Gschwänd / Galgenen

Gschwänd, above Galgenen in Switzerland, launches from a grassy slope at 1,081 m with room for several paragliders at once; a separate hang-gliding takeoff sits a few hundred meters to the east. Wind here comes from the north through northeast to northwest. Access is by road, but parking right at the launch is very limited, so arriving early or carpooling helps on a busy day. The official landing zone is down in Galgenen, and top-landing back at the launch is also possible for pilots comfortable with it. When landing in the valley, aim for the area near the windsock or use the mown meadow rather than picking your own spot. The site works well for thermal flying and also draws hikers up to the takeoff.

Launch & conditions

A grassy slope launch with room for several gliders at once; a separate hang-glider takeoff is a few hundred meters to the east.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by road, but parking at the launch is very limited. The official landing zone is in Galgenen — land near the windsock or on the mown meadow; top-landing is also possible.

Check conditions before you fly

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