Schäferstuhl

Schäferstuhl is a ridge soaring site in Lower Saxony, Germany, at about 219 m, favorable with wind from the south, southwest or west. It's a low-altitude ridge that works for both thermal and soaring flying. Model aircraft pilots also use this ridge, and paraglider pilots share it courteously: when model aircraft are flying, paragliding stays to the left, easterly part of the ridge, keeping the relationship between the two groups friendly rather than territorial. Landing options depend on the season in the surrounding farmland: fields are usable if they haven't been tilled, though it isn't the preferred choice, while a tilled field means landing has to happen on the meadow or on the roads instead.

Launch & conditions

Favorable wind from the south, southwest or west. When model aircraft are flying the ridge, keep to the left, easterly part.

Local rules & hazards

Landing in the surrounding fields is possible if they are untilled, though not the preferred option; if a field has been tilled, land on the meadow or the roads instead.

Check conditions before you fly

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