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Fehmarn is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Germany. The island offers constant wind, huge standing areas, and spots for every skill level. Whether you're taking your first steps on the board or already jumping kiteloops, you'll find ideal conditions on Fehmarn. Its exposed location in the Baltic Sea ensures that the wind blows here even when the mainland coast is calm. The shallow waters in Gold are particularly valuable, giving you confidence as you learn.
In this guide, you will learn everything about the best kitesurfing spots, important safety rules, where you can book courses or rent equipment, and which accommodation is best suited for kitesurfers.
Fehmarn juts out far into the Baltic Sea and is surrounded by water on all sides. This location ensures exceptionally reliable wind. While the German mainland coast often experiences only light winds, Fehmarn benefits from consistent conditions. The Baltic Sea also generates local thermal winds, especially in summer. The relatively flat coastal landscape allows the wind to sweep unchecked across the island.
A decisive advantage for kitesurfers is the huge standing areas. In Gold, you can sometimes walk hundreds of meters out into the sea and still only be waist to chest deep in the water. This gives you security when launching and landing the kite. The shallow waters warm up faster in summer than deeper areas, allowing for longer sessions.
The kite season on Fehmarn is long. The first kiters are out on the water as early as April, as soon as the water temperatures become tolerable. The main season runs from May to September, when the wind conditions are best. But there are still many good kiting days in October and November. If you have a thick wetsuit, you can even kite in winter.
The water temperature of the Baltic Sea around Fehmarn varies greatly with the seasons. In spring (April/May), it is around 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. You will need a 5/4 mm or 6/5 mm wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and booties. In midsummer (July/August), the water warms up to a pleasant 18 to 22 degrees. Then a 3/2 mm wetsuit is sufficient, or even a shorty in very warm weather.
In autumn (September/October), temperatures drop to 12 to 16 degrees, so a 4/3 mm suit is recommended. In winter, temperatures drop to 2 to 6 degrees. Only with a high-quality 6/5 mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, and neoprene boots should you venture out onto the water.
Fehmarn offers a suitable kitesurfing spot for almost every wind direction. The island has the advantage that you can find optimal conditions almost anywhere, regardless of the wind. Here are the most important spots for kitesurfers in detail.
Gold on the west coast of Fehmarn is the island's most famous kitesurfing spot and one of the best in Germany. The huge standing area extends hundreds of meters out into the sea. When the wind is blowing from the west, you can go very far out and still only be waist to chest deep in the water. This makes Gold perfect for beginners who want to practice kite starts and landings. But even advanced kitesurfers appreciate the shallow water for new tricks and jumps.
The spot works best with winds from the southwest, west, and northwest. With these wind directions, the water is relatively smooth and conditions are ideal. Gold is very popular and can get extremely crowded on nice days. Dozens of kites then share the spot. Come early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want more space on the water. It is significantly less crowded in the off-season.
Parking spaces are available directly on the beach. There are restrooms and, during the high season, snack stands. A beach fee is charged during the season. The beach is divided into zones. Stick to the designated kite areas to avoid conflicts with swimmers and windsurfers. Also, respect other kiters and keep a sufficient distance.
Grüner Brink is located in the northeast of the island and offers excellent conditions when the wind is blowing from the northeast, north, and northwest. Here, too, you have a large standing area. The landscape is unspoiled and beautiful. You can kite directly in front of the backdrop of the nature reserve.
Wichtig: Der Grüne Brink liegt in einem Naturschutzgebiet. Kitesurfen ist nur in den ausgewiesenen Bereichen erlaubt. Das Schutzgebiet ist Lebensraum für zahlreiche Vogelarten, die hier brüten und rasten. Halte dich unbedingt an die Markierungen und respektiere die Schutzzonen. Mehr über das faszinierende Naturschutzgebiet erfährst du in unserem Artikel über die Nature reserves on Fehmarn
You can find parking spaces at Grüner Brink beach. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk to the water. This spot is less crowded than Gold and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The infrastructure is simple but adequate.
The Burger Binnensee lake directly on the south beach is exclusively for windsurfers and stand-up paddlers; kitesurfing is not permitted here (unless you book a course at the surf school). Nevertheless, Burgtiefe is the perfect base for you as a kitesurfer. This location is ideal for guests of the Inselblume. You have excellent infrastructure here with kite schools right on your doorstep. These schools will take you from here to the best training spots on the island, often directly to Gold or Grüne Brink. On the south beach itself, there are also opportunities to kite on the open Baltic Sea side when the wind is right.
