Stachelhardt

Stachelhardt is a demanding gap launch near Cologne, off a narrow earthen ramp, at around 210 m facing south. Paraglider pilots need a German B-license and must reliably master the reverse-launch method before flying here, and every pilot needs a site briefing covering safety, technique, the landing and the local airspace before a first flight. The site sits inside Cologne/Bonn Airport's near-traffic area, so airspace awareness matters: controlled airspace begins at 2,500 ft MSL above the launch, and the Cologne/Bonn control zone sits immediately to the west. Training flights toward a first paraglider license aren't allowed here at all; only advanced students working toward a hang-glider or B-license may train, and only with an instructor present at the launch. Tandem flights are limited to favorable weather and need the club board's approval, with only especially experienced tandem pilots flying passengers. Departing for the landing has to happen in good time and with enough height to clear the Sieg river safely, and traffic on the access road to the launch must never be blocked.

Launch & conditions

A demanding, narrow earthen-ramp launch — the reverse-launch method must be reliably mastered, and wind conditions need to allow a genuinely safe start. Depart for the landing in good time and with enough height to clear the Sieg river.

Getting there & local rules

A German B-license and a full site briefing are required before flying here. Traffic on the access road to the launch must never be blocked.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits inside Cologne/Bonn Airport's near-traffic area: controlled airspace begins at 2,500 ft MSL above the launch, with the Cologne/Bonn control zone immediately to the west. Training flights are restricted to advanced students with an instructor present, and tandem flights need club-board approval and an especially experienced pilot.

Check conditions before you fly

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