Ramnan (Alomar observatory), Andøya

Ramnan is the flying site at the ALOMAR observatory on Andøya, in far northern Norway — another Andøya launch that works in almost every direction depending on the wind. NE launches go towards Andenes over the Bjørndalen valley, heading out towards the main road; following Rambergsaksla, the NE ridge, gives nice soaring and hang areas along the edge. E/SE launches sit behind the observatory on the higher plateau, flying out towards Møsje. W/NW launches use the takeoff zone by the observatory, flying west towards Bleik — watch for turbulence and rotor around the mountain edge.

Launch & conditions

Multi-direction site — takeoffs available for NE, E/SE and W/NW. NE: launch towards Andenes over Bjørndalen valley to the main road; follow Rambergsaksla ridge NE for soaring and hang areas. E/SE: launch from behind the observatory on the higher plateau, fly to Møsje. W/NW: launch from the zone by the observatory, fly west to Bleik — watch turbulence and rotor by the edge.

Getting there & local rules

Access on foot from Bjørndalen parking — 25 min walk up the mountain road to the observatory. Landings: almost anywhere on nearby bog. If landing at Bleik, use the beach or the fields — NOT the golf course or near the graveyard.

Check conditions before you fly

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