Kirchwalsede

Kirchwalsede is a flatland winch-tow site in Lower Saxony, at about 50 m, flyable in southeast or northwest wind. The site sits close to the K233 road, so both towing and free flight have to keep at least 50 m clear of it, horizontally and vertically. Farming and recreational traffic take priority here: tow operations pause temporarily whenever farm vehicles approach, a clear sightline between launch and winch is required at all times, and the tow path itself has to stay clear — with route marshals posted if needed. Flying stops altogether when crops like maize grow tall on the launch or landing areas, and training only runs when the launch/landing areas can be made large enough. Two nearby nature reserves, 'Großes Holz' and 'Großes und Weißes Moor', are off-limits to overflight below 2,000 ft AGL. Cross-country pilots heading east should also know about Area 5 nearby, which military aircraft currently use on Thursdays.

Launch & conditions

Towing pauses temporarily whenever farm vehicles approach, and a clear sightline between launch and winch is required at all times. Flying stops when crops like maize grow tall on the launch or landing areas.

Getting there & local rules

The site sits close to the K233 road — keep at least 50 m clear of it, horizontally and vertically, at all times.

Local rules & hazards

Two nearby nature reserves, 'Großes Holz' and 'Großes und Weißes Moor', are off-limits to overflight below 2,000 ft AGL. Cross-country pilots heading east should know about Area 5 nearby, currently used by military aircraft on Thursdays.

Check conditions before you fly

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