Schwartenberg Startplatz West

Schwartenberg Startplatz West is the demanding west-facing launch of the Schwartenberg hill and winch-tow site in the eastern Erzgebirge, at 770 m, landing down at the shared Schwartenberg field. There are two ways off this launch: a ramp reserved for hang gliders only, and the hill edge itself, usable by both paragliders and hang gliders. This west paraglider launch is considerably more demanding than the site's other launches and is reserved for experienced pilots — student training flights are not run from here at all; they're confined to the separate north launch. Landings on the plot next to the pond are allowed only in turbulence-free conditions, with a healthy distance kept from the water, and every pilot gets a specific briefing on that landing area before using it. If model-aircraft flying is happening at the same time, the two activities coordinate directly under the normal airspace rules, and winch towing at the landing field only runs when the season's crop growth allows it, always after checking with the farmers working the land.

Launch & conditions

Two ways off this launch: a ramp reserved for hang gliders only, and the hill edge itself, usable by both paragliders and hang gliders. This west paraglider launch is considerably more demanding than the site's other launches and is reserved for experienced pilots.

Local rules & hazards

Student training flights are not run from this launch — they're confined to the separate north launch. Landings on the plot next to the pond are allowed only in turbulence-free conditions, with distance kept from the water. Winch towing depends on the season's crop growth and needs prior coordination with the farmers working the land.

Check conditions before you fly

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