Gaisberg Startplatz 3

Gaisberg Startplatz 3 launches from 1,263 m on Salzburg's Gaisberg, one of three natural takeoff points around the mountain's landmark antenna, reachable year-round by car or several times a day by local bus. Wind from the north or north-east suits this particular launch, a small clearing tucked behind the antenna. The defining feature of flying here isn't the terrain — it's the airspace: the whole site sits inside Salzburg Airport's control zone, and pilots may only fly once the temporary reserved area is activated, which demands real airspace knowledge and disciplined flying from everyone who launches. Within those limits the mountain has genuine potential, especially in spring and early summer when climb rates can be strong, though cross-country routes are pushed south toward the Osterhorn range by the airspace restrictions. Glide-outs to the main landing meadow at Guggenthal, on the north side of the mountain, are almost always achievable from any of the launches, and from there a mix of the Gaisberg bus road and several hike-and-fly routes lead back up to the summit.

Launch & conditions

Flying only happens once the temporary reserved airspace is activated — check current status before you launch, and fly with real airspace discipline throughout, since the whole site sits inside Salzburg Airport's control zone.

Local rules & hazards

The site's defining constraint is airspace, not terrain: flying is only permitted once the temporary reserved area over Salzburg's CTR is activated, and every pilot needs solid airspace knowledge to fly here safely. The main landing meadow at Guggenthal suits paragliders well, though hang glider pilots landing there should already be experienced.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Gaisberg Startplatz 3, 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 Gaisberg Startplatz 3 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.