Mackenheim (Odenwald)
- Freeride, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Mackenheim is a winter-focused snowkiting location in the Odenwald plateau area near Ober-Abtsteinach. The spot uses large open grassy fields at plateau height (around 510 m is cited in spot notes) and is described as well-suited to snowkiting sessions when sufficient snow has fallen. Wind performance is primarily tied to frontal weather systems, with ridge effects on Odenwald plateaus contributing to acceleration. The best working wind directions are commonly listed as north through southwest sectors (including N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, and SW). Typical wind ranges are given as roughly 10–25 knots, but overall reliability is described as low and highly dependent on winter storms and snow cover. Safety is a key consideration. Hazard notes consistently call out the adjacent road (L3408) and overhead power lines near the field boundaries, along with fences/field edges and trees. Local guidance emphasizes avoiding kite flying near the road and power lines, respecting agriculture, and not using fields where animals are grazing. Riders should plan for adequate snow depth before attempting to cross/ride over grass (a minimum snow cover threshold is recommended). Rescue support is not dedicated kite rescue on-site; emergency help relies on standard German services via 112. Conditions are seasonal, with the best overall snow season described in winter months (especially January–February), and air temperatures remaining around freezing or below during that period.
- Open plateau meadows designed for winter snowkiting
- Frontal winds can be accelerated by Odenwald plateau/ridge effects
- Intermediate-friendly space when snow cover is sufficient
- Large open plateau meadows that suit snowkiting and allow relatively unobstructed wind flow
- Frontal-wind pattern can be favorable on Odenwald plateaus during winter
- Easy launch access when fields are open and snow conditions are adequate
- Snowkiting depends on getting enough snow cover and suitable winter fronts
- Proximity to a road and overhead power lines increases launch/landing risk
- Wind can be unreliable outside strong winter storm periods
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal winds often accelerated by ridge effects on Odenwald plateaus (winter-focused snowkiting conditions).
- Reliability
- Low probability (highly dependent on winter storms and snow cover)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence from nearby trees and village buildings
Water & beach
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat
- Launch
- Big — Large open grassy meadows on a plateau
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
- Bottom Type
- Mud
Through the year
Low during weekdays; can be busy on snowy weekends with local riders.
Rain and wind are most frequent from November through March (snow season primarily December through February).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Well-known regional snowkiting area on a plateau with open fields used for winter sessions. Works best with frontal conditions and sufficient snow cover.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Mackenheim (Odenwald) in the full forecast view.
Mackenheim (Odenwald) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–16 ktsGusts 34 kts
- Direction
- SW227°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 3–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Mackenheim (Odenwald) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 34 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Road (L3408) runs parallel to the fields
- Power lines
- Fences at field boundaries
- Trees at the edges of the meadows
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated kite rescue; standard German emergency services (mountain rescue/fire/ambulance) via 112.
- Emergency Info
- Call 112. Nearest major medical care is at GRN Klinik Weinheim.
Rules of the spot
Avoid kite flying near the road and power lines. Respect local agriculture and do not damage fences.
- Do not kite on fields where animals are grazing
- Respect local residents' property
- No kiting near the road and power lines
- Requires at least 15 cm of snow cover for safe riding over the grass
- Check the snow depth in the Odenwald before traveling as it can vary greatly from the valley
- Do not kite on fields where animals are grazing
- Respect local residents' property
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mannheim
- Nearest Town
- Abtsteinach
- Nearest Airport
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Parking
- Limited parking is available at field entrances or within the village of Mackenheim.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the VRN bus network connecting to Weinheim or Heppenheim train stations.
- Access
- Accessible via the L3408 road between Weinheim and Abtsteinach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and holiday apartments are available in Abtsteinach and Wald-Michelbach.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and cafes in the nearby villages.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent on-site wind-sport rental; visitors typically bring their own gear. No specialized snowkite rentals on-site.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite/wing repair in the immediate vicinity; closest shops are in Mannheim or Frankfurt.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Abtsteinach area is a scenic highland region focused on nature-based tourism and hiking, with winter sports when snow conditions permit.
A popular summer toboggan run located at the Kreidacher Höhe.
A historic landmark in Ober-Abtsteinach reflecting local Odenwald architecture.
Extensive hiking and mountain biking trails throughout the Bergstraße-Odenwald Nature Park.
Traditional Odenwald cuisine located in the heart of Abtsteinach.
Family-friendly hiking paths and local playgrounds in the scenic highlands.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Mackenheim (Odenwald)?
The best overall months at Mackenheim (Odenwald) are January, February.
Which wind directions work at Mackenheim (Odenwald)?
Mackenheim (Odenwald) works with N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW winds.
What skill level is Mackenheim (Odenwald) suitable for?
Mackenheim (Odenwald) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.