Rotstein

Rotstein is a demanding, members-only launch in Bavaria, Germany, at about 686 m, flying north and northwest wind — guest flying isn't possible here at all. Access to the launch is on foot only, no vehicles allowed, and launches are capped at ten a day. There are two separate launch areas: the right side carries real lee risk in crosswind, so pilots only launch there in a clean headwind, while the left side is reserved for pilots who've already proven their skills to the site holder, been briefed, and been named individually — anyone launching needs confident forward or reverse launch technique, solid wing control and real flight experience, since a late lift-off close to the steep drop-off has to be avoided. Hang glider pilots need the same level of experience, and both types only launch in turbulence-free headwind of at least 12–15 km/h. Tandem flights aren't allowed. Paragliders land at Field 1 using slope-landing technique; hang gliders must use Field 2 instead, and need a minimum glide ratio of 6 to reach it.

Launch & conditions

Two separate launch areas exist: the right side needs a clean headwind due to lee risk in crosswind, while the left side is reserved for pilots who've proven their skills to the site holder and launch only in turbulence-free wind of 12–15 km/h.

Local rules & hazards

This is a members-only site with no guest flying, and access to launch is on foot only. The right launch area carries real lee risk in crosswind, so pilots only go there with a clean headwind; the left area is reserved for pilots who've proven their skills to the site holder and been briefed and named individually, launching only in turbulence-free headwind of at least 12–15 km/h. Paragliders land at Field 1 using slope-landing technique, while hang gliders must use Field 2, which needs a minimum glide ratio of 6 to reach — tandem flights aren't permitted anywhere on site.

Check conditions before you fly

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