Südhang Wasserkuppe

Südhang Wasserkuppe is widely considered one of the best training slopes for paragliding in Germany, facing south-southwest with around 160 m of height difference — enough for groundhandling, launch and landing practice, or full thermal flights depending on conditions. It's part of the wider Wasserkuppe, the Rhön hill where German gliding began in the early 20th century, so mixed traffic with gliders, model aircraft and students is normal here and courtesy matters. Landing is either high on the slope near the mountain lodge or by the Zuckerfeld ski-tow area. As on every launch on the hill, paraglider and hang-glider starts are only from officially designated, published points with a launch marshal present, and glider winch or bungee launches always take priority over other flying. The whole area sits inside the core zone of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, so an off-field landing anywhere near here should be avoided.

Launch & conditions

Around 160 m of height difference — good for groundhandling, launch/landing practice or thermal flights depending on conditions and experience. Land high on the slope near the lodge, or by the Zuckerfeld tow area.

Getting there & local rules

Park at the Wasserkuppe's central car park, then continue on foot to the launch.

Local rules & hazards

The Wasserkuppe is a special landing field where glider winch and bungee-tow launches always have priority, and hang-glider/paraglider starts are only allowed from officially designated points with a launch marshal present. The surrounding core zone of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve rules out off-field landings, and motorized paragliders and hang gliders are not permitted anywhere on site.

Check conditions before you fly

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