On the south coast between Burgtiefe and Staberhuk, there are other kitesurfing spots such as Wulfen and Katharinenhof. These work well with a southerly wind and also offer standing areas. The spots are less well known than Gold, but precisely because of this, they often offer more space on the water. When there is an onshore southerly wind, small waves can form here, which are interesting for advanced kitesurfers.
Lemkenhafen is located south of Gold on the west coast. Kitesurfing is also possible here, but the spot is a little rockier than Gold. Lemkenhafen offers good conditions when the wind is blowing from the west. The advantage is that it is often less crowded than Gold. A local kitesurfing station offers equipment and courses.
| Spot | Best wind direction | Level | Special features |
| Gold | SW, W, NW | All levels | Huge standing area, very popular |
| Green Brink | NO, N, NW | Beginner to advanced | Nature reserve, observe zones |
| Wulfen/Katharinenhof | S, SO, SW | Beginner to advanced | Less crowded |
| Lemkenhafen | SW, W, NW | Advanced | Rocky ground, less crowded |
Kitesurfing looks spectacular and attracts many interested people to the water. But getting started is challenging. The first few hours are marked by frustration, water starts that don't work and a kite that does what it wants. This is completely normal. With a professional course, patience and regular practice, however, you'll get the hang of it relatively quickly.
A kite course at a recognized kite school is absolutely essential for beginners. Kitesurfing is significantly more dangerous than windsurfing if you don't master the basics. An uncontrolled kite can pull you meters high into the air or throw you against obstacles. In a course, you first learn the basics on land: How does the wind work? How do you control the kite? What safety systems are there? Then you practice handling the kite in the water before covering your first few meters on the board.
A typical beginner's course lasts about three to five days. After this basic course, many beginners are already able to ride their first few meters. However, it often takes several weeks of practice before you can start, ride, and land safely. Jumps and advanced tricks require significantly more experience. But those first moments when you glide across the water on your own are indescribable.
There are numerous professional kitesurfing schools with experienced instructors on Fehmarn. The schools are mainly located in Gold, on the south beach in Burgtiefe, and in Lemkenhafen. They offer beginner courses, advanced courses, and private lessons. Most schools operate according to the standards of the VDWS (Association of German Windsurfing and Water Sports Schools) and issue a license upon successful completion.
Courses are held in small groups, usually with a maximum of four participants per instructor. Equipment is generally provided. Many schools also rent out this equipment. For prices and current course offerings, it is best to contact the kite schools directly.
If you already know how to kite and just need equipment, there are several rental companies available. You can rent kites in various sizes and boards. The rental companies will advise you on which equipment is best suited to the current wind conditions and your skill level. For prices and availability, contact the rental companies directly.
We have compiled a detailed overview of all kite schools and rental companies on Fehmarn for you: Overview of all water sports equipment rental companies on Fehmarn
Kitesurfing is a fascinating sport, but it can also be dangerous. A kite generates enormous forces and can cause serious injuries if handled incorrectly. That's why it's absolutely essential that you know and follow the safety rules.
Assess your abilities realistically. Only go out on the water in conditions that you can safely handle. If the wind is too strong, stay on land. A kite that is too large in strong winds is life-threatening. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with your kite's safety systems. In an emergency, you must be able to activate the quick release immediately to deactivate the kite.
Always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid. Even if you are a strong swimmer, a life jacket can save your life in an emergency. A helmet is also a good idea, especially when practicing new tricks. Check your equipment thoroughly before each session. Cracks in the bar, defective lines, or damage to the kite can lead to dangerous situations.
Keep a generous distance from other kite surfers, windsurfers, swimmers, and boats. The minimum distance to other kite surfers should be at least 50 meters. On the water, the following applies: anyone sailing on the starboard bow (wind from the right) has right of way. Always pay attention to your surroundings and avoid collisions.
Never fly your kite near obstacles such as trees, power lines, buildings, or roads. The kite can become uncontrollable in a gust of wind. Only launch and land your kite with the help of a second person, especially in strong winds. Launching alone is risky.
