Spot Guide to Ostholstein and the Bay of Lübeck: The best windsurfing spots between Dazendorf and Pelzerhaken

For many water sports enthusiasts from the Lübeck and Hamburg conurbations, a trip to the Ostholstein region is the norm; after all, the spots between Heiligenhafen and Niendorf are within easy reach, even for an after-work session. For water sports enthusiasts visiting Schleswig-Holstein on holiday, the Ostholstein region is usually overshadowed by Fehmarn. But why? On objective reflection, the Ostholstein region is by no means inferior to destinations such as Rügen and Fehmarn hide.

Between Dazendorf and Niendorf in the Bay of Lübeck, there are numerous spots, some of which are completely different in character. Within just a few kilometres, you’ll find everything from perfect flat water to bump-and-jump spots and powerful Baltic Sea waves. The northern part of the region in particular, with the top spots of Heiligenhafen and Großenbrode, scores highly for its high probability of wind, as both easterly and westerly wind conditions work well here. What’s more, East Holstein offers an excellent infrastructure for water sports enthusiasts – not only are the spots strung together like a string of pearls, but there are also campsites, accommodation and surf schools.

From flat water straight into the waves – in some cases, you can even do this at the same spot.

​As is typical on the North Sea and Baltic coasts, however, you do need to be fairly flexible in order to adapt to changing weather and wind conditions. But we also have a few tips in this spot guide for those who prefer to stay in one place.

The best windsurfing spots in Lübeck Bay and East Holstein

Key to the symbols

1. Blank Corner

54.3533, 10.8680

Blank-Eck lies secluded on the cliffs between Weissenhaus and Heiligenhafen, right next to the Putlos military training area. There is no public car park; you can access the spot via the campsite, from where you can enjoy a lovely view across the bay in places. The spot works well with a south-westerly wind coming from the left. Access via the pebble beach is easy, and the small stone groynes do not cause any problems. Out on the water, you’ll find typical bump-and-jump conditions. A west-south-westerly wind is still rideable; this even creates a small surf wave, though it’s more moderate than at Dazendorf. If the wind shifts further to the west or north-west, it becomes increasingly impossible to pick up speed between the groynes and in the wind shadow. Even though Blank-Eck is certainly not the top spot in the region, you can still spend relaxing days here at the campsite – provided there aren’t any shooting exercises taking place. A north-easterly wind is also rideable here.

2. Dazendorf

54.3707, 10.9136

The route to Dazendorf follows narrow paths to a small beach car park. There is a height restriction at this car park (1.80 metres). If you’re driving a larger vehicle, park before the final bend, about 300 metres from the beach, and walk down to the water from there. A south-westerly wind blows sideshore from the left here, creating bump-and-jump conditions and sometimes a mini-surf near the shore. When the wind is blowing from west-south-west to west, ‘Daze’ becomes a good wave spot, which can sometimes produce head-high waves, allowing for jumps and powerful turns, but it’s also challenging: there are a few rocks lurking near the shore. The shorebreak has an appetite and likes to devour masts for breakfast – as a wave novice, you’ll definitely have a much more relaxed time surfing in Heiligenhafen when the wind is westerly.

3. Heiligenhafen

54.3814, 10.9582

Perhaps the best multi-spot in Schleswig-Holstein! The meeting point for the surfing scene is the car park at Steinwarder. When the wind is blowing from the west to the north-west, there are two options here: on the north side of the headland, you can enjoy a moderate wave spot. You enter the water via the sand; from 20 knots onwards, the first waves roll gently into the bay and break on the offshore sandbanks. The great thing is that there’s no disruptive shorebreak, so you can pick up speed in peace and catapult yourself over the first ramp further out. There’s hardly a better spot for learning jumps, loops or wave riding. Between the waves, the water remains quite smooth – ideal for freestyling or manoeuvres. In the bay, the waves roll out gently; even in stormy conditions, they rarely rise higher than 1.5 metres. The surf off the western shore reinforcement has a bit more power: here, however, the waves break just before the rocks and the seabed is also rocky. When there’s a pure westerly wind, the bay is somewhat sheltered by the headland to windward; in that case, you can alternatively enter the water at the DLRG tower and surf to windward of the small jetty, where the wind blows in more freely.

