Paragliding in Germany: The Complete Guide to Flying Sites, Conditions & Best Spots

Germany may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of paragliding destinations, but don’t be fooled. With over 40,000 active paraglider and hang glider pilots, more than 100 officially authorized flying sites, and a community deeply rooted in the sport since the 1970s, Germany is one of Europe’s most developed free-flying nations. From the snow-capped peaks of the Bavarian Alps to the rolling hills of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), Germany’s diverse topography offers exceptional flying conditions for pilots of all levels.

Paragliding in Germany: An Overview

Germany’s paragliding culture is organized and thriving, centered around the Deutscher Gleitschirmverband und Drachenflugverband (DHV) — the German Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. Founded in the early days of the sport, the DHV serves as the national governing body, issuing pilot licenses, maintaining the national flying sites database, and representing pilots’ interests with aviation authorities.

Germany’s geography is a paraglider’s dream. The southern regions — particularly Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg — feature the foothills and lower ranges of the Alps, providing classic mountain soaring conditions. Moving north, the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), the Spessart, the Thuringian Forest, and the Bavarian Jura offer excellent thermal and ridge soaring opportunities in the low mountain ranges. Even the flatlands of northern Germany support thermal flying, and winch-launch sites make the sport accessible across the entire country.

German air law requires paraglider pilots to hold either a German Luftfahrerschein (aviation license) or an Austrian Sonderpilotenschein. Foreign pilots visiting Germany need an IPPI Card (International Pilot Proficiency Identification Card) — Stage 4 for normal flying or Stage 5 for cross-country flights. All flying is only permitted from officially authorized sites that hold government permits, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

Major Flying Sites in Germany

Germany’s flying sites are distributed across its federal states, with the highest concentration in the south. Here are the most popular and well-documented sites:

1. Feldberg (Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg)

The Feldberg is the highest peak in the Black Forest at 1,493 meters and one of Germany’s most iconic paragliding sites. Located in the southern Schwarzwald near the border with Switzerland, it offers sweeping views over the Rhine Valley and the Vosges mountains beyond. The site is managed by the local DHV-affiliated club and features multiple launch slopes catering to different wind directions. Best flown with west to northwest winds — thermal activity is strong from late spring through early autumn. Beginners should only fly with experienced local pilots. The nearby town of Feldberg is a small ski resort with accommodation options, making it a popular weekend destination.

2. Breni (Bavaria, Allgäu Region)

Deep in the Bavarian Allgäu, the Breni site near the village of Worth is a legendary thermal and cross-country flying location. At approximately 1,700 meters elevation, it sits high enough to catch excellent thermals sweeping up from the Alpine valleys below. The site is best with east to southeast winds, and the season runs from April through October. The Breni is particularly famous for the legendary Fichtelgebirge cross-country flights, and many German XC records have been set from this region. Schools and clubs operate from the base, offering tandem flights and training courses throughout the summer.

3. Spitzingsee (Bavaria, Tegernsee Valley)

The Spitzingsee area in the Tegernsee Valley south of Munich is one of Bavaria’s most reliable flying sites. With a launch altitude of around 1,700 meters and a beautiful glacial lake below, it’s a scenic and accessible spot. Best with south to southwest winds, the site offers both thermal flying and excellent ridge soaring along the surrounding peaks. The season runs from May through September. The nearby village of Spitzingsee has ski lifts that operate in summer for hike-and-fly access, making it a favorite among adventurous pilots.

4. Unter dem Hohenpeißenberg (Bavaria)

Known simply as “Hohenpeißenberg” among German pilots, this site near the Ammersee region is a classic. With an elevation of about 990 meters and open south-facing slopes, it produces reliable thermals on sunny days. Best with southeast to southwest winds, the site is particularly popular in spring and autumn when thermal activity peaks. The site has excellent infrastructure with launch and landing areas managed by the local club, and the nearby town provides easy access to Munich via regional train.

