Werbellinsee (Schorfheide)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- Wind can be gusty due to forest surroundings
- Deep water close to shore increases consequences of mistakes
- Boat traffic present
- Kitesurfing is prohibited
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
Busy on sunny summer weekends with swimmers and tourists; windsurfing areas are reported to be rarely overcrowded.
Rain can occur year-round; significant wind storms are most frequent in late autumn and winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not confirmed as suitable; in addition, kitesurfing is reported as strictly prohibited on Werbellinsee.
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.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8.5 m²
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
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.
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
- 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)
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).
- No kitesurfing on Werbellinsee
- Use designated zones for swimming and motorboats
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Protected area featuring ancient beech forests and diverse wildlife.
A historical hunting lodge with significant political history in former East Germany.
Forest climbing park offering various courses for different skill levels.
Traditional lakeside restaurant serving local fish specialties.
A regional zoo located in a forest setting.
From riders who've been here
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.