Werbellinsee (Schorfheide)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Slalom
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
7–11 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) is a very deep inland lake in Brandenburg, known for its very clean freshwater and clear environment. The lake is located within the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, which shapes the overall, nature-focused feel of the visit. Water is reported as clean/excellent, and depth drops quickly from shore, which matters for safety and for foiling set-ups. For wind sports, conditions are primarily driven by weather fronts and pressure systems, with prevailing winds commonly from the West to South-West and also from the Northeast. Thermal effects are reported as negligible, so riders typically need to track forecasts closely. Gusts are a recurring theme because the shoreline is bordered by trees and the lake’s surroundings can create wind disturbance. Windsurfing is the primary sport at Werbellinsee, with reports describing freeride conditions and also options for slalom and foil riding depending on wind strength and setup. Wingfoiling is also reported as suitable, supported by the immediate depth close to shore that helps prevent bottom contact. Safety-wise, the combination of gusty wind, deep water near launch areas, and boat traffic means you should plan conservative routes and be mindful of trees and wind shadow zones near the banks. Kitesurfing is strictly prohibited on Werbellinsee to protect the local environment and bird life, and local zone rules are reported to apply for swimming and motorboats.

  • Very clear, very clean freshwater
  • Protected setting inside the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve
  • Deep lake profile supports hydrofoiling/wingfoiling
  • Wind commonly aligns with West/Southwest and Northeast directions
Great for
Windsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyle
What's great
  • Very clean water with reported excellent clarity
  • Deep lake profile (up to about 60 m) supports foiling
  • Relatively reliable West/Southwest wind pattern compared with many inland lakes
  • Nature setting inside a protected biosphere reserve
Heads up
  • Wind can be gusty due to forest surroundings
  • Deep water close to shore increases consequences of mistakes
  • Boat traffic present
  • Kitesurfing is prohibited
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW, W, NW
Wind Range
7–11 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Wind is primarily frontal/pressure-driven; thermal effects are negligible.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Heavy gusts — Gusty conditions are common because the surrounding forest and shoreline features funnel and disturb the flow.
Best Months
April, May, September, October
Shadow Zones
Significant wind shadows near the banks due to surrounding forest and terrain.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Lake conditions are typically described as flat; in-place wind can create chop depending on wind strength.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Described as chop by at least one source.
Launch
Small — Launch areas are often narrow and grass-covered or sandy, sometimes bordered by tall trees that can create wind shadows.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–23 °C
Water Temperature
0–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr–Nov: 5/4mmJun–Sep: 3/2mm (or shorty)
Crowds by Season

Busy on sunny summer weekends with swimmers and tourists; windsurfing areas are reported to be rarely overcrowded.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain can occur year-round; significant wind storms are most frequent in late autumn and winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

Kitesurfing

Not confirmed as suitable; in addition, kitesurfing is reported as strictly prohibited on Werbellinsee.

WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A classic inland windsurfing destination: the long, narrow lake shape can help funnel wind, with West/Southwest and Northeast winds often providing better riding conditions.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for wingfoiling due to very deep water close to shore, allowing for longer masts without bottoming out.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Reported as foil-friendly with sufficient minimum water depth.
Min Depth
2.0m
Wing Sizes
5–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
SW221°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2515 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Temperature
6–14 °C

Over the next 7 days, Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 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

  • Gusty wind due to forest surroundings
  • Very deep water close to shore (up to about 60 m)
  • Commercial and recreational boat traffic
  • Tall trees lining the shore (risk during launches/rigging)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHarnessBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal stations are reported along the lake.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue coverage is seasonal, with responders operating from points along the lake (e.g., around Altenhof).
Emergency Info
In an emergency call 112. The nearest major medical facility is in Eberswalde.

Rules of the spot

Kitesurfing is strictly prohibited on Werbellinsee to protect local environment and bird life; windsurfing and other non-kite activities are permitted with local zone rules (including specific swimming and motorboat areas).

Restrictions
  • No kitesurfing on Werbellinsee
  • Use designated zones for swimming and motorboats
Local Tips
  • SW wind is reported as the most reliable as it tends to blow along the lake length.
  • Plan around wind shadows near the banks created by trees/shoreline shape.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Joachimsthal
Nearest Town
Joachimsthal
Nearest Airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Public Transport
Regional trains (RE3 and RB63) stop at Joachimsthal and Eberswalde; local bus connections run to the lake.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Camping
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation reported as ranging from campsites (e.g., Campingplatz am Spring) to guesthouses and hotels in Joachimsthal or Altenhof.
Food & Drink
Several restaurants and snack bars are reported along the lakeside in Altenhof and near the campsites.
Equipment Rental:
Windsurfing and stand-up paddling rentals are reported through local watersports operations, typically in the summer season.
Gear Storage
Available at some campsites for long-term guests; otherwise limited.
Gear Repair
Basic repairs may be handled locally; specialized repair shops are reported further away (e.g., in Berlin).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: April to May and September to October for wind sports; June to September for swimming and general tourism.
Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve0 km

Protected area featuring ancient beech forests and diverse wildlife.

Jagdschloss Hubertusstock5 km

A historical hunting lodge with significant political history in former East Germany.

Kletterwald Schorfheide15 km

Forest climbing park offering various courses for different skill levels.

Fischerhütte am Werbellinsee2 km

Traditional lakeside restaurant serving local fish specialties.

Eberswalde Zoo20 km

A regional zoo located in a forest setting.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Werbellinsee (Schorfheide)?

The best overall months at Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) are April, May, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Werbellinsee (Schorfheide)?

Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) works with SW, W, NW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Werbellinsee (Schorfheide)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Werbellinsee (Schorfheide): Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 7–11 kts.

What skill level is Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) suitable for?

Werbellinsee (Schorfheide) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.