Germany Paragliding Sites

Traditional site of the hang gliding club Loffenau with a launch site in northwest direction (Schneisenstart) and a spacious launch site in west direction. The west site is suitable for beginners and offers a great view over the northern Black Forest. Both launch sites are located in the forest. Therefore, only launch when there is a clear downwind, so that the trees in front can be flown over safely and with sufficient altitude. All pilots need an initial briefing by the club. The nature conservation regulations must be observed. In particular, the nature reserve "Lautenfelsen" may not be overflown. The bird sanctuary must be overflown with at least 300 m. The landing site in Loffenau is somewhat hanging. The road at the landing site must be flown over with sufficient altitude. Cross-country flights in the direction of Pforzheim are possible with sufficient base altitude. Since a lot of forest has to be flown over, sufficient departure altitude is needed. 1. take-offs may only be carried out in clearly safe weather conditions. Crosswind or tailwind launches are not permitted. Each pilot takes off on his own responsibility. 2. the take-off area must be designed in such a way that the emerging vegetation still allows a safe overflight. Decisive for the take-off area west is the statement of the DHV to the city of Gernsbach of Jan. 13, 2016 in connection with an approval by the city of Gerns-bach as well as the LRA Rastatt. All measures must be coordinated in each case with landowner and forestry office. 3. training flights may only be carried out in suitable weather conditions. The student pilots must be supervised by an instructor or an assistant instructor at the take-off and landing site. A secure radio link to the student pilot must be available. 4. 4. the departure to the landing area must be made in time and with sufficient altitude. 5. overflight of the road in the landing area must be made with sufficient altitude. When approaching vehicles and persons on the road, the final approach shall be made at an appropriate altitude. 6. top landings: Top landings on the takeoff area are permitted only when laminar wind conditions ensure a safe approach and no persons at the takeoff area are endangered. Simultaneous takeoffs and top landings are not permitted. Pilots must have sufficient practical experience and knowledge regarding top landings. All pilots (club members and guest pilots) must be informed about the conditions in the area by a sign on the take-off area and on the club homepage. All guest pilots need an obligatory one-time briefing by suitable persons from the club. 8) Loffenau with its residential areas must be flown over with sufficient altitude. Low overflights over residential areas are not permitted. 9. 9. the adjacent bird sanctuary and the capercaillie habitat may only be overflown at a minimum altitude of more than 300 m. 10) The overflight of the nature reserve "Lautenfelsen" is forbidden according to the nature reserve regulation § 4 Abs. 2 Nr. 24. The nature reserve (condition no. 10) and the bird sanctuary (condition no. 9) are to be mapped on a sign at both take-off sites at the take-off area. A concept is to be submitted to the Rastatt District Office as to how additional individual traffic can be limited for the Teufelsmühlengipfel and what parking facilities are to be provided for the pilots. A "shuttle service" by the association is to be strived for. The building permit of the city of Gernsbach for the construction of the take-off area west and the permit for the construction of a shelter and rescue equipment hut is to be implemented accordingly. (14) The compensatory measure A1 provided for in the nature conservation expert opinion: clearing the block protection heaps in the neighboring Lautenfelsen NSG of spruce/Douglas fir growth on approx. 2 ha is to be carried out by the association. After completion of the compensatory measure in the Lautenfelsen nature reserve, but at the latest by the end of 2016, a report with documentation on the implementation of the compensatory measure is to be submitted to the lower nature conservation authority. Maintenance work in the launch site area (e.g. keeping natural woody succession low) is to be carried out outside the bird breeding season. 17. 17. the letters of the District Office Rastatt dated 16.09.2014 and 30.10.2014 are decisive for the construction of the launch site and the design and maintenance. The conditions are part of this permit. 18. the use of the forest area is at your own risk. The use of the launch site must be carried out in such a way that the forest community is not disturbed, the forest is not endangered, damaged or polluted and the recreation of others in the forest is not impaired. 19. 19. in order to protect the forest from fire hazards, the lighting of a fire is prohibited, see § 41 LWaldG. Smoking is not allowed in the forest in the period from March 01 to October 31 (§ 41 (3) LWaldG). Burning or smoldering objects must not be thrown away or handled carelessly (§ 41 (4) LWaldG). This also applies to the starting area. 20) Organized events require the approval of the lower forestry authority, see § 37 (2) LWaldG. 21. driving on the rescue access road is only allowed for rescue purposes, otherwise it is not allowed without special authorization. This condition as well as the conditions regarding the use of the forest (events, smoking ban, etc.) and the operational conditions (flight operation conditions, nature conservation restrictions) are to be included in a corresponding site regulation and coordinated with the DHV and the lower forestry authority. The use of multicopters (drones) or motorized model aircraft and motorized paragliders at the Loffenau airfield is not permitted for reasons of species protection and flight safety. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1- and 2-seater / Training https://teufels-flieger.de Altitude 890m

