Laber

Laber, above Oberammergau in Bavaria, is a demanding mountain launch at around 1,682 m — genuinely not a beginner site, which keeps it quieter than the area's other flying spots. The reward for the difficulty is one of the best views in the region and a real shot at cross-country flights heading west toward Tegelberg. Access is by the Laberbahn cable car, which also takes non-flying pilots back down; current rules and the landing map are posted at the valley station. The north takeoff is steep and turns genuinely tricky if the ground is slippery, while the south takeoff is a hang-glider-only ramp best described as adventurous — not an option for paragliders. The landing field itself is generously sized, sitting just north of a swimming pool near the club hut, about five minutes from the valley station, but overflying that swimming pool and a nearby NATO building is off-limits. If Laber doesn't suit the day, nearby alternatives include the Hörnle site at Oberammergau and the Wank and Osterfelder sites at Garmisch.

Launch & conditions

Demanding launch, not for beginners. North takeoff is steep and genuinely difficult on slippery ground; the south takeoff is a hang-glider-only ramp, not usable for paragliders.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by the Laberbahn cable car, which also carries non-flying pilots back down; current rules and the landing map are posted at the valley station.

Local rules & hazards

Don't overfly the swimming pool or the nearby NATO building close to the landing field. If Laber isn't right for the day, nearby options include Hörnle at Oberammergau and Wank or Osterfelder at Garmisch.

Check conditions before you fly

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