Steighof

Steighof is a flatland winch-tow site at around 935 m, flying southeast or south wind on the Swabian Alb. The surrounding countryside carries real conservation weight: a minimum 100 m clearance is required from the forest to the north and the hedgerows to the east, and the same 100 m rule protects skylark breeding grounds around the Sollberg to the southwest. A nearby road, the L433, needs a 50 m clearance in both directions, and every pilot is expected to walk the approved landing sites before their first flight rather than trust a map. Two backup landing fields exist for genuine emergencies only — they're not cleared for regular traffic or training use, and reaching them means clearing the forest below at a minimum of 200 m above the ground. Parking is limited to a handful of designated spots rather than the open countryside, and every pilot gets briefed on the site's specific rules before flying.

Launch & conditions

Southeast to south-facing winch-tow launch at about 935 m on the Swabian Alb.

Getting there & local rules

Park only in the site's designated parking areas — not in the open countryside. Walk the approved landing sites before your first flight here, and get briefed on the site's rules beforehand.

Local rules & hazards

Keep at least 100 m clear of the forest to the north, the hedgerows to the east, and the skylark breeding grounds near the Sollberg to the southwest. Keep 50 m clear of the L433 road. Two backup landing fields exist for genuine emergencies only, reached by clearing the forest below at a minimum 200 m AGL — they aren't cleared for regular use.

Check conditions before you fly

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