Espenschied

Espenschied is a winch-tow flatland site at 420 m in Germany, flown only in southwest wind. The season here runs from 15 August to the end of February; towing is not permitted outside that window because of the local bird breeding season, so this isn't a year-round site. Paths that cross the tow line have to be secured — with signage, for example — before towing starts, since walkers and cyclists share the area. Pilots park on the north side of the agricultural equipment shed rather than anywhere along the field; driving on the surrounding field and forest tracks that aren't open to public traffic isn't allowed, so plan to walk the last stretch if your parking spot isn't right at the site.

Launch & conditions

A southwest-wind-only winch/tow site; flying is restricted to 15 August through the end of February.

Getting there & local rules

Park on the north side of the agricultural equipment shed — do not drive on field or forest tracks closed to public traffic.

Local rules & hazards

Towing only runs from 15 August to the end of February; it's paused the rest of the year for the local bird breeding season. Only fly in southwest wind, and any path crossing the tow line must be secured, for example with signage, before towing begins.

Check conditions before you fly

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