Fluggebiet Bernau

Fluggebiet Bernau, in the Black Forest near Feldberg, has a blunt local reputation: demanding wind conditions shaped by the surrounding terrain, several past accidents and tree landings, and no instruction or training flown here at all — this is an experienced-pilots' site, not a place to learn. The clearest rule is about wind direction: never launch in strong westerly wind, which puts the slope in lee and is exactly what's caused trouble here before. Getting to launch means driving to the hut parking area below the Krunkelbachhütte, then about ten minutes on foot — note that temporary driving bans do apply sometimes, so check before you go. Landing is equally particular: only the designated meadow is usable, and never right before haying season. From May through September, farmers in the valley are understandably protective of their hay meadows, and careless landings risk the whole site being closed to flying — get current local information before you fly.

Launch & conditions

Demanding wind conditions due to the terrain — never launch in strong west wind, which puts the slope in lee; several past accidents and tree landings have happened here. No instruction is flown at this site.

Getting there & local rules

Drive to the hut parking area below the Krunkelbachhütte, then about ten minutes on foot. Temporary driving bans apply at times — check before you go.

Local rules & hazards

Only the designated meadow is usable for landing, and never right before haying. From May through September, local farmers are protective of their hay meadows — careless landings risk a general flying ban here, so get current local information before flying.

Check conditions before you fly

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