Jenzig Startplatz Süd

Jenzig Startplatz Süd is a south-facing launch on the Jenzig ridge above the Saale valley near Jena, Thuringia, at about 385 m, inside the Mittleres Saaletal protected landscape area. Only pilots holding an unrestricted paragliding/hang-gliding licence may launch here, and the site operator must have a launch marshal present whenever flying is happening. The take-off has a cliff-like drop-off, so a compulsory briefing before your first flight here covers exactly that. Wind conditions have to allow a safe abort of the launch attempt, and tandem flights and training flights of any kind are not permitted — this is not a beginner or instructional site. Pilots are also warned to watch for power lines and other hazards around the field. A dedicated landing area, Jenzig Landeplatz Süd, serves the site, and vehicle access up to the launch is limited to a single car by prior arrangement.

Launch & conditions

Launch faces south at roughly 385 m and has a cliff-like drop rather than a gentle slope — new visitors get a mandatory briefing on this before their first flight. Only pilots with an unrestricted licence may launch, wind must allow a clean abort, and tandem or training flights are not allowed.

Getting there & local rules

Only one car at a time is allowed up to the launch, by arrangement with the site's caretaker — plan ahead rather than turning up unannounced. Pack out everything you bring; no rubbish may be left at the site.

Local rules & hazards

The launch sits inside the Mittleres Saaletal protected landscape area, so nature-conservation rules apply alongside the flying rules. Watch for power lines and other hazards around the field — the cliff-like launch geometry means this is a licensed-pilot site, not one for first flights.

Check conditions before you fly

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