Datenberg

Datenberg, near Bad Tabarz in Thuringia, is a northeast-facing launch at around 570 m where getting there means parking in the village and walking up — driving to the launch itself is firmly off the table. The takeoff sits beside trees that get in the way of ridge soaring, so the flight plan right after launch is to head down the forest clearing toward the landing field rather than try to work the ridge. If you find thermals, turn into them only in the lower forest-edge area, and shed extra height before reaching the landing field rather than inside the clearing — expect real turbulence and crosswind low down there. Wind indicators are placed through the launch, landing and clearing areas because the true wind here isn't always obvious from the ground. Every pilot gets briefed on the terrain before their first flight. Vehicles stay off the flying areas entirely, the meadows shouldn't be trampled, and the orchard meadow beside the landing field needs to stay undisturbed.

Launch & conditions

Northeast-facing launch at about 570 m; trees beside the takeoff get in the way of ridge soaring, so head down the forest clearing toward the landing field right after launch rather than trying to work the ridge.

Getting there & local rules

Park in the village and walk up — driving a vehicle to the launch is not allowed. Vehicles also stay off the flying areas on the ground.

Local rules & hazards

Turn into thermals only in the lower forest-edge area, and lose any extra height before reaching the landing field rather than inside the clearing — expect turbulence and crosswind effects down low there. The orchard meadow beside the landing field must stay undisturbed, and the meadow areas generally shouldn't be trampled.

Check conditions before you fly

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