Schloß Banz

Schloß Banz is a southwest-facing site in Germany at 405 m, well suited to both ground-handling practice and full flights, and considered ideal specifically in southwest wind. Sheep graze the surrounding land, and flying must stop whenever a flock comes within 200 m of the launch or landing area — overflying sheep is not allowed at any time. The launch field also changes shape through the growing season: from 1 May each year it narrows to a 30 m strip so the rest of the grass can grow undisturbed, and flying has to stop entirely about three weeks before the field gets mown, timed with the land's lease-holder. It's a practical, well-used local site rather than a remote one, so expect to share the ground with grazing animals and farming activity.

Launch & conditions

Southwest-facing site, ideal in southwest wind and well suited to both ground-handling practice and full flights.

Local rules & hazards

Flying must stop whenever a flock of sheep comes within 200 m of the launch or landing area, and sheep must never be overflown. From 1 May each year the launch field narrows to a 30 m strip to protect the growing grass, and flying stops entirely for about three weeks before the annual mowing.

Check conditions before you fly

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