Veitsberg

Veitsberg is a southwest-facing launch near Lichtenfels in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, at around 458 m. Flying here comes with an unusually tight set of local rules, all aimed at protecting the hillside's wildlife and grazing land: no more than five pilots may be airborne at once, capped at 150 m above ground, and every flight between April and June has to be logged and reported to the local nature authority. Launches must hold a flight path west over the forest toward the Main valley, staying clear of hedge lines and climbing quickly to keep enough height above ground, so as not to disturb nesting birds. Sheep grazing on the conservation land south of the launch must not be disturbed either, and flying stops immediately if they are. The site only works with a clear, unambiguous headwind at the launch, parking is limited to the designated hiking area at Dittersbrunn rather than driving up, and no training flights are permitted.

Launch & conditions

Only usable with a clear, unambiguous headwind. Climb quickly and hold a westward line over the forest toward the Main valley, avoiding hedges and staying well clear of the sheep grazing south of the launch.

Getting there & local rules

Park only at the designated hiking area in Dittersbrunn — driving vehicles up to the launch itself is not permitted.

Local rules & hazards

No more than five pilots may fly at once, and altitude is capped at 150 m above ground; every flight between April and June must be logged and reported to the local nature authority. Launches must fly west over the forest to avoid disturbing nesting birds, and training flights aren't permitted here.

Check conditions before you fly

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