Hesselberg Nordhang Startplatz

Hesselberg is one of the more welcoming sites in Bavaria for both south and north wind, with about 190 m of height difference on either flank and a reputation as genuinely beginner-suitable. This north-facing launch and its dedicated landing field share that character. Guest pilots are actively welcome here, which is part of why the site works at all — it stays open because visiting pilots respect the same rules as members. The catch is that Hesselberg is also a popular local excursion spot: weekends bring bus tourists, families, hikers, model-flying groups and kids flying kites, so extra care at every launch and landing is non-negotiable, not just good manners. Every pilot, guests included, gets briefed on the site's specific flight-operating rules before flying. Toplanding is possible on the western half of the Osterwiese meadow when it's genuinely safe to do so, but paraglider landings are off-limits in the area used by model fliers.

Launch & conditions

North-facing launch at about 689 m with roughly 190 m of height difference — a genuinely beginner-suitable site, but every pilot (guests included) needs a briefing on the site's rules before flying.

Getting there & local rules

Guest pilots are welcome here, but weekends bring heavy foot traffic from bus tourists, families, hikers and model-flying groups — extra caution at every launch and landing is essential.

Local rules & hazards

Toplanding is allowed on the western half of the Osterwiese meadow only when it's genuinely safe for people and property nearby; paraglider landings aren't permitted in the area used by model fliers.

Check conditions before you fly

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