Finkenberg is a south-facing launch site located in Rossbach, Germany. It is well-suited for soaring and occasionally for cross-country flights. The site is managed by the Drachen- und Gleitschirmfliegerclub Siebengebirge e.V. The maximum flight altitude is 1300 meters due to the controlled airspace of Cologne/Bonn Airport. The site record is 78.4 km, which you can find more about [here](http://www.dgc-siebengebirge.com/sp1.htm). Flying at Finkenberg requires a briefing from the site manager or an experienced pilot familiar with the area. The launch is a narrow aisle, and it is crucial to fly only with wind from the south to southwest. Winds from other directions, especially southeast, can create dangerous turbulence and rotors. Parking is available at the Schießstand Rahms, with a 300-meter walk to the launch site. Alternatively, you can park at the landing site and hike up to the launch site, which takes about 30 minutes. Finkenberg offers classic ridge soaring with winds from the south to southwest at 15-20 km/h. The site is thermally active due to its south-facing orientation, but thermals can be small and require tight circling. In summer, thermal releases in the launch aisle can create strong wind gusts. Cross-country flying is theoretically possible but limited by the airspace ceiling at 1300 meters. The regional wind is often deflected in the Wied loop near Rossbach, allowing for flying even with a southwest wind. There are specific flight restrictions to protect local wildlife, including a no-fly zone over the Roßbacher Häubchen to the east of the launch site, where an eagle owl pair nests. For more details, visit the [DGC Siebengebirge website](https://dgc-siebengebirge.de/index.php/startplaetze/finkenberg). Contact: Drachen- und Gleitschirmfliegerclub Siebengebirge e.V. Email: info@dgc-siebengebirge.de Website: www.dgc-siebengebirge.de For accommodations and other local information, visit www.verkehrsverein-rossbach.de.