In recent years, the town of Heiligenhafen has also carried out extensive improvements to the inland lake. Instead of a scree-strewn wasteland, there is now a fine sandy beach, dunes and even playgrounds. This means that in ‘Halli’ you can, so to speak, walk straight from the waves onto the shallows. There’s a small area along the shore where you can stand, which gets wider towards the harbour, allowing even less experienced windsurfers to practise in complete safety. In any case, with westerly to north-westerly winds, it’s better to head further downwind, as the buildings at the western end cause the wind to become gusty. Good launch spots for a session on the inland lake can be found between the well-stocked Heiligenhafen water sports centre and the harbour. Halli is also worth a visit when the wind is blowing from the east to the north-east. Then the wind blows from the right, and the chop remains small.

Away from the water, you’ll find everything you need right there. Around the harbour, there’s a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars. There’s also no shortage of accommodation options and motorhome pitches.

4. Orthmühle

54.3692, 11.0134

This somewhat forgotten spot, not far east of Heiligenhafen, has been put back on the map by the foil trend. You can park along Lütjenbroder Weg, right at the kerb. It’s then just a few metres to the water’s edge. The small gravel outcrop is a good launch point; the shallow water area ends after just a few metres. Unlike the spots in Heiligenhafen, you’re sheltered from the waves here, yet still have more space than on the inland lake. The spot is perfect for freeriding, freestyling and, of course, foiling. Winds from west-north-west to north-west (sideshore from the left) are ideal, but easterly winds also blow in freely and consistently. There are many boats in the shipping channel during the summer, so it’s best to keep your distance here. The same applies to the opposite bank, known as Graswarder. This is a nature reserve, so you shouldn’t get too close to it.

5. Großenbrode

54.3543, 11.0809

Alongside Heiligenhafen, Großenbrode can be described as the region’s top multi-spot. Its exposed location ensures excellent wind conditions, and the spot itself is well worth a visit in both westerly and easterly winds. Großenbrode has a long jetty that divides the spot into two areas: on the inland lake, you can sometimes surf on perfect flat water, whilst the Baltic Sea side, depending on the wind direction, can offer everything from waves to bump & jump conditions. When there’s a strong westerly to north-westerly wind, the wind blows at a right angle and yet remains surprisingly consistent across the stone jetty. On the Baltic Sea side, a perfect speed and freestyle spot unfolds! The only drawback: the wind is offshore, with the nearest stretch of land a good 80 kilometres away. On the inland lake, to windward of the jetty, surfing is safer, but conditions can get a bit choppier around the stone jetty itself.

When the wind is from the east, the conditions are completely different: right behind the jetty, on the inland lake, you’ll find top-notch flat water. You’ll be sharing the spot with plenty of kiters and wingfoilers. Watch out, too, for the boats passing by on their way to the harbour. The launch point is at the northern end of the inland lake and is partly stony. When there’s a strong easterly wind, the windward side of Großenbrode turns into a decent wave spot. The wind window is quite small, however: if the wind blows too strongly from the north-east, the eastern tip of Fehmarn blocks the waves. If the wind is blowing too far east, it hits the shore as a flat onshore breeze. An east-northeast wind is therefore ideal. In that case, you enter the water over sand near the Großenbrode water sports school; parking is available. The wave breaks over the offshore sandbanks and can reach head-high during a storm. Keep an eye out for the small groynes. Further downwind lies the long jetty, which beginners should steer clear of. In summer, don’t forget to pack your seaweed fin!

6. Dahmeshöved

54.1980, 11.0916

Ever since the parking situation has deteriorated significantly, ‘Dahme’ has fallen out of favour. It’s a shame, because the spot by the lighthouse is one of East Holstein’s hidden gems. Coming from the village, you follow Leuchtturmstraße; you now have to park illegally at the side of the road. Take care when entering the water at the small headland; the shore is stony and there are remnants of groynes. The conditions are fantastic when there’s a strong north-north-easterly to north-easterly wind. This whips up a proper swell, which breaks cleanly over the offshore shoals and rolls gently out into the bay. Here you can pick up speed at your leisure and launch yourself into the air. Dahme is a lovely and largely safe spot for both jumping and warming up. The only thing to watch out for is the strong current around the headland.

A northerly wind is also suitable for surfing, although the wind coverage in the bay does become increasingly limited. Alternatively, you can set off from Kellenhusen (North car park) and tack a few long runs towards Dahme. You can also avoid the parking issues by parking at the Leuchtturmstraße car park on the southern outskirts of the village. Here, with a north-easterly wind blowing diagonally onshore, the wave also allows for jumps and wave rides – though the wave breaks less cleanly and the stony shore isn’t exactly inviting.

