Rax Startplatz 2

Rax Startplatz 2 is widely regarded as one of the best flying mountains in eastern Lower Austria, launching from 1,642 m right in front of the Otto-Schutzhaus mountain hut. The exposure at this particular launch means pilots can often get airborne relatively early in the day compared with less favorably angled sites, which extends the usable flying window and makes it a good choice for pilots who want first light without giving up altitude or view. It's an alpine takeoff, so it comes with the terrain awareness that implies — the hut sits right at launch, giving a natural gathering point and a clear reference for judging the takeoff before committing. The landing meadow is at the eastern edge of Hirschwang village, offering a defined target for the glide down into the valley below. Wind from the east is what this particular launch is set up for, matching the mountain's reputation as a dependable local favorite.

Launch & conditions

Alpine launch right in front of the Otto-Schutzhaus mountain hut.

Getting there & local rules

The landing meadow is at the eastern edge of Hirschwang village.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Rax 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 Rax 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.