Schwaigern – Niederhofen (Deutschherrenfeld)

This winch-tow site near Schwaigern–Niederhofen sits at about 326 m with tow lines running east–west, right next to a protected flora reserve, the Feldflora Reservat Deutschherrenfeld, which pilots and ground crew must never enter — it gets cordoned off with marking tape whenever flying is underway. Flying is banned outright in north wind because of possible lee-side danger. To protect skylarks nesting in the surrounding fields, launch and landing areas have to stay within 75 m of the field edge, and during the April–August breeding season the ground gets checked for active nests before each session — if skylarks are found nesting, the whole operating area shifts 40 m to keep clear of them. A deflector is fitted near the nearby fruit trees so the tow line can't snag in the branches, and the crossing field path is kept clear of people during tow operations, following local traffic-authority rules.

Launch & conditions

Winch-tow launch at about 326 m for tows east–west. Flying is banned outright in north wind, because of possible lee-side danger.

Getting there & local rules

A field path crossing the tow line must be kept clear of people during operations, following the local traffic authority's rules for securing it.

Local rules & hazards

Right next to a protected flora reserve, the Feldflora Reservat Deutschherrenfeld, which must never be entered — it's cordoned off with tape whenever flying is underway. Launch and landing areas stay within 75 m of the field edge to protect nesting skylarks, and during the April–August breeding season the ground is checked for nests before flying, with the operating area shifted 40 m if any are found. A deflector protects the tow line from snagging in nearby fruit trees.

Check conditions before you fly

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