7. Kellenhusen

54.1851, 11.0569

The car park on Zeltplatzweg fills up quickly when the forecast is good; in that case, you can use the one by the pier a little further north. The surf crowd mainly comes here on days with strong north-easterly to east-north-easterly winds. ‘Kelle’ offers wave conditions just as good as Dahme; in strong winds, the wave breaks over several sandbanks, allowing for both jumps and wave riding. Below 25 knots, conditions are usually easy, ranging from bump & jump to moderate surf, which even wave novices can master without any trouble. When launching in front of the water sports school, however, be sure to keep an eye on the groynes! These also mean that more seaweed accumulates here than elsewhere. If the wind shifts to the north-east, the pier blocks the wind near the shore, in which case Dahme is a better option. South to south-westerly winds are also good for surfing here, offering relaxed bump & jump conditions with the wind coming from the right.

8. Grömitz

54.1377, 10.9481

The beach faces more west-east than those in Dahme or Kellenhusen, which means you’ll find decent conditions even with a west-south-westerly wind. The wind then blows diagonally offshore from the right, creating relaxed flat-water and foil conditions out on the water. If the wind shifts more towards the south, the scene changes to a bump-and-jump spot; with easterly winds, it’s time to get the wave gear out. An east-north-easterly wind is ideal for wave surfing. These winds push solid waves towards the shore, which you can ride directly to windward of the harbour. That’s where the water sports centre is located. With an oblique onshore wind from the left, there’s a small standing area to start with, whilst further out you’ll find good ramps. Just keep an eye out for the harbour jetties downwind! The town also offers options for an after-work drink or a meal at a restaurant with a sea view. There are car parks around the marina, but they fill up quickly during the peak season. Alternatively, check out the Königsredder car park.

9. Pelzerhaken

54.0883, 10.8741

It’s no coincidence that the surf festival has been held here for years – Pelzerhaken offers a wide wind window and is still rideable even in a pure westerly wind. Of course, in such conditions the water remains flat with small chop. ‘Pelze’ offers a large area where you can stand, allowing even novice windsurfers to practise safely in all wind directions. In strong westerly winds, the water beneath the fin can sometimes become a bit shallow over the sandbanks. Conversely, easterly winds push the water into Lübeck Bay. Even then, the water near the shore remains choppy with small waves; further out, moderate waves roll over the sandbank, which do not become particularly powerful or steep even in strong east-northeast to northeast winds. You can park to the east of the lighthouse, where there is also a motorhome site and the ‘Surf & Sail’ water sports centre. Heading towards Neustadt, there are numerous accommodation options, campsites and places to eat, making Pelze a great base for a longer stay – and not just because of the fantastic conditions at the spot.

10. Scharbeutz/Haffkrug

54.0451, 10.7496

Deep in Lübeck Bay lies Scharbeutz, a spot that can be a good alternative to Kellenhusen and the like when there’s a strong wind from the east to north-east. However, due to its location, the wind here is often lighter than further north. The main beach around the pier is lovely: with fine sand and easy access to the water. A northerly wind blows sideshore from the left, in which case the chop remains small. If it veers north-east, the waves get bigger and break over the offshore sandbanks. However, the angle isn’t ideal for jumping and riding then, as the wind is relatively onshore. Alternatively, with a similar set-up, you can head further south to Timmendorfer Strand. The best place to get out on the water here is south of the Ostsee-Therme, where the surf school is also located. As the beach and surf zone are packed with bathers in high summer, both here and in Scharbeutz, the area around the Haffkrug surf school can be a good alternative. Here, when the wind is north-easterly, you launch from behind a small jetty; the shallow area makes launching easier. A south-easterly wind around Scharbeutz also works well for freeride right through to bump & jump.

11. Niendorf

53.9906, 10.8128

Coming from Hamburg, Niendorf is often the go-to spot for an after-work surf. An easterly wind blows sideshore from the right, east of the harbour, and you enter the water via fine sand. The standing area is small, which means you can get out onto the water quickly here, even with a foil. Depending on the wind strength, the chop remains moderate; with a strong easterly, small surf waves can also roll in near the shore. Next to the pier, at the eastern end of the village, is the Niendorf Surf School. If the wind shifts to east-north-east, you can alternatively head out west of the harbour, where the harbour breakwater partially blocks the waves. Parking can be tricky during the high season. Options include the ‘Harbour car park’ and the ‘Vogelpark car park’ on the B76, from which it is about a 400-metre walk to both entry points.

