Hirschberg Startplatz

Hirschberg Startplatz sits at 1,470 m above Oberjoch in the Allgäu Alps, a short launch that only works to the west now — the original east-facing option has grown in with vegetation and is no longer usable. It's part of the same Hirschberg ridge complex as the nearby Spieser launch higher up, and shares its core rules: two rock walls near the summit, the Kräherwand to the east and Kellerwand to the south, must only be overflown with solid height in hand, and any launch off the Hirschberg itself has to go west, no exceptions. Flying is restricted to the hours between 9 a.m. and sunset. Down at the shared Busbahnhof landing field, the approach follows a set pattern too — pilots position from the south, then fly final east or west, running parallel to the road and staying a safe distance off it the whole way down.

Launch & conditions

Short launch facing west only — the former east-facing option is overgrown and unusable. Launches off the Hirschberg must go west, and the Kräherwand (east) and Kellerwand (south) rock walls near the summit need solid height in hand to overfly. Flying only between 9 a.m. and sunset.

Local rules & hazards

At the Busbahnhof landing field, position from the south, then fly final east or west, parallel to the road and a safe distance off it throughout.

Check conditions before you fly

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