Fichtelberg / Oberwiesenthal

Fichtelberg, above Oberwiesenthal in Germany, is a demanding flying mountain that comes alive on good east-wind days, offering strong soaring and thermal flying — some pilots have climbed to 1,000 m above the ground here. It has real bite despite the fun: launches only work in pure east wind, and that wind can pick up sharply in a short time, turning a flight into hard work fast. Never fly underneath the cable-car lines — besides the obvious collision risk, there's real lee-turbulence danger around them too. Launch and landing areas can only be used once they've been mowed and grazed for the season. Guest pilots need a briefing from a local club pilot before their first flight here, and a small guest fee applies. To reach the landing area, pilots have to fly over the cable-car cables at a safe height. The German–Czech border runs close by and needs to be kept in mind while flying.

Launch & conditions

Demanding east-facing launch at about 1,190 m; launches only work in pure east wind, which can strengthen sharply in a short time. Launch and landing areas can only be used once mowed and grazed for the season.

Getting there & local rules

Guest pilots need a briefing from a local club pilot before their first flight here; a small guest fee applies.

Local rules & hazards

Never fly underneath the cable-car lines — beyond the collision risk, there's real lee-turbulence danger around them. To reach the landing area, fly over the cable-car cables at a safe height. The German–Czech border runs close to the site and needs to be kept in mind while flying.

Check conditions before you fly

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