Auf dem unteren Mergesfeld

Auf dem unteren Mergesfeld is an active hang-gliding site in the scenic Nahe valley in Rhineland-Palatinate, at around 246 m and mostly used for winch launches, though ultralight tows are also possible. A club of roughly 100 active members runs about forty scheduled tow days a year, on Sundays and public holidays between March and October, and guests are welcome to join. Step-towing isn't used here, and every access path has to be properly secured before tow operations begin each day; when ultralights are flying too, circuit patterns are laid out so nobody's flight paths conflict. Ridge launches come with real wildlife protections: low flights that could disturb birds are avoided altogether, especially during the breeding season from 1 April to 31 July, and the launch and staging area is kept as small as possible so nearby hedges and the wildlife living in them aren't affected. The site's operator coordinates each year's mowing and scrub-clearing with the local nature authority by the end of August.

Launch & conditions

Mostly winch launches, with ultralight tows also possible. Step-towing isn't used, and access paths must be properly secured before each day's tow operations begin. When ultralights fly too, circuit patterns are laid out to avoid conflicting flight paths.

Getting there & local rules

Guests are welcome on the club's roughly forty scheduled tow days a year, held on Sundays and public holidays between March and October.

Local rules & hazards

Low flights that could disturb birdlife are avoided, especially during the breeding season from 1 April to 31 July, and the launch area is kept as small as possible to protect nearby hedges and wildlife. Mowing and scrub-clearing are coordinated annually with the local nature authority.

Check conditions before you fly

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