Fridingen (Bergsteig / Riesen)

Fridingen's Bergsteig/Riesen launch is a compact ramp start at about 720 m, facing northeast to east, above the Danube valley. It's rated as technical: the take-off is small and flat, so pilots launch off an extended ramp that runs out to a forest track rather than open ground, and the site holder requires a briefing before anyone flies here for the first time. From the roughly 90 m of height above the valley floor, soaring and cross-country flights are both possible in the right conditions. Part of the landing area sits inside a protected habitat and bird-conservation zone, so the southern parcels can only be used once the first hay cut is done, typically late May or early June — before that, pilots are limited to the northern section of the approved landing field, which lies outside the protected area. Moderate east winds can create lee-side turbulence near houses close to the landing field, so pilots should watch conditions carefully during approach.

Launch & conditions

Small, flat ramp launch at about 720 m for northeast to east winds, extended out to a forest track; rated technical, and the site holder requires a briefing before your first flight here.

Getting there & local rules

Before flying, make sure the forest track below the ramp is clear — no launching if vehicles or cyclists are approaching.

Local rules & hazards

Soaring and cross-country flights are possible from roughly 90 m launch height. Part of the landing field lies in a protected habitat and bird-conservation area: those parcels open only after the first hay cut, usually late May to early June, and before that only the northern section outside the protected zone may be used for landing. In moderate east wind, expect lee-side turbulence near houses close to the landing field.

Check conditions before you fly

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