Übungshang Hartenstein

Hartenstein is a large, well-established flying site at the foot of the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) in Saxony, Germany, at about 447 m, flying nearly every wind direction with east, southeast and south as the primary options here. It's genuinely suited to every skill level, from complete beginners to seasoned cross-country pilots, and every year winch and ultralight tow launches here produce impressive cross-country flights of 100 to over 200 km, helped by reliable thermal activity right next to the field. A small training slope sits alongside the main airfield, with about 40 m of height difference — it's used for basic hang-glider training (ground-level only, no altitude flights) and works just as well for learning to paraglide, honing glide-angle control for fun, getting back into mountain launches after time off, groundhandling practice, or as a thermal entry point once you've gained at least 200 m from a wind or UL tow. Motorized and non-motorized flying share the airspace here, coordinated by a launch marshal who also sets the traffic patterns, and everyone gets briefed on the site's particular conditions before flying.

Launch & conditions

The training slope has about 40 m of height difference — good for glide-angle practice, groundhandling, getting back into mountain launches after a break, or as a thermal entry point above 200 m gained from a tow.

Local rules & hazards

Motorized and non-motorized flying share the airspace here, coordinated by a launch marshal who also sets the traffic patterns and approves simultaneous operations; winch tow ropes must be laid out so they never endanger the ultralight traffic. At the training slope, launches only happen in a clear headwind or dead calm, and the path crossing its lower section is closed off or marshalled during flying so passing traffic isn't put at risk.

Check conditions before you fly

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