Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Rothenberg Süd is a winter-focused snowkiting spot in the Odenwald on open meadows on the south side of Rothenberg, around 409 m altitude. It is geared toward intermediate riders and is typically rideable only when snow cover is sufficient to protect the underlying ground. The setup favors frontal-wind patterns, with the most suitable wind directions coming from the west through northwest (SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW). When the snow conditions line up, riders get usable powder conditions across the open terrain; however, sessions are highly opportunistic because both wind and snow depth are required. On-site safety requires extra care around infrastructure and boundaries. Power lines border the riding fields and there are multiple fences/farm barriers, plus the riding area is close to the L3410 road. Local guidance also emphasizes watching for footpaths and other winter sports users sharing nearby access routes. Practical planning matters: parking is limited to roadside turnouts, and riders should avoid blocking agricultural traffic. Before committing to travel, check local webcams for snow depth, especially since conditions can vary and the area’s usability is strongly tied to adequate snow cover. Emergency services are available via 112, but no formal on-site rescue is indicated.
- Open meadows on a high plateau with good westerly wind exposure
- Intermediate snowkiting destination when snow depth is sufficient
- Best wind directions: SW through NW
- Opportunistic winter-only riding
- Open, elevated plateau with broad meadow space for snowkiting.
- Best westerly wind directions are clearly defined (SW to NW).
- Intermediate-friendly when conditions and snow depth are right.
- Access is straightforward for day trips from the Heidelberg area.
- Sessions depend heavily on having enough snow cover.
- Unreliable wind/snow timing outside frontal setups.
- Hazards include power lines, field fences, and proximity to the road.
- Crowds can increase on sunny weekends with fresh snow.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal
- Reliability
- Unreliable, entirely dependent on snow cover and winter weather fronts.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February
Water & beach
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed surface conditions reported for the area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Open grassy fields on an elevated plateau.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
- Obstacles
- Power lines, farm fences, trees at field boundaries, and proximity to the L3410 road.
Through the year
Can be busy on sunny weekends with fresh snow; otherwise very quiet.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Open meadows on an elevated plateau in the Odenwald suitable for intermediate riders during snowy winter months. Works best with westerly setups (SW through NW).
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) in the full forecast view.
Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- WSW237°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. 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
- Power lines near the road
- Many fences in the fields
- Wire fences and farm barriers
- Proximity to the L3410 road
- Footpaths
- Other snow sports enthusiasts
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No formal on-site rescue is indicated; emergency services via 112.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number is 112.
Rules of the spot
Snowkiting is allowed only in a defined zone/areas where riding conditions protect the underlying grass/crops; follow standard land-access rules (do not ride where snow cover is insufficient).
- Defined zone where snowkiting is allowed
- Seasonal riding only when there is adequate snow cover to protect the ground/grass/crops
- Watch for footpaths and other snow sports enthusiasts.
- Beware of power lines near the road and the many fences in the fields.
- Check local webcams to confirm snow depth before traveling.
- Parking is limited to roadside turnouts—ensure you do not block agricultural traffic.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Heidelberg
- Nearest Town
- Rothenberg
- Nearest Airport
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Parking
- Limited parking available in roadside turnouts; do not block agricultural traffic.
- Public Transport
- Limited rural bus service from Beerfelden or Hirschhorn; private car is highly recommended.
- Access
- Ski touring access to open meadows on the south side of Rothenberg (via the L3410 road south of the village).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guest houses and small hotels are available in Rothenberg and Beerfelden.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and traditional restaurants in Rothenberg.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through seasonal mobile schools or in nearby cities like Mannheim/Heidelberg.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald)?
The best overall months at Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) are December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald)?
Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) works with SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW winds.
What skill level is Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) suitable for?
Rothenberg Süd (Odenwald) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.