Oberoberndorf

Oberoberndorf is a winch-tow flatland site near Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany, at about 350 m, flying in east and west wind. It's approved for step tow (Stufenschlepp) launches, with pilots released by winch up to 760 m above ground outside the local military low-flying window (weekdays 07:00–17:00). Flight operations are capped at 20 dates a year, and anything bigger than routine flying — a competition, a festival — needs separate approval from the Bamberg district nature authority. Because red kites may nest nearby, additional conditions can be added at short notice to protect an active nest. Safety around the tow line is taken seriously: the paths leading to it are secured against unauthorized access before towing starts, the tow rope itself must never endanger anyone below, and only the specific parcels marked in the site's permit may be overflown while the rope is still attached. Pilot and winch operator keep a live radio link throughout each tow, and any pilot has to release immediately if another aircraft approaches during the climb.

Launch & conditions

This is a step-tow (Stufenschlepp) winch site; pilot and winch operator keep a live radio link throughout each tow, and an altimeter is required to track release height.

Local rules & hazards

Winch releases go up to 760 m above ground, allowed only outside the local military low-flying window (weekdays 07:00–17:00), and flight operations are capped at 20 dates a year. Because red kites may nest nearby, additional restrictions can be added to protect an active nest. The tow rope must never endanger anyone on the ground — access paths are secured before towing starts, only permit-marked parcels may be overflown while attached, and any pilot must release immediately if another aircraft approaches during the climb.

Check conditions before you fly

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