The distance to the landing site is 3000 m. Shortly before the kite ramp at the windsock, a steep path descends about 20 m to the "Oststartplatz" (so called because it is located east of the Hochriesbahn mountain station, but actually faces north) The launch site, prepared with coconut mats, is steep and so wide that you can lay out exactly 2 gliders next to each other. Nice to launch in a northerly wind, only a few steps (if any) are required. If the wind is from the side, turbulence caused by trees and mountain pines can make launching difficult. If the main wind direction is westerly, the wind spills over the ridge along the cable car route and the launch site is downwind, although the windsock can indicate 'from the front', pay attention to several surrounding wind indicators. **Warning about Hochries West launch site** An experienced pilot was seriously injured at the Hochries West launch site on 14 May 2025. During ground handling in seemingly moderate conditions (5–15 km/h wind), a sudden strong gust caught the wing and slammed the pilot sideways into low pine bushes just 2 m above the ground. The result was multiple fractures to both legs and a lengthy rescue and recovery process. This launch site is extremely unforgiving. It has no lateral runout zones, making it particularly dangerous in case of unexpected wind gusts. Even experienced pilots may find themselves with no room to recover or abort safely. The launch area is also quite short and leaves no margin for error. This site should only be used in ideal conditions. It does not tolerate mistakes. The Hochries is worthwhile especially for experienced pilots. But beginners can also fly the mountain in the right flying conditions. Magnificent view of the foothills of the Alps and the Inn Valley. Takeoff point at the summit station north: Hang gliders: large steep wooden ramp with 0.5 m distance to the ground, paragliders: slightly lower well developed with running mats. Launch site at summit northwest: paragliders give priority to launching hang gliders on the common launch site. Windsocks or wind direction indicators available - wrong indication in south wind due to lee. Please always pay attention to the windsock or the flag at the summit! Hang gliders from the Hochries are always happy to welcome passengers. The slope start takes place from the new start ramp or over the meadow. Camping at the landing meadow is possible and gastronomy is available. The launch sites for kites and paragliders are a few metres to the left of the mountain station. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1- and 2-seater / Training Flying school Hochries, http://www.flugschule-hochries.de GSC Hochries, http://www.gsc-hochries.de DFC Hochries, http://www.dfc-hochries.de Altitude 1520m

Short, steep start to the west. Another starting point to the northeast at the summit. Airfield approved by the Luftamt Südbayern according to § 6 LuftVG. Ascent in summer by car to the Walleralm via Sudelfeld. Rest on foot. Start fee to be paid at the Walleralm (Sudelfeld). In winter ascent with modern 8-seater chair lift and skis. Take-offs to the west and northeast. Ideal in the evening with west wind. Landing site in Bayrischzell on large meadow (windsock). www.dc-bayrischzell.de In summer it is possible to drive up by car. For ski operation with 4 chair lift. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1- and 2-seater / Training Altitude 1558m

