Kausen

Kausen is a launch in Germany at around 420 metres, flyable with wind from the west or northwest. There's a specific rule that reflects the terrain here: the ground falls away in a way that limits how well-suited the site is for hang-glider training specifically, and any trainee needs solid landing experience already before being trained here — this isn't a first-flight site for that discipline. That detail is worth keeping in mind even for other pilots, since it signals that the terrain around the landing area is more demanding than a flat, forgiving training field. With two workable wind directions, Kausen offers a reasonable spread of flyable days, but the sloped terrain means margin for error at landing is smaller than at an easier site. This is a launch that rewards pilots who already have solid landing skills rather than one to learn the basics at.

Launch & conditions

Launch at ~420 m, flyable with W or NW wind; sloping terrain gives less landing margin than a flat site.

Local rules & hazards

The descending terrain limits suitability for hang-glider training specifically — any trainee needs solid landing experience already before training here.

Check conditions before you fly

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