Westerland
Westerland is Germany's unlikely surf capital—a beach break on Sylt Island in the North Sea that receives consistent swells from autumn through spring. The water is cold, the winds are strong, and the setting is surprisingly Germanic (think beach chairs and cafes), but the waves are real and the local community is passionate. It's proof that where there's swell and determination, surfing will find a way. German engineering meets wave riding.
Westerland surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 240° - 320°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 10s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Beach access from Westerland town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Westerland?
Westerland is a beach break in Sylt Island, Germany, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Westerland?
Westerland picks up swell from the WSW round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 10s or longer, as anything under 6s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Westerland?
An E wind is dead offshore at Westerland, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Westerland?
Westerland has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.3m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Westerland?
The most reliable run of swell at Westerland comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Aug too. Autumn-winter storms bring consistent swells. Windy year-round.
How cold is the water at Westerland?
The water at Westerland averages around 12°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Westerland good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Very cold water (8-16°C). Strong winds common.
How do I get to Westerland?
The nearest airport on our list is GWT, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Beach access from Westerland town.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Aug
Autumn-winter storms bring consistent swells. Windy year-round.
Getting There
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