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.
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:
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.