Hohensolms

Hohensolms is a winch-launch flatland site in Hesse at around 430 m, usable only by prior arrangement with the landowners and the site operator rather than as an open-access spot. Launches happen in southeast or northwest wind and only in clean, settled conditions, with every pilot briefed and the circuit pattern set by whoever is running the launch that day. Winch tows need the tow path properly secured — spotters watch the crossing paths for hikers and cyclists — and tow height is capped at 450 m above ground. Flying has to stop at the latest an hour before sunset, and two areas are strictly off-limits overhead: the Helfholzwiesen nature reserve, and the Aartalsee lake together with a locally protected black-stork nesting zone. Pilots also keep at least 2 km clear of a nearby model-aircraft field. Vegetation along the launch and tow path has to be kept low for safe operations, and vehicles other than the winch tow vehicle park only in the designated area, arranged in advance with the local municipality.

Launch & conditions

Launches only in clean, settled southeast or northwest wind, briefed and run under a launch director who sets the circuit. Winch tows are height-capped at 450 m above ground, with the tow path secured by spotters watching for hikers and cyclists.

Getting there & local rules

Usable only by prior arrangement with the landowners and site operator — this isn't an open-access site. Vehicles besides the winch tow vehicle park only in the designated area, arranged in advance with the local municipality.

Local rules & hazards

Flying must stop at the latest an hour before sunset, and two areas are strictly no-fly overhead: the Helfholzwiesen nature reserve and the Aartalsee lake with its protected black-stork nesting zone. Pilots keep at least 2 km clear of a nearby model-aircraft field, and tow height is capped at 450 m above ground.

Check conditions before you fly

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