Bruchhauser Steine West

Bruchhauser Steine West is a west-facing launch at 629 m in the Bruchhauser Steine nature reserve in Germany's Sauerland region, one of the area's best-known rock-tower landmarks. The takeoff only works cleanly in westerly wind, and pilots land at the dedicated Unterm Stein field below. Because the launch sits right next to a public road, starts are only allowed when no vehicles are approaching the takeoff area — a safety rule worth checking twice on a busy weekend. Every pilot is responsible for judging whether wind conditions and their own launch technique allow a controlled kiting and inflation of the wing before committing to the takeoff run. Student pilots training here need at least five previous mountain flights elsewhere before flying Bruchhauser Steine, and an instructor must be present at both the launch and the landing field for any training flight. Because the site sits inside a protected nature reserve, any overflight of the reserve itself must stay at least 500 ft above ground.

Launch & conditions

The launch faces west and sits beside a public road — do not start while a vehicle is approaching the takeoff area.

Local rules & hazards

Only launch when no vehicles are approaching the takeoff area, and make sure your wind reading and launch technique give a controlled wing inflation before you commit. Student pilots need at least five prior mountain flights before training here and must have an instructor at both takeoff and landing. Flights must clear the surrounding nature reserve by at least 500 ft AGL.

Check conditions before you fly

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