Oberrieden

Oberrieden is a soaring site near Zurich, Switzerland, that only comes alive on a genuine Bise — the easterly wind — and needs it blowing a specific 15 to 25 km/h at launch to work at all; when it's too weak, pilots usually head to the nearby Baldern launch instead. The launch itself is an easy, large field just above a small road, but the flying above it is unforgiving: the site sits below Zurich's TMA, with a maximum altitude of 1,350 meters ASL without clearance, which is normally enough room to soar. Getting blown back over the ridge here simply isn't an option, so watch the wind strength carefully throughout the flight. Landing is usually a top-landing back at launch; if a pilot drops out, there are fields below takeoff, but they're steep and the landing there is usually crosswind — not an easy bailout. This is a sensitive site looked after by local maintainers, so follow whatever instructions they post.

Launch & conditions

Easy, large field just above a small road — but this site only works on a genuine Bise (easterly wind), and it needs a specific 15–25 km/h at launch. Too weak, and the nearby Baldern launch is the usual backup.

Getting there & local rules

This is a sensitive site looked after by local maintainers — follow whatever instructions they post.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits below Zurich's TMA, with a maximum altitude of 1,350 m ASL without clearance — normally enough room to soar. Getting blown back over the ridge isn't an option here, so keep a close eye on wind strength throughout the flight.

Check conditions before you fly

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