Niederrheinkogel – Halde Norddeutschland Schlepp

Niederrheinkogel – Halde Norddeutschland is a flatland flying spot built on a reclaimed coal-mining spoil heap, one of the few places in the area with any real slope for hang-starts and ground-handling practice. It sits at only about 89 m, working across a wide range of directions — northeast, east, southwest and west — with southwest generally rated the best wind here. Winch-towing is the main way to get airborne, and cross-country flights out of the site are possible when conditions allow. Guest pilots are welcome for a small day fee, but driving vehicles up onto the heap itself is not allowed — everyone walks up. Winch tows only run under a dedicated safety spotter who can see the whole tow path and stays in radio contact with the launch, making sure the route and the paths leading to it are clear of walkers before every tow; towing across a crosswind is not permitted. Top-landings back on the heap are restricted to open ground, and pilots share the area with cyclists and other visitors, so keeping them clear is part of every flight.

Launch & conditions

Winch-launch site; best in southwest wind, though northeast, east and west also work. Crosswind tows are not permitted, and every tow needs a safety spotter with radio contact to the launch confirming the path is clear.

Getting there & local rules

No vehicle access to the heap — everyone walks up. Guest pilots are welcome for a small day fee.

Local rules & hazards

Winch tows are only run with a dedicated spotter who can see the entire tow path and stays in radio contact with the launch, keeping the route and approach paths clear of walkers; crosswind tows aren't permitted. Top-landings on the heap are restricted to open areas, and other visitors on the heap — walkers, cyclists — must not be endangered by flying.

Check conditions before you fly

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