Rigi – Scheidegg

Rigi – Scheidegg is a soaring site on the Rigi, the well-known ridge mountain between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug in central Switzerland, launching from around 1,649 m. It works on northeast or southeast wind, which lines up with the ridge's orientation above the lakes below — the kind of exposure that makes the Rigi a long-standing soaring venue rather than a thermal cross-country launch. Access is by gondola or cable car up from the Goldau side, at Krähel, which keeps the walk to launch short compared with many alpine sites. The Rigi's open, lake-facing flanks give reliable lift on the right wind without needing strong thermic heating, part of why it has drawn pilots for soaring flights for decades. Beyond the access route, the source data here is thin on landing details and local hazards, so first-time visitors should confirm the current landing zone and any restrictions with a local school or club before flying.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by cable car up from the Goldau side, at Krähel, which shortens the walk to launch considerably.

Check conditions before you fly

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