Brauneck Startplatz Umsetzer

Brauneck rises above Lenggries and Bad Tölz in the Bavarian foothills, with launches facing north, south and east, so there's almost always a takeoff that matches the wind. Reach it by the Brauneck cable car (hang gliders travel folded — cabins take up to 4.20 m) and it's about a 20-minute walk from the top station to a launch that sits fairly open to the airflow. A valley wind often kicks in around midday and pushes up the Isar valley, and the east-facing Garland launch is the one that feels it most — expect it to turn turbulent once that switch happens. Each of the three launches has its own local rules, from a protected wildlife corridor on the north side to a low-level military flight corridor that runs through the area on weekdays. Landing is paraglider-only at the main field, with a separate spot for hang gliders beside the access road.

Launch & conditions

Three launches (north, south, east) mean a wind match for most days, but the east-facing Garland launch turns turbulent once the midday valley wind sets in up the Isar valley.

Getting there & local rules

Reach the launch by cable car from the valley, then about a 20-minute walk from the mountain station; hang gliders must be folded to fit the cabin (up to 4.20 m).

Local rules & hazards

Paraglider launches to the north are restricted to the marked north takeoff, and the ridge's north side must be crossed at least 150 m up to protect local wildlife. On weekdays a military low-flying corridor runs 150-450 m above ground through the area — cross it quickly or avoid it — and flying pauses altogether during helicopter exercises. The east-facing launch requires wind conditions that guarantee a safe crossing of the saddle below it.

Check conditions before you fly

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