Continent |
Europe |
Country |
Germany |
Next Big City |
Emden |
Next Town |
Norden |
Type: |
Island |
Rider Ability: |
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
Rooms, School, Shop, Rental, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food |
Type: |
Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave, Medium wave, Big wave |
Hazards: |
Swimmers, Currents, Wave breaker |
Quality: |
Cloudy |
Best Tide: |
High tide, Low tide, Coming tide |
On the north shore there is due to tidal changes (2.5 m) everything from flat and very shallow water to choppy wave up to 2.5m. Off the islands north coast there is a sand reef about 400-500m. This makes kiting very safe due to the fact that within the tidal window from three hours before and after low tide the depth is not more than 1-1.5m in the average.
Type: |
Sand |
Size: |
Big |
Hazards: |
Stones, Shells |
Beach Users: |
April, May, June, July, August, September, October |
The beach is easily accessible due to the fact that the island is fully developed as recreation area for tourists. A few solid stone dams have to be watched out for. But there is much space to avoid them. There is a sandy beach with periodically lots of small shells. The beach is spacious for launching and landing a kite. You have to stay away from the swimming areas.
|
Spring:
|
Normal |
|
Summer:
|
Shorty, Normal |
|
Fall:
|
Normal |
|
Winter:
|
Thick |
Water: from November until March very cold (below 10°C), from April until October acceptable (summer can get up to 20°C). Air: can vary as well from below zero in winter times up to nice 30°C in summer. Due to the weather conditions riding is possible at least from April to October. Off-season surfing possible, but drysuit recommended.
Best Months: |
January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November |
Wind Type: |
Frontal |
Best Direction: |
W, WNW, NW, NNW |
Main Direction: |
N, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW |
Wind is coming mainly from western directions. Due to predominant weather created by the highs and lows over the Atlantic the wind force can vary from 2-9 Bft. In the season from April through October the are quite a few days with good sailing conditions (at least 50% rates usable wind forces (3-5 Bft). Summer generally lighter winds. Fall and spring best winds. Best direction is West to Northwest.
Transport |
Boat |
|
Access
|
Medium walk |
Coming from Bremen you take to Autobahn A29 to Oldenburg and Emden. From there You take the route to Norden. Follow the signs to the island 'Baltrum'. The ferry harbor is Nessmersiel. The ferry takes about 30min. On the island there is frequent lodging possibilities, from hotels to flats for rent. The last train station is Norden. You can take the bus of the ferry operator to the harbor Nessmersiel.
Rules |
Zones, Time |
Kiting allowed from April until October from 10 am until 1 hour before sunset. Baltrum is one of seven islands ashore the German northwest coast. Because the islands is a recreation area is is well developed but expensive as well. There is a variety of apartments for rent. Nightlife is quite poor because mostly families come here for holidays. There is no specific rules, just keep out of the swimming area marked by red and white buoys. Check locals for the changing tides or give the local windsurfing school a call.