Unternberg Startplatz Süd

Unternberg's south launch sits above Ruhpolding in Upper Bavaria, Germany, at 1,369 m, and it's a demanding one — trees in front of the launch make it suitable only for experienced pilots. The mountain itself is known for good thermals and sweeping views over both the flatland and the Alps; the wind reliably swings north most afternoons, and Unternberg soars reliably in the evening, sometimes with enough height in hand to glide across the valley to the neighbouring Rauschberg. From the south launch, pilots typically head for the Grashof West or Grashof Ost landing fields. Every pilot needs a thorough hazard briefing before flying — covering info boards or a briefing from local pilots — and launches are off whenever there's turbulence risk in the gap, such as crosswind or a north valley wind setting in. Training flights from this launch don't happen once wind strength passes 10 km/h. There's also a third landing option, Laubau, but nature-conservation rules mean it can only be used between 1 August and 31 December each year.

Launch & conditions

Trees in front of the launch make this a demanding start, suitable only for experienced pilots; wind direction indicators mark the gap and exposed points.

Local rules & hazards

The south launch has trees right in front, making it suitable only for experienced pilots, and launches are off whenever there's turbulence risk in the gap — crosswind, or a north valley wind setting in. Training flights from this launch don't happen once wind strength passes 10 km/h, and pilots need a thorough hazard briefing before their first flight here. The Laubau landing field can only be used between 1 August and 31 December each year for nature-conservation reasons.

Check conditions before you fly

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