Bezau Nidere

Bezau Nidere is a mountain flying area above Bezau in Vorarlberg, Austria, at up to about 1,692 m, offering thermal and soaring flying with real cross-country potential reachable on foot as well as by lift. There are two separate takeoffs to choose from at different altitudes — Baumgarten at roughly 1,574 m and Hintere Niedere at roughly 1,660 m — giving pilots options depending on conditions and how far up they want to go. A gondola from the village of Bezau reaches the upper mountain, making both launches accessible without a full hike. The single biggest weather hazard here is föhn: a strong föhn wind changes the character of the mountain quickly and should be treated with real caution rather than flown through. On landing, pilots need to stick to the established approach procedure and must not overfly the adjacent buildings or the road nearby — this is a firm rule at the site, not a suggestion.

Launch & conditions

Two separate takeoffs at different altitudes: Baumgarten at about 1,574 m and Hintere Niedere at about 1,660 m.

Getting there & local rules

A gondola from Bezau reaches the upper mountain and both takeoffs.

Local rules & hazards

Strong föhn wind is the main hazard here — treat it with real caution. On landing, follow the established approach procedure and do not overfly the adjacent buildings or the nearby road.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Bezau Nidere, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Bezau Nidere with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.