Flugplatz Barssel

Flugplatz Barssel is a flat, low-altitude tow site right on an active airfield in northern Germany, just 3 m above sea level, with launches facing southeast or northwest. Flying here requires LPD radio. The runway itself is grass, and ground-handling isn't permitted in the approach area, since gliders are still landing and taking off around it. Getting there without a car means the train: from the east, get off at Westerstede-Ocholt and take a taxi to the field; from the west, get off at Augustfehn and continue by taxi. Drivers turn off Loher Straße through the barrier at the site and park by the fence, with access to the northern launch via Friesenhofstraße — don't drive out onto the airfield itself.

Launch & conditions

Grass-runway tow launch at an active airfield; LPD radio is required, and ground-handling is not permitted in the approach area.

Getting there & local rules

By train: Westerstede-Ocholt from the east or Augustfehn from the west, then taxi. By car: turn off Loher Straße through the barrier and park by the fence; reach the northern launch via Friesenhofstraße. Do not drive onto the field itself.

Check conditions before you fly

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