Mäusberg

Mäusberg is an east-facing launch at 300 m set on a fallow vineyard plot currently down to meadow, sitting right at the edge of a nature reserve. Access to the launch is on foot only, and the route there deliberately avoids crossing the reserve itself. Between 1 March and 14 July each year, the adjoining bird-protection zone is completely closed to overflight below 100 m above the slope edge — pilots carry an altimeter to prove it, and the site operator can supply the exact boundaries. Long, low-level soaring flights are also avoided through that same window, even where flying is technically permitted. Any cross-country flight that crosses the wider nature reserve needs at least 100 m of ground clearance. A flight log records every flight and is shown to the DHV on request, and every pilot gets briefed by the site operator on both these conditions and the site's position right on the reserve boundary before flying. When several pilots are soaring the ridge at the same height and things get busy, the operator appoints a launch marshal to keep the traffic organised.

Launch & conditions

Access to the launch is on foot only, deliberately avoiding the nature reserve. Every pilot is briefed by the site operator on the permit conditions and the site's position right on the reserve boundary before flying.

Local rules & hazards

Between 1 March and 14 July each year, the adjoining bird-protection zone is closed below 100 m above the slope edge — carry an altimeter, and avoid long, low soaring flights through that window too. Any cross-country flight crossing the wider nature reserve needs at least 100 m of ground clearance. A flight log is kept and shown to the DHV on request; when several pilots are soaring the ridge together, the operator appoints a launch marshal.

Check conditions before you fly

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