Kampenwand Startplatz 1 oben (Hotelhang)

Kampenwand Startplatz 1 oben, known locally as the Hotelhang, launches from 1,450 m in the Chiemgau Alps on wind from the north to north-west — strictly headwind only, since a lee rotor forms if the wind carries any easterly component, and the site also sits inside a golden eagle protection zone during the breeding and rearing season. No more than three wings can be laid out at once next to the windsock, and launching is off entirely whenever cattle are standing on the takeoff — pilots either wait it out or move to the lower launch point instead. Between 1 April and 15 June each year, hang glider and paraglider flights below 1,500 m MSL must stay inside the designated flight corridor to protect the eagles, and year-round, capercaillie and black grouse breeding and courtship grounds need at least 200 m of clearance above the ground. Pilots are also warned specifically about turbulence risk at this particular launch.

Launch & conditions

Launch strictly on a headwind from north to north-west and watch the second windsock at the distant cross as well as the main one — a north-easterly component brings lee-rotor risk. No more than three wings out at once, and never launch while cattle are on the field; use the lower launch point instead.

Local rules & hazards

From 1 April to 15 June, flights below 1,500 m MSL must stay inside the marked flight corridor to protect nesting golden eagles, and capercaillie and black grouse breeding grounds need at least 200 m of clearance year-round. Pilots are specifically warned about turbulence at this launch, and landing approaches should favour the western part of the meadow when the north wind carries an easterly component, since trees behind the nearby ropes course throw turbulence into the eastern side.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Kampenwand Startplatz 1 oben (Hotelhang), 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 Kampenwand Startplatz 1 oben (Hotelhang) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.