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High-altitude gliding hub on Germany's Rhön highlands.
Location
Gersfeld (Rhön), Germany
Wasserkuppe Airfield (ICAO: EDER) is a general aviation airfield located near the Wasserkuppe, the highest mountain in the Rhön region and the highest peak in the German state of Hesse, at approximately 950 metres above sea level. The airfield is primarily dedicated to gliding and soaring activities, taking advantage of the excellent thermal and ridge lift conditions generated by the surrounding upland terrain.
The site is closely associated with the long history of motorless flight in Germany; the Rhön region became a world-famous centre for glider development and competition in the early twentieth century. The airfield continues to host gliding clubs, training operations, and national and international soaring competitions today.
Notable facts
- ›Located near the Wasserkuppe, the highest peak in Hesse and the Rhön mountains at around 950 m above sea level.
- ›The Rhön region has been a centre of glider and soaring aviation since the early 1920s.
- ›The airfield is primarily used for gliding, motorgliding, and soaring competitions.
- ›The area offers excellent soaring conditions due to reliable thermal and orographic lift.
- ›The Rhön-Rossitten-Gesellschaft, a pioneering German gliding organisation, was historically associated with this region.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
