Steinbruch Achenbach (Hahn)

Steinbruch Achenbach, known locally as Hahn, is a demanding quarry-edge site in Hesse, Germany, that only works in southwest wind — and even then the lift band is narrow, comfortably holding no more than about four wings at a time. Training flights aren't permitted here; it's built for pilots who already know what they're doing. The launch sits right next to a wind turbine, so every pilot gets a mandatory briefing before flying and has to keep a safe distance from the rotors at all times. Launches are only allowed when the strongest gust at takeoff stays under half the wing's top flyable speed, checked with a handheld anemometer, and nobody launches in turbulent air. The site also closes seasonally for wildlife protection: flying stops from 15 February to 1 April every year for nesting birds, and if an eagle owl is confirmed active in the quarry, that ban can extend into July. A flight log recording every flight is required and can be inspected by the national hang-gliding federation.

Launch & conditions

The final 10 m of the downward-sloping launch is a safety zone, not part of the takeoff run — it's kept clear for an aborted launch.

Local rules & hazards

Launches are only permitted when the strongest gust at takeoff stays under half the glider's top flyable speed, checked with an anemometer, and never in turbulent conditions — pilots must also keep a safe distance from the wind turbine right at the launch. Flying pauses every year from 15 February to 1 April for bird protection, extending into April or July if an eagle owl is confirmed nesting in the quarry. Training flights are not permitted at this site.

Check conditions before you fly

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