If you get into trouble, activate your safety system immediately. It is better to release the kite completely than to take a risk. Show the international distress signal if you need help: raise both arms vertically above your head and wave.
Never kite alone in remote spots. If something happens, it is important that someone can get help. Find out about the local conditions: Are there currents? Where are the shoals? Where is kiting allowed?
As a kitesurfer, you need more equipment than you do for windsurfing. Here is an overview of what you should pack for your kitesurfing vacation on Fehmarn.
Be sure to bring:
Helpful, but not mandatory:
If this is your first time vacationing in a vacation home, we have created a detailed general packing list: Packing list for vacation home holidays
As a kitesurfer, you need significantly more space than normal vacationers. Your kite, board, bar, and other equipment need storage space. A hotel room is therefore usually impractical. A vacation house, bungalow, or spacious vacation home is a better choice.
You need space to dry your wetsuit and, ideally, a garden or terrace where you can set up and dry your kite. A garage or storage room is also useful for storing your equipment safely.
Our bungalows in the Arne Jacobsen settlement on South Beach are particularly suitable. They offer plenty of space and often have a garden. The 18 spots on the island are also not far away. After a long kitesurfing session, you can relax in your bungalow and take care of your equipment in peace.
If you want to take your dog with you on your kitesurfing vacation, we also offer dog-friendly accommodations. Your four-legged friend will love the long walks on the beach.
Take a look at our spacious bungalows here: View bungalows on Fehmarn
We also have suitable offers for kitesurfers with dogs: Vacation homes with dogs on Fehmarn
In addition to kitesurfing, Fehmarn also offers excellent conditions for other water sports. Windsurfing is the classic discipline on the island. Some of the spots overlap with the kitesurfing spots, but windsurfers often have their own areas. If you want to do both kitesurfing and windsurfing, Fehmarn is the place for you. You can find out more about the best windsurfing spots in our article: Windsurfing on Fehmarn
Wingfoiling is the latest trend. You hold an inflatable wing in your hand and stand on a board with a foil. Once you have enough speed, the board lifts out of the water and you float above the surface. Wingfoiling requires less wind than kitesurfing and is slightly easier to learn. Many kitesurfers try wingfoiling as an additional discipline.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is perfect for windless days. With a large board and a paddle, you can move leisurely across the water. Burger Binnensee is ideal for relaxed SUP tours.
Fehmarn has a long tradition of water sports. The Charchulla twins, Jürgen and Manfred, have established the island as a surfing destination since the 1970s. Originally known as windsurfers, they have also accompanied the development of kitesurfing on Fehmarn. Their water sports schools on the south beach now offer both windsurfing and kitesurfing courses.
The lively water sports scene on Fehmarn makes the island particularly attractive. On days with good wind conditions, dozens of kites can be seen in the sky. The kite surfers are friendly and helpful, and locals are happy to give tips on the best spots and conditions.
Every year on Ascension Day (end of May), the Fehmarn Surf Festival takes place on the south beach. It is the largest water sports event in northern Germany. All the major kite and surf brands are represented, and you can test the latest equipment free of charge. Professionals show off spectacular tricks and high jumps in competitions.
In addition to windsurfing competitions, there are also kitesurfing contests. Freestyle battles and big air competitions thrill spectators. In the evenings, the party gets underway on the beach with live music and DJs. Admission to the festival is free. It's the perfect time to visit Fehmarn if you want to experience water sports culture up close.
Fehmarn offers kitesurfers unique conditions in Germany. The combination of reliable wind, huge standing areas, and diverse spots for every level makes the island a kite paradise. Whether you're taking your first steps on the board or already jumping kite loops, you'll find the right conditions here.
The professional kite schools help beginners get started safely. The experienced locals are happy to share their knowledge about the best spots and conditions. The spacious accommodations at Inselblume Fehmarn offer you the ideal base for your kitesurfing vacation. After a day on the water, you can relax, maintain your equipment, and recharge your batteries for the next session.
Book your accommodation now and see for yourself why Fehmarn is one of the best kitesurfing spots in Germany: Discover accommodations in prime locations
Do you have any questions about kitesurfing on Fehmarn? Feel free to contact us via Telephone or Mailif you need further information or are looking for tips for your kitesurfing vacation on the sunny island.
