About this flying site
Crowded on weekends. XC is usually one-way downwind to the east.
Germany · Paragliding site
Merkur paragliding site and weather forecast
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Merkur.
Altitude651 m
Launch directionsNE, SW, W
Coordinates48.7648, 8.2794
AreaGermany
Site briefing
Planning information for Merkur
Take-off
Very wide, but steep and short takeoff facing WSW. Also works with south SSW to some degree, but NW is dangerous. The NE takeoff has special rules, see website if you wish to fly there.
Landing
Small, as usual in the northern Black Forest. See website for instructions.
Access and parking
Cable car or walking. DO NOT drive to the takeoff. The cable car runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (!) every 5 minutes and is rather low priced. Don't use the vending machine, but the ticket window to grant the lady her commision (no additional cost for you). After purchasing, don't use the tourist queue, but the greenish door to the left. Go to the upper end of the stairs to be out of the way for the tourists leaving the car once it arrives. This means you will be cutting in line. Please make up for that by standing and leaving the seats to the tourists, or, if it's really crowded, skip the first car. The next one will arrive just 5 minutes later. http://www.stadtwerke-baden-baden.de/merkur-bergbahn/
Local weather notes
See https://www.schwarzwaldgeier.de/wetterstation-merkur/ for the current situation. Local wind is often a good deal stronger than meteo wind. Perfect groundhandling skills are a must.
Flight rules
West: 1. Read the website 2. Inspect LZ before taking the cable car 3. Take the cable car, purchase a "Flieg auf und ab" ticket. This includes the guest site fee for the day. For subsequent flights on the same day, a single "up" ticket is sufficient. Don't use your own car. 4. Ask a local for a briefing. This is mandatory, as we will get in trouble if you crash and we are unable to provide proof that you got a briefing to the police. North East: Boils down to locals only, see website.
Authoritative sources
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Paragliding sites near Merkur
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.
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