Martinsthal

Martinsthal is a demanding southerly launch in the Rheingau hills near Wiesbaden, sitting at around 249 m and reserved for pilots who've been briefed on-site — there's no open guest flying here. The takeoff is only for experienced paraglider pilots comfortable with a reverse launch and a clean, reliable technique, because aborting a launch is difficult with vine rows running right up to the edge. Airspace matters more than usual at this site: it sits beneath controlled airspace close to Frankfurt Airport, so pilots are expected to know the local airspace structure before flying and stay in contact with air traffic control before launching and again once they've finished. Farm tracks around the vineyard are for agricultural vehicles only and are off-limits for pilots getting to or from the site. General nature-protection rules also apply on the hillside. The site isn't set up for instruction — no training flights are permitted here at all.

Launch & conditions

Launch is steep and technical — reverse-launch skill and a clean, reliable technique are required, since an aborted launch is difficult with vine rows right at the edge.

Getting there & local rules

No open guest flying — the site is limited to briefed pilots, and the farm tracks through the vineyard are for agricultural traffic only, not for pilot access.

Local rules & hazards

The launch sits beneath controlled airspace close to Frankfurt Airport, so pilots must know the local airspace structure and contact air traffic control before flying and again after landing. General wildlife-protection rules apply on the hillside, and training flights are not permitted at this site.

Check conditions before you fly

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