Longuich

Longuich is a demanding launch in a vineyard above the Mosel valley, western Germany, flown on a southwest wind with about 170 meters of height difference — and it's rated squarely in the 'demanding' category, suitable only for experienced pilots. Thermals here tend to be limited and the lift band isn't especially wide, so working the air takes real skill rather than luck. The glide to landing is a long one, which means pilots need to leave in good time rather than push for extra height. Poplar trees sit right in the landing approach and need watching all the way in. The landing field itself works fine for paragliders, but it's tight for hang gliders — anyone flying one should scout it on foot before their first flight rather than discovering its size in the air.

Launch & conditions

A vineyard launch rated 'demanding', flown on a southwest wind with about 170 m of height difference. Thermals here are usually limited and the lift band isn't wide — this site is for experienced pilots only.

Getting there & local rules

The glide to landing is long, so leave in good time rather than pushing for extra height. Hang glider pilots should scout the landing field on foot before their first flight — it's tight for them, though fine for paragliders.

Local rules & hazards

Poplar trees sit right in the landing approach and need watching all the way in.

Check conditions before you fly

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