Schnaithalde

Schnaithalde is a grass hill launch at about 820 m in the Schwäbische Alb near Hausen i.K., flyable in north, west and northwest winds. The takeoff and landing sit on farmland, and in spring and summer, when the grass grows tall, pilots are asked to use the separate Kather landing field instead of the main strip. Top-landing directly back on the Schnaithalde ridge is forbidden. Access is along a forest track from the Hausen i.K. sports ground car park, and drivers are asked to share transport rather than each take a vehicle up, since flying-gear haulage is the only traffic allowed on the track. Guest pilots are welcome after a short local briefing, and everyone flying here is expected to log their flight. It's a workable local hill for a quick session, popular with visiting pilots, though north wind brings a known rotor hazard close to the ground.

Launch & conditions

Grass takeoff at 820 m; top-landing back on the ridge is forbidden, and low-level rotor in north wind is a known hazard here.

Getting there & local rules

Reached via a forest track from the Hausen i.K. sports-ground car park — only vehicles hauling flying gear may drive up, so pilots share transport rather than each taking a car.

Local rules & hazards

In spring and summer, when the grass grows tall, land at the separate Kather field instead of the main strip below Schnaithalde — top-landing on the ridge itself is not allowed, and north wind brings dangerous low-level rotor. Launching in crosswind with expected turbulence isn't permitted, and pilots are asked to keep a flight log.

Check conditions before you fly

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