Predigtstuhl Startplatz Hochschlegel

Predigtstuhl Startplatz Hochschlegel is a west-facing launch at about 1,688 m in the Lattengebirge massif near Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria, reached by a 15-minute walk along the lift line from the Schlegelmulde. The Predigtstuhl massif is the only one of the Reichenhall mountains with easy cable-car access, but its complicated wind behaviour and difficult launches mean this is really a site for experienced pilots — the east launch here is genuinely cliff-like, and the wind has to be clean and settled before you commit. This particular launch suits paragliders better than hang-gliders. There's no direct line of sight from launch to any of the landing sites, so it's worth deciding on your flight route before you launch rather than improvising: lose too much height ridge-soaring along the Hochschlegel and the fallback becomes an emergency landing on the Saalachsee. The southwest side of the Hochschlegel may only be overflown at a minimum of 150 m, to protect the birds nesting there.

Launch & conditions

This is a genuinely experienced-pilot site: the wind here is complicated and the launches are difficult, with the east launch cliff-like and requiring clean, settled wind. This particular launch suits paragliders better than hang-gliders.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by a 15-minute walk along the lift line from the Schlegelmulde. There's no direct line of sight from launch to any of the landing sites, so decide your flight route before you launch.

Local rules & hazards

The southwest side of the Hochschlegel may only be overflown at a minimum of 150 m, to protect nesting birds. Lose too much height ridge-soaring here and the fallback landing is the Saalachsee — plan your route with that margin in mind.

Check conditions before you fly

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