Large place to start, near the Schwartzwaldhochstrasse. Alt: 950m. Easy and funny. A good place to meet every kind of thermic and soaring conditions.Thermics come often like tide : one time everybody up, next time almost poeple at level of the start place. Easy and large take-off site facing due west. Top landing possible, but not always easy (often very thermal) Spacious launch site with top landing possibility. Frequently flown area with spacious launch site. Located directly on the road between Oppenau and the Schwarzwald Hochstraße. Instruction by the site manager required. Top landing possible. www.oppenauer-gleitschirmflieger.de 1. access to the starting areas is exclusively on foot. Motor vehicles must be parked in the public parking lots (Rossbühl, ski lift parking lots). The "Sandkopfweg" forest road branching off from the L 92 road to the Sandkopf launch site may not be used as a parking area and must be kept free for truck traffic without restriction as a logging road. 2. take-off area Rossbühl: Flight operations must lead away from the protected area in a westerly direction. Flying low over the protected area is not permitted. Flights over the protected area at more than 300 m above ground in thermal conditions are permitted. The flight altitude must allow the aircraft to reliably reach the landing site outside the protected area. An altimeter must be carried. Operations may commence at the earliest 2 hours after sunrise. The last take-off may take place no later than one hour before sunset. 3. take-off area Sandkopf: Flight operations must be conducted away from the protected area in a southerly direction (landing site). Flying low over the protected area is not permitted. Flights of more than 300m above the protected area are permitted in thermal conditions. The flight altitude must be such that the landing site outside the protected area can be reached reliably. An altimeter must be carried. Operations may not commence earlier than 2 hours after sunrise. The last take-off may take place no later than one hour before sunset. A flight log must be kept of operations at the "Sandkopf". 4. all pilots require a briefing on the special features of the flying site before their first flight. In particular, the sensitive nature conservation areas and the associated requirements must be explained to the pilots in detail. Pilots must be made aware that it is mandatory to comply with the requirements. Requirements for the Nockenbauernhof landing site: 1. the landing area must be secured during flight and training operations with signs in accordance with § 46 Para. 2 Luft VZO. Training flights must be carried out with radio support and a flight instructor at the landing site/take-off area. 2. in northerly winds, lee situations may arise at the LP and on the flight path to the LP, which may not be recognized from the take-off site: Therefore no take-off in northerly/easterly winds > 15 km/h. 5 Euro day ticket, available online. 1- and 2-seater / Training Altitude 930m

