Weissenstein

Weissenstein is Switzerland's most frequented XContest launch — a big, well-known site above Oberdorf, Solothurn, flyable mainly in southerly or calm conditions with a large enough takeoff area to handle traffic. Wind from the west, or a Bise from the northeast, generates rotor here, so those directions call for real caution; on a Bise or northwest day pilots typically head to Röti instead. Reach launch by cable car from Oberdorf, or drive up — the takeoff sits just below the restaurant at the cable-car station. If the direct field is fenced off, use the southern end instead, and always stick to the side path rather than walking straight across the launch field. One airspace point worth knowing for cross-country plans: this site sits near Basel Tango airspace, so when in doubt, stay below 1,750 m ASL.

Launch & conditions

Large takeoff area, best in southerly or calm conditions. If the field is fenced off, use the southern end, and always use the side path rather than walking straight across the launch field.

Getting there & local rules

Reach launch by cable car from Oberdorf, Solothurn, or drive up; the takeoff sits just below the restaurant at the cable-car station.

Local rules & hazards

Wind from the west, or a Bise from the northeast, creates rotor here — treat both with real caution, and head to Röti instead on a Bise or northwest day. This site sits near Basel Tango airspace, so when in doubt, stay below 1,750 m ASL.

Check conditions before you fly

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