Freudenberg/Bottenberg

Freudenberg/Bottenberg is a flatland winch-tow site in the Siegerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, at about 400 m, flyable in southwest or west wind. Two nature reserves border the site — the Gambachtal and the Wending- und Peimbachtal — and they shape most of the local rules here. Launches and landings must stay at least 100 m clear of those reserves horizontally, and any overflight of the reserve areas needs at least 300 m of height above ground; launch direction and wind have to be chosen so those clearances hold immediately after take-off and for the whole flight, not just at the start. Flying is only permitted from two hours after sunrise until sunset, and never later than 20:00. General recreational use of the surrounding landscape takes priority too — paths next to the launch areas must stay freely usable, and vehicle access to launch and landing sites is limited to existing tracks.

Launch & conditions

Launch direction and wind must be chosen so the 100 m horizontal clearance from the neighbouring nature reserves holds immediately after take-off and for the whole flight. Flying is only permitted from two hours after sunrise until sunset, and never later than 20:00.

Getting there & local rules

Vehicle access to launch and landing sites is limited to existing tracks. Paths next to the launch areas must stay freely usable for other visitors.

Local rules & hazards

Two nature reserves border the site, the Gambachtal and the Wending- und Peimbachtal: launches and landings must stay at least 100 m clear of them, and any overflight needs at least 300 m of height above ground.

Check conditions before you fly

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