Grimmshoerner Bucht / Lower Saxony / Germany

Grimmshoerner Bucht is located on a peninsular that lies on Germany’s North Sea coast. It is a popular spot with surfers, wind surfers and kite surfers alike however it is really only advisable for use amongst riders of expert abilities because of the number of hazards around. The season is from April to October but it is possible to surf outside these times. There is parking close by although a small fee may be charged during the season

There is no beach as such as it consists of grass and concrete. The grassed area is nice and wide so there should be plenty of room to pick your spot and park your gear. It is possible for kite surfers to launch off the concrete ramp that runs into the water in low tide but it can get pretty slippery under foot. There are also lots of rocks and obstacles on the shoreline that you will need to be aware of. How to find it is to take the A27 towards Cuxhaven, then follow the signs for Kurgebiete. When you get here you will find a large parking spot that is used by caravans. Park here and take your equipment to the far Northeast end of the beach. Alternatively you can park next to the harbor on the other side of the bay. Here you can park right by the water.

The wind alternates between south westerly and west north westerly and is generally frontal in nature, however, sometimes you experience onshore and side shore winds also. The best directions for surfing here are south east, east, northeast and north. These winds tend to occur more during the summer but are lighter. The wind speed averages a bracing 12-13 knots. The water quality is, to say the least, dirty and there is thick mud on the bed of the water. The water itself is flat to choppy but if the wind is in the right direction, it is possible to catch waves of up to 2 meters in height, but this doesn’t happen too often. The water here is particularly tidal and strong currents are frequent. It is not advisable to go out on your own.

There is plenty of parking around here and there are toilet facilities close to the harbor but that’s really it. If you need shops, supplies etc, then you will need to head into Cuxhaven, a major seaside resort only a 10 minute drive away. For some serious nightlife you may want to head into Bremen or Hamburg.

There are loads of hazards here to be aware of. First of all be aware that although water sports are not banned here, they are not encouraged either, as it is a pretty dangerous spot. Beware of the slippery stone slope near the water's edge. Beware of sinking mud, especially at low tide; keep a close eye out for boats that run up and down the river Elbe, just behind you. Watch out for rocks and obstacles on or near the shore line, especially at low tide. Finally be fully aware of strong tidal currents that can catch you unawares.