Aitern

Aitern sits above the Belchen road in the southern Black Forest, launching into southeast and south winds from just below the summit at 894 m. The best flying window is deliberately narrow: locals rate the winter half-year as the time to fly here, once a strong valley wind builds through the afternoon from around 1 p.m. Top-landing is possible, and the approach is a short walk up from parking near a sawmill below — remember to close every gate behind you, even one you find open. The one rule that matters most sits just above the landing field: the operator asks pilots to voluntarily skip low passes and ridge-soaring along the Große Utzenfluh rock face from late February to early June, when it can serve as nesting ground for birds like peregrine falcons. The landing meadow itself is modest, bordered by fruit trees, and closes ahead of the hay harvest each year.

Launch & conditions

Top-landing is possible, and the short walk up starts from parking near a sawmill below — close every gate behind you, even one you find open.

Getting there & local rules

Park at the pass on the Aitern–Rollsbach road; driving across the pasture to the launch area isn't permitted.

Local rules & hazards

Pilots are asked to voluntarily avoid low overflight and ridge-soaring along the Große Utzenfluh rock face from late February to early June, when it can serve as a nesting site for birds including peregrine falcons. The landing meadow is bordered by fruit trees and closes ahead of the annual hay harvest.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Aitern, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Aitern with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.