Wank Ost und Nordost – Startplatz

Wank's east/northeast launch sits at 1,780 m above Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reached by the Wankbahn cable car (which carries hang gliders up to 5.10 m long), and the mountain is known for excellent spring thermals as winter fades and a striking view across to the Zugspitze. Operating hours here can be quite restricted, so it's worth checking before heading up. Launches only happen once the path below the takeoff is clear of walkers, and only in clean weather — if conditions or wind above 20 km/h are unclear, no one launches. Pilots need to plan the glide to the landing field early and with enough height, keep valley wind in mind, and get a proper briefing before their first flight; students working on altitude flights must always stay in an instructor's sight.

Launch & conditions

Launch only once the path below is clear of walkers, and only in clean weather — no launch if conditions are unclear or wind exceeds 20 km/h. Plan the glide to landing early and with enough height, watching for valley wind.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by the Wankbahn cable car, which carries hang gliders up to 5.10 m long.

Local rules & hazards

The launches sit within a bird-protection area (the Estergebirge SPA), and overflying the ridge to the southeast is only permitted at a strict minimum safety height, as is overflying the lift installations. Everyone needs a briefing before their first flight, and altitude-training students must stay in constant view of their instructor.

Check conditions before you fly

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