Riol / Römerberg

Riol, also known as Römerberg, is a demanding launch for hang gliders and paragliders in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, at about 407 m, flying only in northern wind. A motorway runs directly below the site and has to be cleared by at least 100 m, so launches only happen with enough headwind to guarantee height gain — on the earth-ramp takeoff, only experienced paraglider pilots may launch, and only in coordination with the site holder. Training flights and tandem flights aren't permitted here. Every pilot needs a briefing on the specific terrain before their first flight, and a day membership costs 5€. Down at the landing field — a long meadow ringed by trees, approached over a footgolf course — pilots are asked to avoid flying over the adjacent water-ski facility, particularly hang glider pilots, and the water-ski masts' guy-wires are marked to make them visible.

Launch & conditions

It's an earth-ramp launch demanding real technique — only experienced paraglider pilots launch here, and the motorway below must be cleared with at least 100 m to spare.

Local rules & hazards

The motorway running below launch must be cleared by at least 100 m, both horizontally and vertically, so launches only happen with a headwind strong enough to guarantee height gain — if that height isn't achieved, pilots head straight to the landing field. Only experienced paragliders may launch from the earth ramp, in coordination with the site holder, and training and tandem flights aren't permitted. On landing approach, avoid flying over the adjacent water-ski facility, especially for hang gliders.

Check conditions before you fly

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