Laucha Westhang Startplatz

Laucha Westhang is a west-facing soaring slope built into a working airfield, with about 130 m of height between the launch and the valley floor. It works in west to southwest wind and doubles as a top-landing site, plus there's a winch on the field for tow launches when conditions call for it. The defining feature is what shares the sky here: this is mixed-use airspace with active runway traffic (090/270), and hang gliders — both flexible and rigid-wing — fly the slope regularly alongside paragliders. That means real situational awareness is non-negotiable, and every visiting pilot needs to know the local airfield rules before launching. Guests are welcome on a day-membership basis (around €5), but slope launches only happen when a club member is present managing the start list — no free-for-all takeoffs here.

Launch & conditions

West-facing soaring slope, works in west to southwest wind; a winch is available for tow launches, and top-landing is possible directly at the site.

Getting there & local rules

Guests fly on a day-membership basis. Launches from the slope only happen when a club member is present managing the start list.

Local rules & hazards

This is mixed-use airspace shared with active runway traffic (090/270) and with hang gliders flying the same slope — real situational awareness and knowledge of the local airfield rules are required for every pilot.

Check conditions before you fly

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