Hausberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Elevation: 1270 m Height Difference: 5203 m This site is occasionally used for paragliding, primarily for enjoyable soaring flights in the afternoon valley wind. Cross-country flights are possible, but the main attraction is the afternoon soaring. You can also start from a lower altitude. Note that the Hausbergbahn is closed during the summer season, but you can reach the launch site on foot in about 45-60 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Safety Warnings: Before taking off, it is essential to get a briefing from someone familiar with the area. The launch site is located in a narrow corridor, which can experience strong turbulence, especially with side winds. Avoid starting in the afternoon. The landing site typically experiences strong valley winds from the north starting around midday. Landing at Hausberg is generally safe again in the evening. Region: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany The Hausberg flying site may seem unremarkable at first glance. As the lowest flying mountain in the area, with a height difference of only about 450 meters to the landing site at the Hausbergtalstation, its potential is often underestimated. Its northern orientation faces the valley wind head-on, allowing for hours of soaring. From around 1:00 PM, the valley wind is further enhanced by good thermals, creating a highly sporty experience. Therefore, this mountain is best used for gliding and enjoyable flights in the morning. Landing should be done before midday. The site is generally safe for takeoff again around 4:00 to 5:00 PM. In the late afternoon, the mountain becomes particularly enjoyable. Experienced pilots can take advantage of the dynamic valley wind and evening thermals for shorter cross-country flights. The launch site is in a narrow ski corridor and should only be used with a local guide or after a proper briefing. This is a well-intentioned rule to respect the unique characteristics of this mountain. Don't worry about bureaucratic hurdles; if it's flyable, you'll usually find a handful of locals ready to help you explore Hausberg. The valley wind can become particularly strong here. For more information, visit: - [Drachen- und Gleitschirmflieger Werdenfels e.V.](http://www.drachen-und-gleitschirmflieger.de/fluggebiet.php) - [Hausberg Paragliding Site](https://dgfw.club/fluggebiet_hausberg.php) Flight: The best times to take off are in the morning and again in the late afternoon (smaller cross-country flights are possible then). The valley wind starts around midday, generating good thermals, so it's best to have landed by then to avoid turbulence. Difficulty: Guest pilots are only allowed to use the site after a briefing or when accompanied by club members. Special Features and Webcam: During the summer, the Hausbergbahn is out of service. You can reach the summit on foot in about an hour. A start and landing fee (currently 3 Euros per day) must be paid at the cable car ticket office. During the ski season, launching from the ski slopes is prohibited. For more details, visit: - [Zugspitze Hausberg](http://www.zugspitze.de/hausberg/index.php)