Sommerberg Deggingen

Sommerberg Deggingen sits on the Swabian Alb escarpment, launching east, and flying here is limited to club members only. The launch borders a specially protected forest heath biotope, so pilots are expected to treat the terrain carefully and avoid disturbing the fenced former clear-cut areas above the old heathland. Flying stops entirely during the bird breeding season, from 1 March to 31 August each year — the club can only reopen it earlier if a qualified surveyor confirms no protected species, particularly red kite, are nesting within roughly a kilometre of the launch and landing area, with the result reported to the nature conservation authority. Launches only happen in a clean headwind steep enough to clear the trees below with certainty; side or tail winds are not permitted. The site also sits inside Stuttgart's wider airspace structure, with glider sectors in effect, and low flying over settled areas is not allowed.

Launch & conditions

Launch only in a clean, steady headwind that clears the trees below with certainty — side or tail wind starts are not permitted, and pilots need to be able to launch confidently on steep terrain.

Local rules & hazards

The launch borders a protected heath and forest biotope, and flying is closed entirely from 1 March to 31 August for the bird breeding season, reopening early only if a survey confirms no protected species — especially red kite — are nesting nearby. The site also sits within Stuttgart's wider airspace structure, with glider sectors in effect, and low flight over settled areas is not permitted.

Check conditions before you fly

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