Gipfelstation Nordwest

Gipfelstation Nordwest is a west/northwest-facing launch on the Hochries, in the Chiemgau Alps of Bavaria, at about 1,560 m, with sweeping views over the pre-Alpine foothills and the Inn valley. This mountain rewards experienced pilots most, though beginners can fly it too when conditions are right — it's not a site to underestimate on a marginal day. There are two separate take-off areas at the north summit station: hang-gliders use a large, steep wooden ramp set about 0.5 m above the ground, while paragliders launch from a slightly lower, well-prepared area with matting. Where the two share a launch area at the northwest summit point, paragliders give way to hang-gliders taking off. Windsocks and direction indicators are on hand, but watch out — in a south wind they read false due to lee effects on this side of the mountain, so always keep an eye on the flag at the very top as the more reliable read. Camping is allowed at the landing meadow, and there's a restaurant on site; the take-off areas themselves are a short signposted walk downhill from the mountain-station restaurant.

Launch & conditions

Two separate launches at the north summit station: a steep wooden hang-glider ramp about 0.5 m above ground, and a lower, matted paraglider area. Where they share space, paragliders give way to launching hang-gliders — and always check the flag at the very summit, since the windsock reads false in south wind due to lee effects.

Getting there & local rules

Take-off areas are a short, signposted walk downhill from the mountain-station restaurant. Camping is allowed at the landing meadow, and there's food and drink on site.

Local rules & hazards

This mountain rewards experienced pilots most; beginners can fly it too, but only when conditions are genuinely right — don't underestimate a marginal day here. In south wind, the windsocks read false due to lee effects, so trust the flag at the summit instead.

Check conditions before you fly

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