Schreckhof (GS)

Schreckhof is a thermal and soaring ridge above the Neckar valley in Baden-Württemberg, launching into southwest wind at around 255 m. Pilots describe the lift band along the ridge as narrow, so lift needs to be worked carefully rather than assumed, and it's worth watching for hang-glider traffic sharing the same airspace from a neighboring club. Guest flying here is only possible on a limited basis, so visiting pilots should check in with the local club before showing up rather than assuming open access. The site doubles as a training hill, and the rules reflect that: students need a minimum of prior height flights elsewhere before training here, a certified instructor has to be present and in radio contact throughout, and any flight that crosses the Neckar has to keep enough safety height to clear the water comfortably. If a student can't find lift along the ridge, the plan is to head straight for the landing rather than try to work marginal air over the river.

Launch & conditions

Southwest-facing ridge; the thermal/soaring lift band is narrow, so work it carefully. Watch for hang-glider traffic sharing the ridge, and if you can't gain height, head straight to the landing rather than push out over the river.

Getting there & local rules

Guest flying is limited — check with the local club before visiting rather than assuming open access.

Local rules & hazards

Training flights here require a certified instructor present with a working radio link to the student, plus life jackets and a rescue boat on standby for any flight that could end in the water. Every flight crossing the Neckar must keep sufficient safety height above the river, and pilots are cautioned about lee turbulence on the ridge.

Check conditions before you fly

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