Brauneck Startplatz Garland Ost

Brauneck's Garland Ost launch is one of three launch directions on this well-known mountain near Lenggries in Bavaria, Germany, at about 1,515 m, flying east wind — pilots reach it via the Brauneck cable car, though hang gliders need to be briefly broken down to fit (max 4.20 m). Around midday the valley wind often picks up and blows up the Isar valley, and that's exactly when the Garland launch tends to turn turbulent — the same happens when a north wind sets in. Training flights, including tandem, are only allowed with a briefed instructor present, and conditions have to guarantee a safe crossing of the Garland saddle before anyone launches with a student. The glide to landing is relatively long, so pilots plan the flight path accordingly. Flying stops completely whenever military helicopter exercises are scheduled nearby, and on weekdays the site sits under a military low-flying corridor between 150 and 450 m that pilots are asked to avoid or cross quickly. The paraglider landing field is separate from the hang-glider one, next to the access road to the valley station.

Launch & conditions

Hang gliders need to be briefly broken down to fit the cable car (max 4.20 m); the glide to the landing field from here is relatively long, so plan the flight path accordingly.

Local rules & hazards

The Garland launch tends to turn turbulent when a north wind sets in, or when the midday valley wind blows up the Isar valley. Training flights, including tandem, are only allowed with a briefed instructor present, and conditions have to guarantee a safe crossing of the Garland saddle first. Flying stops completely whenever military helicopter exercises are scheduled nearby, and on weekdays the site sits under a military low-flying corridor between 150 and 450 m that pilots are asked to avoid or cross quickly.

Check conditions before you fly

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