Pferdskopf

Pferdskopf is a distinctive summit west of the main Wasserkuppe, launching from a meadow just below the top in west or northwest winds over notably thermic terrain. It's one of several launches around the Wasserkuppe, the Rhön hill where German gliding began in the early 20th century, so pilots share the sky with gliders, model aircraft and students and are expected to fly accordingly. Landing is on the Deltawiese meadow or at Heckenhöfchen. Reach the launch on foot or by club bus from the Wasserkuppe's central car park, or park between the villages of Sieblos and Gersfeld — never along the roadside itself. As on every launch here, paraglider and hang-glider starts are only from officially designated, published points with a launch marshal present, and glider winch or bungee-tow launches always have priority over other flying.

Launch & conditions

Launches in west or northwest wind from a meadow just below the summit, over notably thermic terrain. Land on the Deltawiese meadow or at Heckenhöfchen.

Getting there & local rules

Reach the launch on foot or by club bus from the Wasserkuppe's central car park, or park between Sieblos and Gersfeld — never along the roadside.

Local rules & hazards

The Wasserkuppe is a special landing field where glider winch and bungee-tow launches always have priority, and hang-glider/paraglider starts are only allowed from officially designated points with a launch marshal present. The surrounding core zone of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve rules out off-field landings, and motorized paragliders and hang gliders are not permitted anywhere on site.

Check conditions before you fly

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