Water sports

Active on the water

Surfing, sailing, or boat tours on Lake Steinhuder Meer—anything is possible.

Mecca for surfing fans

Over the years, the kitesurfing and surfing beach on Mardorf’s northern shore has become a popular gathering spot for surfers. During the summer season, you can access almost the entire sea from here. Mardorf is also a hub for the kitesurfing community, where riders stand on small surfboards and hang from large stunt kites to perform acrobatic stunts that draw crowds. Experience a spectacle that, by the way, even beginners can learn at a local kitesurfing school.

Tip: If you feel like giving surfing a try, a surf school at the kite and surf beach will be happy to provide you with information about beginner courses and equipment.

Pure sailing pleasure

Sailors on Lake Steinhuder Meer — Sailing on Lake Steinhuder Meer

Lake Steinhuder Meer is one of the most historic sailing areas in Germany. Of the approximately 3,000 boats moored on the north and south shores, several hundred take to the water on fine days—a fantastic sight. The lake is open to water sports enthusiasts from mid-March through the end of October; outside of this period, a winter navigation ban is in effect to protect the natural environment.

Over the years, a small “white industry” has sprung up around the sport of sailing, so that sailors can find all kinds of shops and services relevant to their sport. The offerings range from dock operators to water sports shops and boat rentals to sailing schools. Guests can bring their own boat and moor it at one of the guest docks during their vacation, or rent a suitable vessel by the hour or day from a local boat rental company.

You can find more information about sailing clubs, sailing schools, boat rental companies, and similar organizations here.

SUP - Stand-up paddling

People still use surfboards on Lake Steinhuder Meer even when the wind isn’t great. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and that might be why you’re seeing more and more surfers gliding effortlessly across the water, standing on a long board with a large paddle. This new trend sport from Hawaii is called “stand-up paddling,” or SUP for short.

Even though your first attempts at standing up may look a bit wobbly, SUP is very easy to learn and suitable for anyone who isn’t afraid of the water and has some sense of balance. Stand up straight with your legs hip-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and pull the paddle backward in the water and forward above the water—this is an easy and comfortable way to glide across the water. You can find more information and sign up here.