Easy Takeoffs for all main wind directions. Get informations from the flight director before flying! Here you take off below the path directly to the right on the edge of the vegetation. At midday there are quite strong thermals in westerly conditions. Perfect for groundhandling in the morning and evening. The western slope is very well flown and offers good thermals especially in the afternoon. Over 300 m altitude difference. Landing on the "Deltawiese Sieblos" or Toplanding. Alternative take-off at the Fliegerdenkmal (northwest). http://www.wasserkuppe.com 1. the Wasserkuppe is a special landing site with the approval for: a) airplanes up to 2000 kg maximum permissible take-off mass of the placeholder, which can issue PPR approval. b) Ultralight aircraft (only 3-axis controlled) (c) self launching and non-self launching gliders in winch launch, aerotow launch and rubber cord launch d) Glider models in accordance with the special ascent permit issued by the Kassel Regional Council on 20.08.2007 (e) hang gliders and paragliders 2. the use of the place is reserved for the placeholder and its affiliated air sports clubs and their members. Third parties require the prior approval of the placeholder (PPR) Radio and FLARM obligation for flights with take-off site elevation: Readiness to listen on channel 6.37 (PMR) and carrying a FLARM®-capable device (Beacon) is required at all times. Around the Wasserkuppe there are also some attractive take-off places for paragliders and hang-gliders. There is something here for everyone - from student pilots to cross country pilots. The southern slope is certainly one of the most beautiful practice slopes for paragliding pilots in Germany. On the Pferdskopf, the western slope and the Abtsrodaer Kuppe, on the other hand, you can get into the thermals very well. The area was already used for the first gliding jumps at the beginning of the 20th century. Countless pilots have learned to fly here. The Wasserkuppe is a strong wind area, because the hilltop is very exposed at almost 1000 m altitude. All around a highlight for every pilot. On good days the Wasserkuppe and the airspace is very busy. It should be noted that gliders flying with the winch and bungee ropes generally have priority over all other aviation sports on the Wasserkuppe. Conditions ensure a successful cooperation and must be strictly adhered to. The Wasserkuppe is located in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. Outlandings in the core zone are to be avoided at all costs. Model pilots and pilots in training must be taken into consideration. There is also a lot of gliding and powered flight activity at the Wasserkuppe during the season. A start leader is usually on site. www.fliegerschule-wasserkuppe.de www.wasserkuppe.com (1) The consent of the placeholder (JRC) to third parties shall only be granted if the applicant is informed of the flight operation areas, the flight operation rules, the aerodrome rounds, the flight avoidance zones as well as take-off points for flight models and hang gliders. Members are obliged to take part at least once a year in a briefing of the GFS on the location of the take-off points, the flight altitudes, the aerodrome laps, the demarcation from the model take-off points as well as in basic knowledge of the visual flight rules and thermal flights and to keep the corresponding proof. (2) Mixed flight operations require a high degree of mutual consideration to ensure air safety and maintain public safety and order. To this end, the JRC has set up an air traffic control unit on behalf of the Kassel Regional Council. (3) The use of motor gliders and motor kites is expressly excluded by the JRC. 4. the operation of gliders with the winch and the rubber rope start has priority over all other flying sports on the Wasserkuppe. 5. take-offs of hang-gliders and paragliders are only permitted at the pitches approved and published by the air traffic control. Exercises must be agreed in advance with the JRC air traffic controller. The take-offs and exercises of hang gliders and paragliders are only permitted if a start leader is present who is also obliged to report the start of operations to the GFS flight director. All users, take-off managers and flight instructors must follow the instructions given by the GFS air traffic control and air traffic controllers. 6. driving motor vehicles on the airfield (approx. 85 ha) is strictly prohibited. The JRC will grant a case-by-case authorisation for possible exemptions if there are good reasons for doing so. The GFS will issue passes for the use of parking spaces in the grounds for a fee. Parking on the central parking lot of the Wasserkuppe. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1- and 2-seater / Training Society for the Promotion of Gliding on the Wasserkuppe e.V. Flying school Wasserkuppe, E-Mail: info@fliegerschule-wasserkuppe.de Rhön hang-gliding and paragliding school Altitude 900m

Special feature: Distance to the LP: 1.1 km, so be sure to visit before driving up. In particular the location of the two high-voltage power lines to the west and north of the landing area. Very good thermals in north-westerly winds with the possibility of a route. Ascents at Stüppel only possible for club members. Guests please park at the landing site. All paths must remain clear! Please only land on the main landing area. Strict landing ban on the meadow south of the row of trees! Pay attention to high-voltage power lines. http://www.sauerlandair.de/gelaende Stüppel - Northeast: 1. various wind direction indicators must be installed in the starting area. The real wind direction must be checked before take-off by adjusting the wind direction indicators. 2. training flights may only be carried out if the student pilots have successfully completed at least 20 high-altitude flights in other terrain. The weather conditions must be suitable for student pilots. 3. for tandem launches the wind speed must be at least 10 km/h. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1- and 2-seater / Training Altitude 730m

Wide forest aisle, crosswind causes turbulence. Windsock should always be observed! Don't launch too close to the cross, specialists always manage to cover it up á la Christo.... with the glider Very steep and somewhat trampled by cows. To get to this launch site (not signposted, of course), walk up the path on the left after the mountain station. After about 100 meters, turn right down a path. From there you will also see the large cross. Challenging take-off sites in aisles. Cross-country flights into the lowlands possible (e.g. to the Greiling glider airfield). Landing site at Stallauerweiher is challenging to fly to. https://www.lenggrieser-gleitschirmflieger.de/ The overflight area is limited to the west (line Zwieselgipfel - western third of the Stallauer Weiher). The Stallauer Graben to the west of the north-west starting point must not be flown over to protect the capercaillie and hazel grouse populations there. Exceptions are flights with more than 400 m above ground. The flight altitude must ensure reliable access to the landing site outside the protected area. Reference is made to the enclosed map. 2. the last start must take place at the latest half an hour after the end of the mountain railway operation (in the summer months usually around 18.00 hrs). 3. before the first flight all pilots need an introduction to the special features of the flying area. To this end, signs shall be put up to inform pilots of the requirements in the area. The pilots must be informed that the requirements must be observed. 4. since the take-offs are demanding in forest aisles, wind direction indicators shall be installed in such a way that they indicate the correct wind direction. 5. two-seater starts from the northeast are not permitted. In the case of two-seater starts from the north-west take-off point, particular attention must be paid to turbulence-free conditions and generally sufficient headwind (at least 10 km/h). For two-seater paragliding launches the reverse wind-up technique is recommended. In addition, the pilot must define a take-off abort line. 6. training flights (A-certificate) are not permitted. 1- and 2-seater 1-seater with limited LFS Altitude 1215m

