Altes Lager 10/28

Altes Lager 10/28 is one of Germany's best-known winch and tow sites, set on a vast former Soviet military airfield in Brandenburg at just 100 m, flying on wind from the east or west. The 1,600 m tow line and strongly thermic terrain give it real cross-country potential, and camping is available on site for pilots staying multiple days. Both winch tow and microlight tow run here, sometimes on the same day, so approach and landing rules keep the two from conflicting, and guest pilots get briefed by the launch director before their first tow. PMR/LPD radio is mandatory during flying, and guest pilots pay their fees in cash. Lowered controlled airspace to the north and north-east, tied to nearby Berlin airport approaches, brings real height restrictions worth checking before you fly in that direction. Two protected areas also apply: the great bustard habitat between Jüterbog, Werbig, Oehna and Kaltenborn needs at least 150 m of clearance, and the wetlands and nature reserve further north need at least 300 m.

Launch & conditions

Guest pilots are briefed by the launch director before their first tow, and both winch and microlight-tow operations share the field, so landing-approach rules must be followed carefully when both are running. PMR/LPD radio is mandatory, and guests pay in cash.

Local rules & hazards

The great bustard protection area between Jüterbog, Werbig and Oehna, and the species' potential breeding grounds near Kaltenborn, need at least 150 m of overflight height, while the 'Zarth' nature reserve and nearby wetlands require at least 300 m. During tow operations, pilots also keep a safe distance from the adjacent kart track so the tow rope can't fall onto it, and lowered controlled airspace to the north and north-east near Berlin's airport approaches brings extra height limits worth checking beforehand.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Altes Lager 10/28, 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 Altes Lager 10/28 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.