Merkur Startplatz Nordost

Merkur Nordost is a well-known site above Baden-Baden in the northern Black Forest, reached by a historic funicular railway that runs straight up to the launch — a steep but well-prepared platform right next to the top station, so pilots need to keep a clear distance from the railway line itself. With a bit of thermal lift you can climb above the summit for a wide view over Baden-Baden and the Rhine plain, and cross-country pilots typically head east or along the ridge toward Loffenau. The northeast launch used here is more demanding than the site's west-facing option, with a more pronounced forest corridor to negotiate on takeoff. Landing is at a gentle slope surrounded by trees and can get bumpy in thermal conditions, so it's worth studying the approach before committing. Pilots with fewer than ten flights here are asked to launch from a specific spot to the left of the platform, and everyone needs a briefing from the site operator before their first flight.

Launch & conditions

The northeast launch is steep, room for about two wings to lay out, and its forest corridor is more pronounced than the site's other launch — keep clear distance from the funicular railway on takeoff. Pilots with fewer than ten flights here should launch to the left of the stairway.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by the historic funicular railway from Baden-Baden, or on foot via forest tracks; driving to the launch or landing areas is not permitted.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits inside a landscape-protection area, and low overflight near a nearby model-aircraft field must stay above 200 m. The main landing field is slightly sloped and can turn turbulent in thermal conditions, and a wetland biotope on its western edge must not be disturbed.

Check conditions before you fly

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