Stüppel Startplatz NO – Andreasberg

Stüppel Startplatz NO, above Andreasberg in the Sauerland, is a northeast-facing launch known for strong thermals and real cross-country potential. Driving up to the launch is reserved for club members — visiting pilots park at the landing field instead and walk in via the Bestwiger hiking trail, a route that runs about 1.2 km to the landing field, worth scouting on foot before you commit to a drive. Two high-voltage power lines cross this route and the flying area, so knowing exactly where they run matters before you fly. Toplanding isn't allowed, and landing is restricted strictly to the main landing field — the meadow south of the tree row is completely off-limits. Because the wind here can behave differently than it looks from the ground, several wind indicators are set up in the launch area and worth checking against each other before committing to launch. Training flights only run once students have logged at least 20 height flights elsewhere, and tandem launches need at least 10 km/h of headwind.

Launch & conditions

Northeast-facing launch at about 716 m, known for strong thermals; check the wind indicators in the launch area against each other before committing — the real wind here can differ from what it looks like.

Getting there & local rules

Driving up is for club members only — visiting pilots park at the landing field and walk in via the Bestwiger hiking trail (about 1.2 km); worth scouting the route before driving up at all, since two high-voltage lines cross it.

Local rules & hazards

Two high-voltage power lines cross the flying area and the route to the landing field — know where they run before you fly. Toplanding isn't allowed, landing is restricted to the main landing field, and the meadow south of the tree row is strictly off-limits. Training flights require at least 20 height flights logged elsewhere; tandem launches need at least 10 km/h of headwind.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Stüppel Startplatz NO – Andreasberg, 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 Stüppel Startplatz NO – Andreasberg with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.