crowded on sunny summer weekends at the launch area.
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during hot summer days.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-water lake kitesurfing with a dependable NE–E thermal wind (Niederwind) in summer; physically demanding launch with immediate deep water and limited space.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Flat-water freeride and slalom in thermal wind; wind can be on the lighter side.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8.5 m²
Deep alpine water suitable for foiling; be mindful of launch-side hazards and any shallow areas near shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Deep water close to shore supports foiling.
- Min Depth
- 20.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) in the full forecast view.
Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–8 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 258 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 5–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. 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
- currents
- trees on the beach
- narrow launch area with immediate deep water
- public shipping lane further out on the lake
- cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Water rescue services are active on the lake during the season; spot-level sources indicate limited rescue.
- Emergency Info
- European emergency number 112; ambulance 144. Nearest hospital: Landeskrankenhaus Gmunden.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local rules/fees and designated kite zone are emphasized.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing can be strictly regulated: launching only permitted in the marked zone and riders must stay within the designated kite zone; a daily or seasonal fee or club membership is typically required.
- Kiting is not allowed in shipping lanes.
- Mandatory club fee or day pass.
- Restricted launch zone; launching only in the marked area.
- Be mindful of trees on the beach during launch.
- Wait for the sun-heating of the mountains to trigger the thermal wind.
- Keep your kite low during launch due to nearby trees.
- Wear a thick wetsuit even in warmer air.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ebensee
- Nearest Town
- Ebensee
- Nearest Airport
- Salzburg Airport (SZG)
- Parking
- Parking lot at south end of the lake (Rindbach). Fee: EUR 0.5 per hour.
- Public Transport
- Connected via the Salzkammergutbahn rail line (Ebensee and Ebensee Landungsplatz stops), plus regional bus and rail connections to major cities.
- Access
- From B145 follow directions to Rindbach at the south end of the lake; paid parking is available at/near the Rindbach leisure area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation options in Ebensee including guesthouses and camping.
- Food & Drink
- Wind Bar and other food/snack options at the Rindbach leisure area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental available through local sport schools/clubs during main season.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Traunsee–Gmunden area blends dramatic alpine scenery with lake-focused activities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee)?
The best overall months at Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee)?
Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) works with NE, ENE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee): Kitesurfing: 9–15 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 9–13 kts.
What skill level is Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) suitable for?
Traunsee / Ebensee (Ebensee) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.