Willingen – Ettelsberg

Willingen–Ettelsberg is a nice flying site in north-wind conditions, launching from beside the Ettelsberg cable car station at about 798 m. Guests and members need to check in online before flying. Right after launch the terrain is fairly flat, so give yourself room to build speed. Keep at least 50 m of safety distance from the cable car at all times, and don't fly under 500 m above the ground over the wildlife park below — it's off-limits at low altitude. Landing is right next to the cable car, and top-landing is not allowed under any circumstances. Launches only happen in headwind, and only when conditions genuinely support a safe launch — crosswind or turbulent conditions rule it out, and the launch sector has to be clear of people during the actual launch. Training does happen here, but only with one instructor present in the launch area and one in the landing area at all times.

Launch & conditions

North-facing launch beside the Ettelsberg cable car station at about 798 m; the ground is fairly flat right after launch. Launches only in headwind, never in crosswind or turbulence, and the launch sector must be clear of people during launch.

Getting there & local rules

Guests and members need to check in online before flying. Landing is right next to the cable car — top-landing is not allowed.

Local rules & hazards

Keep at least 50 m of safety distance from the cable car at all times. Never fly below 500 m above the ground over the wildlife park. Training here only happens with one instructor in the launch area and one in the landing area.

Check conditions before you fly

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