Gerlitzen Startplatz 2

Gerlitzen is one of the most scenic paragliding mountains in Austria, with launch views over the Carinthian lakes near Villach. This particular takeoff sits at about 1,043 m, below the mountain's main summit launch, and can only be used with the local flight school's permission. Flying here needs real wind judgement: strong west or north wind makes it hard to progress toward the landing field, and pilots are better off staying grounded on those days. Reaching the valley landing means flying a long ridge line before turning toward Annenheim and the lake's eastern shore. There's also a hard ceiling to respect — the approach corridor into Klagenfurt airport begins at 2,100 m, part of why cross-country flights from Gerlitzen aren't straightforward. The flight school runs a friendly local briefing for first-time visitors before they fly. Landing on the nearby campsite grounds is strictly forbidden and enforced by police, so stick to the designated landing areas below.

Launch & conditions

This is the flight school's launch point, and starting from here requires prior permission.

Local rules & hazards

A hard airspace ceiling begins at 2,100 m for the Klagenfurt airport approach corridor, and this takeoff can only be used with the flight school's permission. Strong west or north wind makes it difficult to reach the landing field, so many pilots choose to stay grounded rather than push against it. Landing on the adjacent campsite grounds is strictly forbidden and enforced by police — use the designated landing area instead.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Gerlitzen Startplatz 2, 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 Gerlitzen Startplatz 2 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.