Sahlenburg / Lower Saxony / Germany

Sahlenburg is situated on the North West coast of Germany looking out into the North Sea and is popular with tourists as well as windsurfers, kitesurfers and sailors. The season runs from April to October with off season being quite rare due to the extremely cold winter weather.

There are two sections of beach at the far south of the village which are designated areas for windsurfers and kitesurfers with an area also for swimmers. Surfing is not allowed in either the swimming area or the nearby nature reserve. Normally there is plenty of space but during the summer months the beach can get very crowded with holiday makers. To get here take the autobahn A27 until Cuxhaven and then follow the signs to Sahlenburg. From here take the road signposted to the beach. Surfers can park right on the beach from 3 hours before high tide and 3 hours after. The parking is free.

The winds are mainly frontal westerlies with the best winds to be had during fall to spring and the best direction has to be north west. The summer winds tend to be much lighter and also onshore winds tend to be quite gusty. The water is quite shallow with a large standing depth area, making it an ideal spot for beginners. During high tide the water becomes quite choppy and watersports are possible for 2.5 hours before high tide and up to 3 hours after that. The remainder of the time, the water is quite flat. At the height of summer the water temperature is around 18o C with an air temperature between 20 – 30o C. Winter temperatures are very cold with both air and water struggling to get above 2o C.

There is a kite school and also showers and toilets, but these are only open during the season. There is also somewhere to buy food. The village of Sahlenburg has a little more to offer and you will find accommodation and shops there.

Be aware of wind breakers in the water and also make sure you stay inside the designated areas.