Der Riedberg

Der Riedberg is a low training hill near the Rhine-Main area at about 233 m, best flown in an east or southeast wind, used by both paraglider and hang glider pilots working on their skills. Flying here isn't open access: every session needs prior arrangement with the person who holds the ground, though short-notice requests are described as welcome, and pilots from other flying schools can sometimes fly here too after checking in first. Launches and landings depend on the state of the farmland's crops, so they're only possible when the vegetation allows it. Pilots keep at least 50 m of vertical and horizontal clearance from the roads bordering the field. Airspace above the site is also tight: controlled airspace C starts at 3,500 ft MSL, so for a comfortable safety margin flights here are kept no higher than about 3,000 ft MSL. A convenient practice hill for building basic skills, but one that runs on permission rather than open access.

Launch & conditions

A low training hill for paraglider and hang glider pilots working on basic skills; best flown in east to southeast wind.

Getting there & local rules

Flying requires prior arrangement with the site holder — even short-notice requests are described as welcome, and visiting pilots from other schools can sometimes fly here after checking in first.

Local rules & hazards

Launches and landings are only possible when the farmland's crop growth allows it. Keep at least 50 m of vertical and horizontal clearance from the bordering roads. Controlled airspace C begins at 3,500 ft MSL, so for a safe margin, flights here stay no higher than about 3,000 ft MSL.

Check conditions before you fly

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