Spot GuideBrennsee in Austria - relaxed thermal area for foilers

Manuel Vogel

 · 26.04.2024

The Brennsee is almost two kilometres long
Photo: Luca Tribondeau
Like Lake Garda, the small Brennsee lake in Austria has a reliable thermal system and offers consistent foiling conditions. Let us introduce it to you.

Lake Garda is not the only lake that offers a reliable wind system. The small Brennsee in Carinthia, which is only around 1.8 kilometres long, also regularly scores with good wind conditions. The wind system is comparable, but is weaker overall.

Where is the best place to start?

The best starting point on Lake Brennsee is on the north-east shore of the lake. This is where the Krainer sports school is located, where you can easily get in. Public parking is available approx. 200 metres from the lake.

What are the typical conditions at Brennsee?

The wind system is the same as on Lake Garda, only weaker. When the weather is stable, a light northerly wind blows in the morning, which is perfect for water sports beginners. From midday onwards, the wind shifts to south to south-east, provided it is a sunny day. Between 13:00 and 15:00 the thermals are usually the most constant. In normal thermals, the wind is around ten knots strong, enough to get on the foil with large sails or wings and make your way around the picturesque mountain scenery. With a south-easterly current, the thermals are additionally strengthened and the wind on the lake is much stronger. The water usually remains smooth here, making it ideal for foil beginners. The best wind season is May to September, i.e. when the weather is stable and sunny. Then it's not unusual to have four to five days of foil wind per week.

Cruising against a picturesque Alpine backdropPhoto: Luca TribondeauCruising against a picturesque Alpine backdrop

Foiling at Brennsee - what should you look out for?

On the south bank there is a shoal at the edge of the forest, near the white house. However, as you usually start on the north shore, you don't need to worry about this at first. On the north bank, the thermals come onshore, so ideally you should first cross two or three strokes out onto the Brennsee to keep away from swimmers or beginner surfers.

When the weather is stable, there are often four to five days of foil wind per week

Brennsee - Infrastructure & surf school

Lake Brennsee has everything you need to have fun here for one or more days in a row. The Surf school Krainer has already been mentioned, here you can attend courses or hire equipment for all kinds of sports (windsurfing, wingsurfing, sailing, kayaking, SUP, tennis, mountain biking). Fanatic/Duotone equipment is available for windsurfers and wingfoilers. There is also accommodation and catering on site, e.g. Gasthaus Wasserfaller, Hotel Lindenhof, Alte Post or Brennseehof. If you are looking for accommodation, you should also visit the www.feldamsee.at check. There is also a campsite nearby, which Camping Glintzner is five minutes away by car or 15 minutes by bike.

wing/645208669767ce5b5157036d-60-0817-web-fischerhof-glintznergert-perauer_b3c785d6cfac599c68c9fd8320776bc4Photo: Glintzner

Alternative programme

Even if the wind drops, there's no chance of boredom here. There are numerous official MTB trails, e.g. Europe's longest flow trail in Bad Kleinkirchheim. There are also several mountain lifts in the immediate vicinity with plenty of hiking opportunities. In the region challenging or calm river tours are also possible with the SUP.


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