Neidlingen

Neidlingen took years of campaigning by the local club before the forest launch corridor was finally approved in 2000, working with the German hang-gliding federation and nature conservation authorities. It's a beautiful site on the Swabian Alb escarpment with reliable soaring and thermal lift in a west wind, but the launch itself is a demanding corridor start that rewards a routine, confident technique rather than a first attempt. The secondary top-landing spot is for experienced pilots only, since strong lee-side turbulence has to be expected there. A peregrine falcon regularly nests near the launch, so posted notices about the area should be checked before flying. Maximum altitude is capped by Stuttgart's airspace structure, with controlled Class D airspace starting at 4,500 ft MSL, and since September 2015 every pilot has needed a working radio or scanner able to receive the glider ATIS frequency — launching without one is not permitted.

Launch & conditions

The forest corridor launch demands routine, confident technique — this is not a site for a first attempt. The secondary top-landing spot is for experienced pilots only, with strong lee-side turbulence to expect there.

Getting there & local rules

From Neidlingen, drive toward Wiesensteig and up the escarpment road to the hikers' car park on the left; park there and walk roughly 800 m north along the path to the launch — do not drive any of the farm tracks.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits beneath Stuttgart's controlled airspace, with Class D beginning at 4,500 ft MSL, and a working radio or scanner tuned to the glider ATIS frequency has been mandatory since September 2015 — no radio, no launch. A peregrine falcon nests near the launch, so posted local notices should be checked, and a rock face across the valley to the west must be given a wide berth (at least 200 m) year-round.

Check conditions before you fly

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