Hohenneuffen Nord

Hohenneuffen Nord sits at 725 m on the northern edge of the Swabian Alb escarpment, with a launch that only works in a north wind. The escarpment produces reliable thermal lift and decent cross-country potential, drawing a steady crowd — on good days the launch gets busy enough that pilots often wait their turn, and staying alert to others flying at the same altitude matters when thermals are weak. Guest pilots need a briefing before their first flight here, largely because of the airspace overhead: the site sits under Stuttgart's Class C/D controlled airspace, with the ceiling starting around 4,500 ft MSL (roughly 640 m above launch). Climbing into it legally requires height clearance, a working radio tuned to the glider ATIS frequency, and an unrestricted pilot licence. Three glider landing options and one hang-glider landing exist near the top-landing site, which itself asks for a proper introduction before you try it — it's not for a first visit.

Launch & conditions

Launch only in a clean north wind — any other direction risks lee turbulence or rotor in the takeoff corridor. Top landings need a separate briefing from local pilots before attempting.

Getting there & local rules

Reach the launch and landing areas on foot via the existing paths and tracks near Hohenneuffen castle; vehicles must stay on public parking areas and are not permitted at either site.

Local rules & hazards

The site lies beneath Stuttgart's controlled airspace, so climbing above roughly 4,500 ft MSL requires an unrestricted pilot licence, a working radio, and height clearance via the glider ATIS frequency. Because the launch borders protected nature reserves, pilots are asked to reach at least 300 m above ground quickly after takeoff and to avoid flying low over the nearby rock faces and bird habitat.

Check conditions before you fly

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