Grüneberg II

Grüneberg II sits right next to Grüneberg I north of Berlin, in Brandenburg, at 39 m above sea level, and shares the same winch-launch flatland setup — pilots go up behind a tow line rather than off a slope. This field takes east or west wind along its own tow strip, a different window from its neighbour, which is one reason clubs run both sites side by side. The same strict nature-protection schedule applies here: flying is allowed only in a spring window (1 March to 5 April) and an autumn window (15 September to 30 November), capped at a limited number of flying days a year with no more than ten pilots on the field at once. A raptor breeding area in the adjoining woodland is the reason, and pilots have to keep well clear of it at every stage of a flying day, not just while airborne. Every flight is GPS-logged so the numbers can be reported annually.

Launch & conditions

Winch (aerotow) launch on flat ground; the usable wind window is east or west along the tow strip.

Local rules & hazards

Flying is permitted only from 1 March to 5 April and 15 September to 30 November, capped at a maximum of eight flying days a year and ten pilots per flying day. To protect nesting birds of prey, no approach — on foot, by vehicle, or in the air, vertically or horizontally — closer than 200 m to the neighbouring woodland is allowed, before, during or after flights. Every flight must be logged by GPS for annual reporting. The tow strip may only be used when vegetation is kept low.

Check conditions before you fly

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