Erlau Holunderhof ÜH

Erlau Holunderhof is the training slope ('Übungshang') at the Erlau site in the Odenwald, used only for ground-handling runs and short practice flights on a paraglider — hang gliders are not permitted to launch here at all. It shares the same busy east-wind conditions and narrow lift band as the main Erlau launch above it, and off-field landings and unauthorized parking have threatened the site's future for years, so guest pilots need to register in advance and their numbers are capped. Pilots flying down from the main upper launch can also use this slope's landing field as an alternative. A launch-abort line is marked on the ground here too — pilots must be airborne by that point or stop the run — and a safety briefing on the rock drop-off below takeoff and crosswind lee effect is required before a first flight.

Launch & conditions

For ground-handling and short practice flights on a paraglider only — hang gliders may not launch here. Launch only in a clean headwind, with a marked abort line pilots must be airborne by.

Getting there & local rules

Guest pilots must register in advance and numbers are capped. Park only in the designated spots near Fränkisch-Crumbach.

Local rules & hazards

This is a training slope for ground-handling and short practice flights only, with a marked launch-abort line and a safety briefing on the rock drop-off below takeoff and crosswind lee effect required before a first flight. Pilots flying down from the main upper Erlau launch may also land here.

Check conditions before you fly

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