5. Kandel (Baden-Württemberg, Upper Rhine Valley)

Kandel is a distinctive peak in the eastern Palatinate region (Rheinland-Pfalz), rising to about 1,200 meters. While geographically separate from the main Alpine chain, it produces exceptional ridge and thermal flying conditions due to its exposure to the Upper Rhine Valley’s thermal flows. Best with west to northwest winds, Kandel is a popular site year-round, with many pilots driving up for day trips from the greater Karlsruhe and Stuttgart areas. Schools operate regularly, and the site is known for its friendly, welcoming community of local pilots.

Flying Sites by Region

Note: Wind directions are indicative only. Always check local conditions and consult with local clubs before flying at any unfamiliar site.

Pilots and Flying Site Data

Germany’s paragliding community is the largest in Europe by membership:

• Active pilots: Over 40,000 paraglider and hang glider pilots nationwide
• Flying sites: More than 100 officially authorized DHV-approved sites across all German states
• DHV clubs: Hundreds of local clubs affiliated with the DHV, offering training, site management, and community events
• DHV schools: Certified flight schools operating at major sites nationwide
• DHV-XC: Germany’s national cross-country competition league, logging thousands of flights annually on the DHV-XC platform (dhv-xc.de)

The DHV Flying Sites Database (service.dhv.de/db3/gelaende) is the authoritative online resource for all German flying areas, providing site descriptions, launch and landing coordinates, wind direction restrictions, and seasonal information. It is regularly updated by pilots and club officers.

When Is the Best Time to Fly in Germany?

Germany’s flying season varies by region and altitude:

• Alpine Bavaria (Allgäu, Tegernsee, Chiemgau): May through September is peak season. Spring (April–May) offers the best thermal conditions with long days and strong sun heating the valleys. Summer (June–August) provides the most consistent flying weather but can be crowded.
• Black Forest (Schwarzwald): March through November. The Feldberg flies well from early spring when north winds bring stable conditions, and late summer thermals can be exceptional.
• Low Mountain Ranges (Spessart, Rhön, Thuringia): April through September. These sites benefit from thermal activity triggered by the differential heating of forested hills and open fields.
• Lowlands and Winch Sites: April through September, with peak conditions during the warmest months.

Weather systems in Germany are strongly influenced by Atlantic low-pressure systems, meaning conditions can change rapidly. German pilots recommend always checking multiple weather sources (DHV weather service, regional forecast models) and consulting local clubs before committing to a flight.

Practical Tips for Flying in Germany

• Check the DHV Flying Sites Database: Before visiting any site, consult service.dhv.de/db3/gelaende for the latest site information, wind restrictions, and any temporary closures. Rules and landing areas can change seasonally.
• Get local advice: Germany’s flying culture emphasizes club membership and local knowledge. Contact the local DHV club or school before flying at an unfamiliar site. Most pilots are welcoming and happy to share beta.
• Carry proof of insurance: Visiting pilots must carry proof of third-party liability insurance with minimum coverage of 750,000 SZR (Special Drawing Rights). DHV membership automatically includes tailored insurance from HDI Global SE.
• Respect airspace restrictions: Germany has complex airspace near airports and military zones. The DHV provides airspace maps and the DHV-XC Airspace Database for flight planning. Always check NOTAMs and local restrictions before cross-country flights.
• Start early, land by thermal cutoff: Thermal flying in Germany peaks during mid-morning to late afternoon in summer. However, strong evening thermals near mountains can create hazardous turbulence after sunset. Plan to be on the ground well before dark, especially in mountain flying areas.

Ready to Take Flight?

Whether you’re an experienced cross-country pilot looking to rack up DHV-XC points in the Bavarian Alps or a beginner seeking your first tandem flight over the Black Forest, Germany has something extraordinary to offer. With world-class infrastructure, a passionate community, and scenery that rivals anywhere in Europe, German paragliding is a destination worth exploring.

If you’re looking to invest in quality gear before your German adventure, browse our selection of certified paraglider wings, harnesses, and reserve parachutes — all tested and approved to DHV standards.