Kitespot Cuxhaven in Germany

In this article

1. Sahlenburg: waist-deep flats at the mouth of the Elbe
2. The tide window: three hours around high water
3. Kite zones between the groynes
4. Getting there and facilities
5. The Kugelbake in an east wind: current and shipping

1. Sahlenburg: waist-deep flats at the mouth of the Elbe

Where the Elbe estuary meets the open North Sea sits Sahlenburg, one of Cuxhaven's two main spots. The area is waist-deep across a wide stretch and switches between flat water and chop. Solid conditions for every level, and usually a lot less busy than St. Peter-Ording.

In autumn the "Hängt ihn höher" contest runs here and pulls in the big air crowd. If you want to see what this place is capable of, come by that weekend.

2. The tide window: three hours around high water

Your window sits roughly three hours before to three hours after high tide. In the last hours it gets very shallow, and the water is never deeper than hip height anyway.

The bottom is hard. You notice that immediately in a crash, so do not try anything here you cannot already land. And expect to get dirty crossing the flats, and for it to smell a bit. That comes with a tidal-flat spot.

The tide dependence has an upside too. When high water falls early in the morning or in the evening, the spot is often pleasantly empty.

3. Kite zones between the groynes

The zones here are tightly drawn. The permitted area lies between the groynes of the dog beach, marked off by white and yellow buoys. The swimming area and the adjacent nature reserve are strictly off limits.

You may only launch and land around four hours before to four hours after high tide. So the window is slightly wider than the riding window, but still limited.

The permitted zone lies between the groynes of the dog beach and is marked off with white and yellow buoys.

4. Getting there and facilities

Take the A27 to the Altenwalde exit, then head towards Sahlenburg and the spa districts to the surfer car park at the beach. From Hamburg it is around 1.5 hours. Watch the final stretch: it runs through a home zone, so walking pace only.

There is a kite school at the spot, along with gear rental and toilets. The set-up area on the beach is large, and there is a separate meadow for packing down. The car park sits right at the beach, with campsites and accommodation nearby.

5. The Kugelbake in an east wind: current and shipping

In east wind the locals move to the nearby Kugelbake. That, however, is where the Elbe's international shipping channel runs. You need to watch out twice over here: for the big ships and for the sometimes strong current.

This is not a spot to try out. If you do not know Sahlenburg yet, or have little experience with current, do not head to the Kugelbake on your own. Go out with someone who knows the spot, or ask at the kite school about the current situation first.

Because of the hard bottom, booties belong in your bag here, even in summer. Which kite size suits your weight is in the kite guide, and which wetsuit thickness you need when is explained in the wetsuit guide.

When can you kitesurf in Cuxhaven-Sahlenburg?

Roughly three hours before to three hours after high tide. Launching and landing is allowed in a slightly wider window, around four hours before to four hours after high tide.

Is Cuxhaven-Sahlenburg suitable for beginners?

Yes. The area is waist-deep across a wide stretch and never deeper than hip height, and there is a kite school at the spot. The bottom is hard, though, so booties are a sensible idea.

Where are the kite zones in Cuxhaven-Sahlenburg?

Between the groynes of the dog beach, marked with white and yellow buoys. The swimming area and the adjacent nature reserve are closed.

Where do you kite in Cuxhaven in an east wind?

At the Kugelbake. But the Elbe's shipping channel runs there, and the current can be strong. Without local knowledge you should not head out there alone.

How far is Cuxhaven-Sahlenburg from Hamburg?

Around 1.5 hours via the A27 to Altenwalde. The last stretch runs through a home zone.