Himmelreich

Himmelreich is one of two flying hills above St. Marein im Mürztal in Styria, at about 1,169 m, alongside the neighboring Rührer site — together they're rated among the best conditions in the Mürztal. The south-facing terrain produces good thermal lift from spring onward, and in a stronger south wind pilots can also soar along the ridge edge. The natural launch described here, taking off directly from a forest road in southeast-to-south wind, serves hang glider pilots; paraglider pilots fly from a separate takeoff about 1 km to the west, at the Rührer site, rather than this exact spot. A safe glide ratio of 5.5 is needed to reach the landing field below. The best thermal window runs from mid-February to the end of May, after which flying activity shifts to the nearby Schießling launch for the rest of the season.

Launch & conditions

This described natural launch — a direct takeoff from a forest road in southeast to south wind — serves hang glider pilots; paraglider pilots launch from a separate takeoff about 1 km west of here, at the Rührer site.

Check conditions before you fly

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