Türkheim

Türkheim is a northwest-facing site near Geislingen an der Steige in Baden-Württemberg, at 676 m, offering both hill soaring and thermal flying — thanks to its exposure, lift here tends to build later in the day, so afternoons are usually the better bet. Cross-country flights suit experienced pilots well, and the view down the valley is reason enough on its own to fly here. The launch sits on a raised mound just off a field path along the slope edge, reached on foot from parking along the approach road (careful not to block any driveways). Before launching, every pilot needs a site briefing and has to set a personal abort line — the point before the ground narrows in the launch area, past which a launch can no longer be safely stopped — and must confirm no third party is at risk. A power line runs past to the northwest and needs a healthy safety margin at all times, and before taking off, pilots check that the track crossing the lower slope is clear of farm traffic. Flying here means being considerate of other people using the hillside too.

Launch & conditions

Every pilot needs a site briefing before launching and must set a personal abort line before the ground narrows in the launch area. A power line runs past to the northwest — keep a healthy safety margin at all times.

Getting there & local rules

From the B10 (Stuttgart or Ulm direction) follow signs to Türkheim in Geislingen; coming from Geislingen, turn right just past the town sign (opposite the bakery) and park along that street without blocking driveways, then follow the field path along the slope edge to the launch ramp on the raised mound.

Local rules & hazards

Before launching, confirm no third party is at risk and check that the track crossing the lower slope is clear of farm traffic. A power line runs past to the northwest, needing a healthy safety margin at all times. Flying here means being considerate of other people using the hillside.

Check conditions before you fly

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