Siegritz

Siegritz sits on a high plateau in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, at 468 m and is rated a top winch and microlight-tow site — thermally active enough that cross-country flights are possible, with a hang-gliding distance record here of more than 280 km. Wind from the east or west both work, with pilots launching on a south-west or north-east heading depending on which end of the strip is in use. The site is set up for mixed operations — winch tow, microlight tow and electric-powered launch assist all fly here — so the rules exist mainly to keep those methods from colliding: winch releases above 450 m AGL require a reliable radio link to the ground so a tow can be aborted at any time, and winch and simultaneous UL or electric-assist launches or landings are never allowed together. Guest pilots are welcome without restriction, though visiting hang-glider pilots should check ahead that a winch operator is available — it almost always is.

Launch & conditions

Winch releases above 450 m AGL need a reliable radio link between the towed pilot and the winch or launch director so the tow can be aborted at any time — and winch, UL-tow and electric-assist launches never run at the same time.

Local rules & hazards

Electric-powered launch assist may only be used for the climb — pilots must land with the motor off, the launch method must be entered on the pilot's licence, and populated areas must be given a wide berth whenever it's in use. E-assist launches also require the approach path to be clear of other aircraft, and simultaneous starts of different launch types are never permitted.

Check conditions before you fly

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