Oppenau Ost (Schäfersfeld)

Oppenau Ost, also known as Schäfersfeld, is a gap launch in Germany's Black Forest at about 770 m, flying in east and southeast wind. Because it's a Schneisenstart — launching through a narrow gap in the trees — pilots only launch with a favorable tailwind component. Use the Bruhansenhof landing field only; the nearby Löcherberg meadow is an emergency landing site alone and off-limits for parking, and a training slope sits alongside the main landing area. Access to launch is on foot only, with cars left at the public lot on the K 5354 and the Höhenweg trail kept clear for forestry traffic. Flight paths run from the nature reserve toward the east, staying above 300 m over the reserve in thermic conditions and always high enough to reliably reach the landing field outside it — an altimeter is required. Operations only run from two hours after sunrise until an hour before sunset, and every pilot needs a first-flight briefing on the site's protected areas before flying.

Launch & conditions

It's a gap launch (Schneisenstart) — only launch with a favorable tailwind component.

Getting there & local rules

Reach launch on foot only; park at the public lot on the K 5354 road, and keep the Höhenweg trail clear for forestry traffic.

Local rules & hazards

Flight paths must run eastward away from the adjoining nature reserve, staying above 300 m over it in thermic conditions and always high enough to reliably reach the landing field outside its boundary — carry an altimeter. Operations only run from two hours after sunrise to an hour before sunset, and pilots must avoid the water-carrying canal near the landing point. On weekends and holidays a launch marshal coordinates flying and must be obeyed, especially in blocking launches during lee or turbulent conditions.

Check conditions before you fly

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