Athirikya

Flying a Kite Safely in Germany

A practical guide to enjoying this autumn activity safely, especially around power lines, traffic and airfields.

A simple autumn activity with important safety rules

Drachen steigen lassen means flying a kite. It is a popular family activity in autumn because open fields and a steady breeze can be ideal. A kite is small, but its line can create serious danger near electricity, traffic or aircraft.

Choose the place before you unpack the kite. A large, open area is more important than strong wind.

Choose a safe place

Use a wide open field or meadow where you can see clearly around you. Check that there are no overhead power lines, roads, railway lines, trees, buildings, animals or crowds in the kite’s likely path. Never fly a kite close to electricity infrastructure.

Do not fly a kite within 1.5 kilometres of an airfield boundary unless the responsible aviation authority has granted an exception. This rule applies even to a small kite. Separately, a kite with a line longer than 100 metres needs permission from the responsible aviation authority. Local restrictions may also apply, for example in protected areas or at organised events.

Check the weather and equipment

A light to moderate, steady breeze is better than strong or changing wind. Stop if the wind becomes difficult to control. Never fly a kite during a thunderstorm: the line can create a serious lightning risk.

  • Use a kite and line that are suitable for the wind conditions.
  • Choose a handle or spool that adults can control securely.
  • Bring warm clothes; open fields can feel much colder than town streets.
  • Keep children close to an adult who is watching the kite and its surroundings.

Fly it with other people in mind

Stand so that the line does not cross paths used by walkers, cyclists or animals. Do not run into a road to follow a falling kite. If the wind changes or the area becomes busy, bring the kite down and move to a safer place.

For children, agree simple rules before starting: stay beside the adult, do not wrap the line around hands or body, and tell an adult immediately if the kite moves toward a hazard.

What to avoid

  • Do not fly near overhead power lines, substations, roads or railways, or within 1.5 kilometres of an airfield boundary without an approved exception.
  • Do not fly in a storm, during thunder or when gusts make the kite hard to control.
  • Do not use a line longer than 100 metres without checking whether permission is required.
  • Do not leave children alone with a flying kite or a tensioned line.
  • Do not try to retrieve a kite from a tree near a road or from private land without permission.

If the kite catches on a power line

Let go of the line. Do not touch it, pull it, climb to the kite or try to remove it with an object. Move people away from the area and contact the local electricity network operator. If there is fire, smoke, an injured person or immediate danger, call 112.

The kite is replaceable. Safety is more important than getting it back.

Useful German words

  • der Drachen — kite
  • die Drachenschnur — kite line
  • die Wiese — meadow
  • die Stromleitung — power line
  • der Netzbetreiber — electricity network operator
  • der Abstand — distance
  • das Gewitter — thunderstorm

Official information

Rules and dates can change. For current information, use: