Altenberg – Ruine Aura

Altenberg – Ruine Aura is a launch at about 252 m near the Saale river, flown in a south wind, sitting on a genuinely narrow, steep patch of ground. Because the takeoff is so tight, the site holder gives every pilot a briefing on the launch's specific quirks before their first flight, and personally checks that each pilot has the skill needed to get airborne safely from such a confined, steep spot — this is not a launch to attempt without that local knowledge. When flying is underway, the layout and launch area are sometimes marked off with tape or similar to keep unauthorized people out of the way. The landing involves crossing the Saale itself, so pilots keep a solid safety margin both crossing the river and on final approach. A demanding, skills-first launch where the terrain itself is the main challenge, not just the weather.

Launch & conditions

A genuinely narrow, steep launch at about 252 m, flown in a south wind; the site holder personally checks that each pilot has the skill needed for this confined spot before their first flight.

Local rules & hazards

The landing involves crossing the Saale river, so keep a solid safety margin both crossing it and on final approach. During flying, the layout and launch area are sometimes marked off with tape to keep unauthorized people clear.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Altenberg – Ruine Aura, 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 Altenberg – Ruine Aura with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.