Paragliding in summer at Lake Achensee
Flying sites at Lake Achensee are very thermally active, attracting individual extreme athletes, flying schools and providers of tandem flights alike. Which is not surprising: The thrill of losing the solid ground under your feet and gliding leisurely through the air is just incredible.
We have put together tips and information on where to get started with paragliding, where to book tandem flights, and where to find the region’s best flying sites. Plus, we share information for hang-gliders. Get your paraglider ready and take off – and enjoy the thrill of free flying.
Code of conduct for paragliding
What could be better than experiencing Lake Achensee from a bird’s-eye view? However, it is important to remember that the natural area on the ground and in the air around Tirol’s largest lake belongs first and foremost to those who neither need a paraglider nor fly: birds, chamois, ibex, deer, and grouse, all of which are protected under the Tirolean Nature Conservation Act.
Paragliders, hang-gliders, and glider pilots must observe the following rules:
- Take-offs and landings are only permitted at designated take-off and landing sites (except in emergencies).
- Avoid flying in special protection zones:
- Do not fly over breeding sites or wildlife.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres from the ground when flying near slopes or ridges.
- Avoid suddenly appearing over ridges or terrain edges.
- Refrain from flying during the sensitive season (February to July, the breeding season for some rare bird species) and at twilight.
Panic-like flight behaviour and prolonged hiding of animals can deprive wildlife of valuable grazing time, which can lead to weakness and even starvation, especially in very young wild animals.
Extreme caution is required in protected areas. Be considerate and make sure you are aware of the official take-off and landing sites for each flying area.
Weather, wind and more
Achenkirch
Maurach
Pertisau
Steinberg am Rofan
Wiesing
Flying sites & protected areas at Lake Achensee
ALL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE (ALL YEAR ROUND)
The Rofan mountains offer great thermals for cross-country flights, and the challenging flying site is also a popular test area for paraglider manufacturers. In the mornings, the Rofan usually has ideal calm conditions.
On thermally active days, take-offs in the afternoon are highly susceptible to strong turbulence and therefore reserved for experienced pilots.
Likewise, the wind in the valley usually shifts to the north in the afternoon, with wind speeds of over 30km/h possible. Watch out for whitecaps in the lake!
The Achental is also susceptible to foehn winds. If the wind flows south, please get the wind report and history from Patscherkofel (TAWES report). In the Rofan, there are also strong valley winds, which must be considered for landing.
- Ascent: by the Rofan cable car (Maurach am Achensee)
- Launch site: The enclosed launch site is next to the Mauritzalm, ca. 7 minutes’ walk from the top station of the Rofan cable car. Access is via the hiking trail. (Wind information: webcam Holfuy Rofan)
- Direction: S-NW
- Difference in altitude: 861m
- Landing site: Large meadow south of the roundabout in Maurach within five minutes’ walk from the valley station of the Rofan cable car. (Wind information: webcam Holfuy Hubertus and Tiwag-Achensee-Pertisau)
- Take-off and landing fees: Payable at the cash desk of the Rofan cable car.
- Terrain keeper/responsibility: The Aeroclub Achensee is the terrain keeper of the flying site and therefore responsible for the launch and landing sites. For more information about the flying site and regulations, visit www.aeroclub-achensee.at.
ALL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE (ALL YEAR ROUND)
In the morning, the Zwölferkopf flying site is ideal for scenic flights, whereas take-offs in the afternoon are susceptible to strong turbulence due to the two valley winds from south-east and north.
Are you interested in soaring in the north wind? Then the terrain keeper recommends a very late take-off and a delayed landing. The winds can remain strong, gusty and turbulent well into the evening hours.
The paragliding school Achensee uses the flying site for safety trainings. Guideline: If you are new to the terrain, do not take off if there are no more training flights (beware of the valley winds).
- Ascent: by the Karwendel cable car (Pertisau am Achensee)
- Launch sites: three launch sites (next to the top station of the Karwendel cable car), one in a northerly direction and two in a westerly direction
- Direction: N-E
- Difference in altitude: 539m
- Two landing sites: near Hotel Bergland and Hotel Wiesenhof in Pertisau
- Take-off and landing fees: payable at the cash desk of the Karwendel cable car
- Terrain keeper/responsibility: The paragliding school Achensee is responsible for the launch and landing sites. For more information visit https://www.gleitschirmschule-achensee.at/.
ALL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE (SUMMER)
The warmer months of the year are the best time for Hike & Fly adventures in the Achensee region, and the Christlum offers the perfect conditions. You’ll take off from a beautiful launch site and fly at an altitude of almost 1000 metres. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views as you soar through the skies in Achenkirch at the edge of the Karwendel mountain range.
- Ascent: The launch site can only be reached on foot. During the climb, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views. The Christlum lifts (Achenkirch am Achensee) operate in winter only.
- Launch site: Next to the mountain station of the chairlift "Cabrio Flitzer"
- Direction: N-E to S (in S-W wind please use winter launch site)
- Difference in altitude: ca. 780m
- Landing site: The landing site is near the restaurant SeeEck just a few steps from the lake. This creates ideal conditions for landing safely even in slightly stronger winds. The landing site is clearly visible from all mountain peaks and launch sites.
- Take-off and landing fees: payable directly to the club via QR code
- Terrain keeper/responsibility: Terrain keeper is the “Paraglidingclub Achenkirch”. For more information, visit www.paraglidingclub-achenkirch.at.
ALL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE (WINTER)
Many paragliding pilots are not deterred by the winter. The crisp, cold air as you peacefully soar over the snow-covered landscape is a fantastic experience. The lifts provide easy and convenient access to the launch site.
- Ascent: Christlum lifts (Achenkirch am Achensee). We recommend wearing skis (chairlifts only), but you can also reach the launch site without skis.
- Launch site: The launch site is at the northern end of the ski slope and visible from the lift, follow the signs and banners.
- Direction: E to S-W
- Difference in altitude: ca. 700m
- Landing site: The winter landing site is right next to the valley station of the Christlum, between the cross-country ski trail and the restaurant “Seealm”. The large area with the Prantlhof in the middle (landmark) is easily recognizable from the ski area and from the air.
- Take-off and landing fees: Fees are payable at the cash desk of the Christlum lifts
- Terrain keeper/responsibility: Experience provider "Paragliding Achenkirch". For more information, visit www.paraglidingclub-achenkirch.at
ALL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE (ALL YEAR ROUND)
Looking for a hang-gliding experience? The gondola of the Rofan cable car is suitable to transport hang-gliders up the mountain, letting pilots enjoy a bird’s eye view of Lake Achensee.
- Ascent: by the Rofan cable car (Maurach am Achensee)
- Launch site: The launch ramp is in front of the Erfurter Hütte which lies directly adjacent to the mountain station of the Rofan cable car.
- Landing site: Large meadow south of the roundabout in Maurach within five minutes’ walk from the valley station of the Rofan cable car. (Wind information: webcam Holfuy Hubertus and Tiwag-Achensee-Pertisau)
- Take-off and landing fees: Payable at the cash desk of the Rofan cable car.
- Terrain keeper/responsibility: The Aeroclub Achensee is the terrain keeper of the flying site and therefore responsible for the launch and landing sites. For more information about the flying site and regulations, visit, www.aeroclub-achensee.at.
Take-off and landing sites may only be used with a valid flight licence, liability insurance and after payment of the take-off and landing fees. Tandem flights offered by flight schools are exclusively carried out by licensed pilots.
Tandem flight providers
The paragliding school Achensee offers hands-on professional instruction for experienced pilots and courses for beginners. In addition, the paragliding school offers tandem flights that let you experience the thrill of free flying.
