Eichen Nord

Eichen Nord is a flatland winch-tow site near Gollershoben in western Germany, launched east-west and known mainly within the local towing and cross-country community rather than as a hill-soaring hang. Flying here is seasonal for a conservation reason: a red kite nesting site sits in the woodland immediately north of the strip, so operations are restricted to the period from early June to the end of February, giving the birds an undisturbed spring. Walkers use the field paths around the strip, so keep a close eye out for them during ground handling and landing. Northerly winds bring turbulence off the wooded strip to the north, so treat that direction with respect on tow. The site pairs with the neighbouring Eichen Süd launch on the same strip, which faces the opposite way for westerly conditions.

Launch & conditions

East-west winch strip; northerly winds bring turbulence off the woodland immediately north of the launch, so treat that direction with caution on tow.

Getting there & local rules

Field paths around the strip are used by walkers — keep a lookout for them during ground handling, launch and landing.

Local rules & hazards

Flying is restricted to early June through the end of February to protect a red kite nesting site in the woods just north of the strip during spring. Northerly winds bring turbulence from that same woodland.

Check conditions before you fly

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