Startplatz Kleiner Jenner West

Startplatz Kleiner Jenner West launches from 1,695 m above Berchtesgaden, in one of the most dramatic settings in the Northern Alps — the flight passes over the fjord-like Königssee with the Watzmann massif in view. It's also one of the most demanding and environmentally sensitive flying areas in Germany, and pilots are expected to check the current site rules before every flight rather than rely on memory. Wind from the east, south-east or west all work here, but the main paragliding landing field near the valley station gets turbulent in valley-wind and thermal conditions. Construction work has shrunk the launch area considerably, leaving space for only a couple of wings to lay out at a time. A long-running golden eagle protection project covers the area, with real restrictions on where and how pilots can fly near nesting birds. Two of the site's takeoff areas — the ramp and the water basin — are reserved exclusively for hang gliders, so paraglider pilots need to use the other launch points.

Launch & conditions

The south-east-facing launch area can only be used once the ski lift has stopped running for the day, and passenger/tandem training is not permitted from that launch — the ramp and water-basin launches are for hang gliders only.

Local rules & hazards

Golden-eagle protection rules apply across the area, with details posted at the valley station; give any raptors in the air the widest possible berth. In autumn watch for a pasture fence near the landing field, and only fly this site's landings in calm conditions — the landowner has explicitly banned commercial tandem flying here.

Check conditions before you fly

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