Eichen Süd

Eichen Süd is the southerly counterpart to Eichen Nord on the same flatland strip near Gollershoben in western Germany, launched southeast-northwest and used for winch towing rather than hill soaring. The same conservation rule applies across the whole strip: a red kite nests in the woodland directly north of the site, so flying is limited to early June through the end of February to protect the spring breeding season. On westerly winds, this southern launch picks up turbulence off the woods to its west, and the terrain here is steeper than at Eichen Nord — the site is recommended only for experienced pilots, or for anyone flying it for the first time with a proper local briefing. Walkers use the surrounding field paths, so keep watch for them during ground handling and landing.

Launch & conditions

Steeper terrain than the neighbouring Eichen Nord launch — recommended for experienced pilots only, or with a proper local briefing on a first visit. Westerly winds bring turbulence off the woods immediately to the west.

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 north of the strip during spring. Given the steeper terrain here, fly it only with experience or a local briefing.

Check conditions before you fly

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