Hohenberg NW

Hohenberg NW is a well-regarded launch for northwest wind, though its access situation has had real problems historically — a 2017 site note flagged unresolved issues with parking, the access road and outlandings serious enough that guest pilots weren't being allowed to fly here at that time. Confirm the current situation locally before planning a visit rather than assuming it's resolved. Getting to the top has traditionally meant a club-vehicle shuttle, though walking up is the more reliable option. Every pilot needs a hazard briefing before their first flight here, covering things like the lee effect in crosswind conditions and the landing approach — this isn't a site to fly on trust alone. Training flights only happen in conditions that actually match the student's level. The landing pattern itself — downwind, base and final legs — is set by the site holder and must be flown as briefed; only the approved landing field may be used, except in a genuine emergency.

Launch & conditions

Northwest-facing launch; every pilot needs a hazard briefing before their first flight here, covering the lee effect in crosswind and the landing approach.

Getting there & local rules

A 2017 site note flagged serious unresolved problems with parking, access and outlandings, and guest pilots weren't being allowed to fly here at that time — confirm the current situation locally before planning a visit. Access has traditionally been by club-vehicle shuttle, though walking up is more reliable.

Local rules & hazards

The landing pattern (downwind, base, final) is set by the site holder and must be flown as briefed — only the approved landing field may be used, except in a genuine emergency. Training flights only run in conditions that match the student's actual level.

Check conditions before you fly

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