Berge

Berge sits east of Etne on Norway's west coast — a genuinely good local flying site that lives on sea breezes rolling into the bay from the west. It also thermals well, which makes it one of the best flying areas in the region. Two starts step up the hillside: an upper start at 400 m ASL (PP2 rated for paragliders on outdoor exit) and a lower start at 200 m ASL (PP3). Hang gliders fly it as SP3 from both starts. A large landing field sits just below launch. It's not a site to fly in northerly meteo wind — turbulent, and the wind ends up coming in from the wrong direction (up the big valley, then in from the bay). Inexperienced pilots should stay away when the main wind is north.

Launch & conditions

Two starts: upper 400 m ASL (PG PP2, outdoor exit) and lower 200 m ASL (PG PP3). Hang gliders: SP3 from both starts. Directions W and NW.

Getting there & local rules

From E134, follow the signs to Grindheim. Follow the winding road to the landing field, on the left by a large gravel parking area. Landings: the field directly below takeoff — make sure you know the right field before you take off.

Local rules & hazards

Pure northerly (or nil) wind here is turbulent — the wind toggles to come from the right, up the big valley and in from the bay. Inexperienced pilots should not fly when the main meteo wind is north. Observe the main wind direction before committing.

Check conditions before you fly

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