Hochalm Kirche Startplatz

Hochalm Kirche is one of two launches on the Hochalm plateau in Austria, sitting at about 1,836 m with an open launch area right by the pilgrimage church, and takes wind from east through south to west. Both Hochalm launches are reachable on foot only — park either near the sports field down in the valley or at a nearby farm, where a small parking fee applies; landing near that farm parking spot is strictly forbidden. Flying is only allowed within set hours: 10:00–18:00 from 1 May to 31 August, 10:00–17:00 from then until 14 October, and there's a complete flying ban from 15 October through the end of April. The site sits inside the military control zone of Zeltweg Airport, so an authorised person has to get the local flight-restriction area released by air traffic control before anyone flies, and pilots must contact Zeltweg for clearance before launching too. Despite an almost 1,000 m height difference across the site, it's considered easy to fly.

Launch & conditions

Launch area right by the pilgrimage church at about 1,836 m, taking wind from east through south to west. Reachable on foot only. Despite the site's near-1,000 m height range, it's considered easy to fly.

Getting there & local rules

Park either near the sports field in the valley or at a nearby farm (small fee); landing at that farm parking area is strictly forbidden. Hiking in is required either way.

Local rules & hazards

Flying hours are fixed: 10:00–18:00 from 1 May to 31 August, 10:00–17:00 until 14 October, with a total flying ban from 15 October to 1 May. The site sits in the military control zone of Zeltweg Airport — an authorised person must get the local flight-restriction area released by air traffic control before flying, and pilots need clearance from Zeltweg before launching.

Check conditions before you fly

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