Windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling on the Alpsee in Immenstadt: wind, best months & courses

Colourful sails against green mountains, a wing above the water and a view of the Nagelfluhkette ridge: the Großer Alpsee near Immenstadt is the Allgäu’s water sports spot. Here you can find out when the wind blows best, which direction it comes from, where you can learn windsurfing, wing foiling and kitesurfing – and where to stay in comfort after a long day on the water.

Why the Großer Alpsee is a wind spot

Covering around 247 hectares, the Großer Alpsee is the largest natural lake in the Allgäu: a good three kilometres long and up to 22.7 metres deep. What matters for surfers is its location. The lake lies in a valley running from Oberstaufen in the west to Immenstadt in the east. When the wind blows from the west or east, it is funnelled between the mountainsides and sweeps along the length of the water. This makes for long runs without constant tacking, and the wind is steadier than you would expect on a mountain lake.

The centre of water sports is Bühl am Alpsee, a district of Immenstadt at the eastern end of the lake. This is where you will find the water sports school and the lakeside promenade. Also active on the lake is the Alpsee Surfclub Immenstadt, a club for windsurfing and winging founded in 1984.

Wind on the Alpsee through the year

There are no publicly available wind statistics based on measurements for the Alpsee. We therefore analysed the hourly values of the German Weather Service’s high-resolution weather model for the middle of the lake, over three full years and only for the period between 10 am and 6 pm, when people actually go out on the water. The result matches experience on the ground:

• Spring (March to April): the windiest time. In almost every second hour there are at least 3 Beaufort, and on about six days a month it blows at 4 Beaufort or more for several hours. According to the lake operators, gusts of up to force 7 are possible then too. The water, however, is still cold.
• Early summer (May to June): the best compromise. A good third of the hours have 3 Beaufort, often from the west but also from the north-east. The air is getting warm and the days are long – ideal for courses and for anyone who wants wind and sunshine together.
• High summer (July to August): light winds in the afternoon. The wind almost always comes from the west and picks up over the course of the day: weakest in the morning, strongest between 2 and 5 pm. For beginners, wing foilers and foilers this is often just right; for planing on a windsurf board it is only enough on some days.
• Autumn: calm, with the odd stormy day. September is the least windy month. In October and November, low-pressure systems bring stronger westerly days again – then the lake is almost empty, but cold.

The best months for each sport

Windsurfing

For learning, June, July and August are ideal: warm water and steady light winds. If you already want to plane, come in April or May and watch out for westerly conditions – with a thick wetsuit.

Wing foiling

With a foil you can get going in considerably less wind than a windsurf board needs to plane. That is why the Alpsee is a good wing foiling spot in summer: the thermal afternoon winds from the west are often enough, and May to September is the most pleasant time. On stronger spring days, wing surfers without a foil get their money’s worth too.

Kitesurfing

Kiting generally needs more wind and, above all, consistent wind. On the Alpsee, March, April and the westerly days in autumn are the most promising. Because launching and landing need space and in summer there are lots of swimmers, sailors and pedalos about, the rule is: before your first launch, ask at the water sports school or the surf club where launching is currently permitted.

Courses and water sports school on the Alpsee

The Wassersportschule Oberallgäu is located at Seepromenade 15 in Bühl am Alpsee – a family business founded in 1978. What is on offer (as of October 2026):

• Beginner windsurfing course: four days, Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, 290 euros, wetsuit and board included.
• Wing surfing (Step 1) and wing foiling (Step 2): two and a half hours each, 120 euros, from age 12, windsurfing experience required.
• Kite courses, sailing courses, kayaking and SUP are also on the programme.
• Rowing boats and pedalos can be hired by the hour – ideal for family days at the lake.

Please ask the school directly about dates, current prices and equipment hire, by phone on 08323 52200. If you surf regularly on the Alpsee, you will find like-minded people at the Alpsee Surfclub Immenstadt.

Tips for your day on the water

• Go out in the afternoon: in summer the wind usually only arrives around midday and is strongest between 2 and 5 pm.
• Check the forecast: Windfinder has its own forecast for the lake, “Bühl am Alpsee”. There you can see whether and when the afternoon will bring wind.
• Take thunderstorms seriously: summer storms build quickly in the mountains and bring strong gusts. At the first rumble of thunder, head back to shore.
• Be considerate: keep your distance from bathing areas, reeds and boats – the Alpsee belongs to everyone.
• No wind? Then hop on a SUP, go on a bike ride along the northern shore or head up to the Alpsee Bergwelt.

Staying by the Alpsee: close to the water

For a surfing holiday, Immenstadt is the first choice. Our holiday apartment Alpsee Panorama lies towards the lake, with a view over the Großer Alpsee from the balcony – it is around five minutes to the shore, and you can see at breakfast whether there are whitecaps on the water. From the Alpin Loft and the Maisonette Stüble in the town centre, it is around a seven-minute drive to the lake. All have their own parking space, so your board and sail can stay in the car. Find out more on our page holiday apartment on the Alpsee and under holiday apartment in Immenstadt.

Frequently asked questions about water sports on the Alpsee