Osser

Osser is a mountain site in the Bavarian Forest (Bayerischer Wald), southeastern Germany, launching at 1,175 m and working on south, southwest or west wind. Pilots reach launch on foot, and the view opens across the Bavarian Forest — locals describe it as a good, approachable spot to get a first taste of thermal flying, with south-westerly wind soarable along the ridge. Nature-protection rules limit access for part of the year: between 1 March and 30 June, only members of the local club, the Gleitschirmverein Bayerwald, may fly the site, which keeps disturbance down during the sensitive spring season. New pilots are expected to get briefed on the site — through info boards, online or in person — before their first flight. Because the walk-up landing area near Lam's Himmelreich district sits below, instructors require at least ten prior mountain flights elsewhere plus radio contact with two instructors before anyone flies Osser for the first time, and conditions must clearly allow a safe approach to landing with height to spare.

Launch & conditions

Launch is reached on foot; the ridge soars well in south-westerly wind. From 1 March to 30 June, flying is restricted to members of the local club.

Getting there & local rules

Launch is walk-up access only. The landing area is near the Himmelreich district of Lam, in the valley below.

Local rules & hazards

First-time pilots must be briefed via info boards, online material or in person before flying. Beginners need at least ten prior mountain flights at other sites, plus radio contact with two instructors, before their first flight here, and conditions must clearly allow a safe, well-timed approach to landing. From 1 March to 30 June each year, flying is restricted by nature-protection rules to members of the local club only.

Check conditions before you fly

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