Easy takeoff in a forest clearing Forest aisle wide enough for approx. 3-4 paragliders. Also approved for hang gliders. Snail launch, therefore only launch downwind. Please use only the landing field "Bruhansenhof". The meadow "Löcherberg" is only an emergency landing site. Parking is also not allowed there. www.oppenauer-gleitschirmflieger.de 1. access to the launch site is exclusively on foot. Motor vehicles are to be parked in the public parking lot on the county road K 5354. The "Höhenweg" is to be kept free for forestry traffic. 2. flight operations shall be conducted from the protected area in an easterly direction. Low flying over the protected area is not permitted. Flights above the protected area with more than 300m above ground in thermal conditions are allowed. The flight altitude must allow reliable reaching of the landing site outside the protected area. An altimeter must be carried. Operations may begin no earlier than 2 hours after sunrise. The last takeoff may be made no later than one hour before sunrise. 4. all pilots require a briefing on the special features of the flying site before their first flight. In particular, the nature conservation sensitive areas and the associated requirements shall be explained to the pilots in more detail. Pilots must be made aware of the fact that compliance with the regulations is mandatory. 6. 6. a minimum vertical and horizontal distance of 50m must be maintained from roads. 7. the landing point on the landing field must be placed in such a way as to avoid flying too far ahead of the canal. The water-bearing canal shall be specially pointed out to all pilots. Appropriate means shall be used to prevent pilots from landing in the canal. (e.g. covering, marking, notices, etc.). Vegetation shall be protected. 8. on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as well as on public holidays (and the associated bridge days), the terrain owner must appoint a launch manager to coordinate flight operations. The launch manager must ensure in particular that no launches are made with hang gliders or paragliders in unsafe flying conditions (e.g. downwind, strong turbulence). His instructions must be followed. The Flight Operations Regulations (FBO), Section II - Launch Management, must be observed. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1- and 2-seater / Training Altitude 770m

Flat, short grassy slopes, then steeper. - Check wind direction at the mountain station (Hörnerbahn), danger in westerly winds. - Check the wind direction at the summit station (Weiherkopfbahn), in the start direction SE, danger with increasing valley wind from N-NE. - Keep your distance from the trees and the Weiherkopfbahn and only fly over them with sufficient height. - Take-off direction NE-E closed in winter due to ski operations. The site is operated by the owners association Fluggelände Hörnerbahn (flight school Markus Milz - www.flugschule-milz.de and Oase flight school Peter Geg GmbH - https://www.oase-paragliding.com/ ). Countless flight students have been trained at the Weiherkopf. The slopes offer a height difference of up to 500 m. Urgent note: In winter, the landing area at the valley station on the part of the Hörnerbahn may not be used because of the many snow lances and skiers. Then only use the landing area at the golf course. Information for tandem pilots at https://www.oase-paragliding.com/weiherkopf https://www.oase-paragliding.com/ www.flugschule-milz.de Info for tandem pilots: https://www.oase-paragliding.com/weiherkopf Requirement A-License: Yes B-License. Yes Utilization Passenger flight: Yes Training: Yes Solo or guest pilot. Yes The Hörnerbahn railway opens up the mountain. 1- and 2-seater / Training 1-seater / Training Horn train: http://www.hoernerbahn.de/sommer.php Owners association Hörnerbahn airfield: Oasis flight school Peter Geg GmbH Flight school Markus Milz (Rohrmeier) Altitude 1660m