Loffenau Nordwest Teufelsmühle Startplatz

Loffenau Nordwest Teufelsmühle is a long-standing site of the local hang gliding and paragliding club, with two launches on the hill — one facing northwest through a forest corridor (the one this page covers) and a separate, more open west-facing launch popular with beginners for its wide views across the northern Black Forest. Both sit inside forest, so pilots launch only in a clean headwind that lets them clear the trees below with real margin. Every pilot needs an initial briefing from the club before flying here. Two nature reserves border the site: the Lautenfelsen reserve is off-limits to overflight entirely, and the neighbouring bird-protection area must be crossed at least 300 m above ground. The landing field has a slight slope, and the road running past it needs to be cleared with height to spare on final approach. Cross-country flights toward Pforzheim are possible on days with a high enough cloudbase, but with so much forest below, pilots need a solid departure altitude before heading out.

Launch & conditions

Launch faces northwest through a narrow forest gap — only start with a clear, steady headwind so the trees ahead are cleared with margin; side or tail winds are not safe here.

Local rules & hazards

The Lautenfelsen nature reserve may not be overflown at all, and the neighbouring bird-protection area needs at least 300 m of clearance above ground. The landing field slopes gently and sits beside a road, so pilots should carry extra height on final approach to clear it safely.

Check conditions before you fly

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