Giehle

Giehle is a flatland winch-tow site near sea level in northern Germany, with launches only permitted in wind from a southerly or northerly direction, since crosswind here brings a real turbulence risk. Nature-conservation requirements apply across the site and have to be respected during flying. In the northern part of the field, a ditch running alongside the tow path is a landing hazard, so it has to be secured well enough that landing pilots can't injure themselves on it, and the same crossing path has to be kept clear of people and vehicles during tows, typically with course marshals posted. Every flight has to be logged in a flight book, which is kept available for the German paragliding federation to inspect on request. A no-nonsense, rule-bound flatland winch field rather than a scenic hill launch, built around specific ground hazards pilots need to know before towing starts.

Launch & conditions

A flatland winch-tow field near sea level; launches only permitted in southerly or northerly wind, since crosswind brings a real turbulence risk.

Local rules & hazards

In the northern part of the field, a ditch alongside the tow path is a landing hazard and must be secured so landing pilots can't injure themselves. The same crossing path must be kept clear of people and vehicles during tows, typically with course marshals. Every flight is logged in a flight book, kept available for the German paragliding federation to inspect.

Check conditions before you fly

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