Niedere – Andelsbuch

Niedere above Andelsbuch is a west- and northwest-facing launch in Vorarlberg, Austria, reached most commonly by cable car from Andelsbuch, though a hike up is also possible for pilots who'd rather earn the view. At just under 1,600 m the site has real vertical to work with, and it's known locally as a solid thermal and soaring hill — the kind of place where a modest morning flight can turn into a proper afternoon session once the day heats up. One rule is strict here: no groundhandling on the launch itself, so wing-out practice needs to happen elsewhere to keep the takeoff clear for pilots actually flying. The landing zone below gets genuinely busy on good days, with pilots arriving from both the gondola and the hike-up route at once, so following the posted landing pattern rather than improvising an approach matters more here than at a quieter site.

Launch & conditions

Groundhandling is not permitted on the launch — practice your wing-out elsewhere and keep the takeoff area clear.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by cable car from Andelsbuch, or on foot for pilots who'd rather hike up.

Check conditions before you fly

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