Warstein

Warstein is a flatland tow site in Germany at 380 m, launching from an agricultural field and known locally for the hot-air balloon festival (Montgolfiade) held here every year. Wind is workable from all eight compass directions, which makes it a flexible site to fly. There's a seasonal flight restriction to know about: from 1 March to 30 July each year, any departure outside the standard traffic pattern requires a minimum height of 500 m above ground. The northern access road to a nearby limestone quarry also needs care during towing — pilots must keep a 50 m vertical and horizontal distance from it, or post a radio-equipped spotter to secure traffic while towing is underway; closing the road, if that's ever needed, requires the road owner's permission first.

Launch & conditions

A flatland tow launch from an agricultural field, workable in wind from any of the eight main compass directions.

Local rules & hazards

From 1 March to 30 July each year, departures outside the standard traffic pattern require a minimum height of 500 m AGL. Keep 50 m clear of the northern access road to the nearby limestone quarry during towing, or post a radio-equipped spotter to secure traffic.

Check conditions before you fly

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