Altenbeuthen – Stausee

Altenbeuthen–Stausee is a cliff launch above a reservoir in Thuringia, open only to pilots holding a full, unrestricted paragliding license — this isn't a site for student pilots. Every flying day needs a launch marshal on site, appointed by the club, who briefs each pilot on local quirks before their first flight and makes sure they've actually seen the landing field beforehand rather than guessing at it from the air. Flying only happens when wind and weather genuinely allow a safe glide to that landing — the marshal calls it, not the pilot's optimism. One detail sets this site apart: any flight path that crosses the reservoir itself requires a life vest, worn the whole time, in case of a water landing. A well-supervised, no-shortcuts site for licensed pilots.

Launch & conditions

A cliff launch, open only to pilots with a full, unrestricted flying license — no student pilots.

Getting there & local rules

A launch marshal must be present and supervising for every flying session.

Local rules & hazards

Every pilot gets briefed on local specifics before their first flight, including a look at the landing field beforehand. Flying only happens when conditions allow a safe glide to landing, and any flight path crossing the reservoir requires a life vest worn at all times.

Check conditions before you fly

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