Klinovec

Klínovec (Keilberg) is the highest point of the Ore Mountains in the Czech Republic, and its best paragliding launch is 'U Zabitého' — the steepest slope on the NE face of the mountain at 1,225 m ASL. It's the widest slope on Klínovec, and crucially the only one not crossed by a cable-lift wire, so if something goes wrong you can simply follow the slope down to the landing. Just in front of takeoff, three wind turbines rise from the ridge — a real hazard and a windsock in one.

Launch & conditions

'U Zabitého' — steepest slope on the NE face of Klínovec at 1,225 m ASL. Widest slope on the mountain and not crossed by any cable-lift, so a failed launch or blown flight can simply follow the slope to the LZ. Three wind turbines sit just in front of takeoff.

Getting there & local rules

Takeoff is drivable — very close to the top of Klínovec. From the roundabout between Boží Dar and the German border crossing, take road 219 (SE exit); after ~2 km turn right and follow local signs to 'Klínovec'. Alternative: park at the free lot on the bottom of the north side of the hill and take the cable-lift (summer hours 10:00–17:00, ~60 CZK / 2.5 EUR). Landings: main LZ at 1,020 m near the bottom lift station — practical because you can use the lift back. Also possible to land on the huge grass fields between Klínovec and Oberwiesenthal (975 m, panoramic), but the bottom cable-lift there doesn't run in summer so you'll have to walk back up to the parking.

Local rules & hazards

Slope-launch hazard: real wind direction may be quite different from what you feel on the ground. Three wind turbines directly in front of takeoff — a permanent hazard to plan around.

Check conditions before you fly

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