Spot information: Lübeck Bay/East Holstein

Getting here

The Ostholstein region stretches north from Lübeck all the way up to Fehmarn and is easily accessible via the A1 motorway. The holiday resorts of Heiligenhafen and Großenbrode are ideal as permanent bases, as they offer the best wind conditions in the region and, on top of that, cover a wide range of wind directions. All other spots can be reached from here within 30 to 45 minutes by car.

Accommodation & Camping

The east coast of Schleswig-Holstein is one of the best-developed tourist regions in Germany. From upmarket hotels to self-catering flats, there are plenty of options available on the usual online booking platforms. Anyone planning to visit during the summer holidays should book well in advance.

There are also various options for anyone planning a trip in a campervan or motorhome. Wild camping is prohibited and is therefore not an option. That’s not necessary anyway, as the region offers plenty of campsites. Here is a selection of sites near the spot:

• Blank Corner campingblank-eck.de
• Heiligenhafen Motorhome pitch on Eichholzweg (04362-503411) motorhome-parking-heiligenhafen.de bretterbude-hhf.de
• Dahmeshöved rosenfelder-strand.de zedano.de ankerplatz-dahme.com
• Großenbrode camping-seekamp.de
• Kellenhusen campingparadies-kellenhusen.de
• Grömitz camping-groemitz.de porta-del-sol.de groemitz.de/campingplatz-sonnenland campingland-ostsee.de
• Pelzerhaken camping-ostsee.de campingplatz-lotsenhaus.de campingplatz-ostsee.de motorhome-parking-baltic-sea.de campingplatz-elfenschlucht.de
• Scharbeutz womohafen-scharbeutzer-strand.de ferienpark-scharbeutz.de/stellplaetze ostseecamping-seepferdchen.de camping-neptun.de
• Niendorf Motorhome pitch: Häven 6, 23626 Ratekau (no website)

Wind, weather & wetsuits

Whether the wind is blowing from the east or the west, East Holstein delivers! The area around the Fehmarn Sound (the strait between the mainland and Fehmarn) clearly has the best wind statistics. Due to its exposed location and the local wind amplification in the channel, the wind often blows stronger in Heiligenhafen and Großenbrode than at the spots further south. When low-pressure systems pass through with winds from the south-west to north-west, the west and north coasts from Blank-Eck to Großenbrode are the best places to head for. The east coast is then largely sheltered. East winds, which are more common in spring and early summer, however, shift the focus to the spots along the east coast of East Holstein.

• ​Wind Special: The easterly wind on the Baltic Sea

In summer, given air and water temperatures of around 20 degrees, a 4/3 wetsuit is sufficient; in the transitional months, you should pack a warm 5/3 wetsuit and possibly a hood. Shoes are a good idea at some spots even in summer, as the ground isn’t sandy everywhere. Relevant wind forecasts via windfinder.de, windguru.com and windy.com. The Danish forecast is very reliable: app.fcoo.dk/ifm-maps.

Surf schools

There are surf schools at almost every spot; they often offer wing foiling and SUP as well as windsurfing. The focus is usually on teaching beginners. If you’d like to hire small funboards, you should check the options on the websites beforehand.

• Heiligenhafen wassersportcenter-heiligenhafen.de
• Großenbrode watersports4all.de
• Dahmeshöved surfschule-dahme.de
• Kellenhusen wassersport-kellenhusen.de
• Grömitz wassersport-groemitz.de
• Pelzerhaken sailandsurf.de surfschule-pelzerhaken.de
• Scharbeutz/Haffkrug surfschule-haffkrug.de surfschule-timmendorf.de
• Timmendorfer Strand surfschule-timmendorf.de
• Niendorf surfschule-niendorf-ostsee.de

Shops

If you need replacement materials, the best place to get them is:

• Lübeck Surf Centre surf-center.de
• Fehmarn Surf Shop surfshopfehmarn.de
• Windsport Fehmarn windsport.de

Alternative programme

Even on windless days, there’s never a dull moment here. Lübeck’s old town is always well worth a visit. Those who can’t do without a bit of action will find what they’re looking for in Weissenhäuser Strand (weissenhaeuserstrand.de) and Scharbeutz (ostseetherme.de) large thermal baths or water parks. Hansapark (hansapark.de) is sure to give you quite a few adrenaline rushes.

Good to know

From June right through to late autumn, a seagrass fin is an essential piece of kit.

• ​Freeride, Wave, Freestyle: How to find the right Seegras fin