Grainberg (Edelweiß)

Grainberg (Edelweiß) is a well-regarded ridge site in a nature reserve above the Main river valley near Gössenheim, launching from 301 m on south-west wind. It's a serious site logistically: the landing field sits on the opposite bank of the Main, so pilots need to depart with good timing and enough height to clear the road, railway line and river safely on the way over — anyone who doesn't climb straight after launch has to head directly for the landing field rather than try to work the ridge. Guest flights are limited to members of the site's affiliated clubs, and every pilot needs a site briefing before the first flight, including confirmation that conditions allow a safe river crossing. The agreed flight sector is unrestricted to the north-west along the ridge edge, opens further south only as far as a marked vineyard boundary, and requires at least 100 m of height above the ridge top inside the no-fly buffer. Tandem launches need enough headwind for a reliable lift-off right at the ridge edge.

Launch & conditions

Climb straight after launch or head directly for the landing field — either way, cross the road, railway and the Main river with a solid safety margin. Tandem pairs need real headwind at the ridge edge to lift off reliably.

Local rules & hazards

The agreed flight sector runs unrestricted to the north-west along the ridge, opens further south only to a marked vineyard boundary, and requires at least 100 m of height above the ridge top within the buffer zone. The landing field sits across the river, so every departure needs enough height to clear the road, railway and river safely, especially on tandem flights.

Check conditions before you fly

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