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Description
At an altitude of 1897 meters with a height difference of 1390 meters, this site is highly frequented, offering thermal soaring and enjoyable flights. It's also suitable for cross-country (XC) flying, but be aware of airspace restrictions, particularly the Klagenfurt TMA, which limits altitude to 2100 meters above sea level. Consult with local pilots for current airspace conditions, as some areas may be temporarily open.
Top landing is possible.
Region: Carinthia, Austria. The site record is 84.0 km. More information can be found at [Gerlitzen](https://service.it-wms.com/gerlitzen/index.html).
From the chairlift mountain station, head south, passing the mountain railway depot to reach the east launch site near the round tower. The launch area is spacious, accommodating up to six gliders side by side. The slope is gentle at first, then steepens towards Finsterbachgraben, which reliably collects thermals. The house thermal is located at the eastern boundary of Finsterbachgraben above the so-called Berger settlement.
With views over Lake Ossiach and the surrounding Carinthian lakes, this is one of Austria's most beautiful paragliding mountains. It's also good in autumn, though fog can sometimes be an issue.
For weather updates, visit [Gerlitzen Weather](http://gerlitzen.it-wms.com/).
Lift prices and more information can be found at [Gerlitzen](http://www.gerlitzen.com).
Gerlitzen Alpe by Lake Ossiach is one of Europe's most renowned flying sites. Located in the heart of Carinthia, it attracts tourists and pilots alike. The extensive tourist facilities available year-round, proximity to Villach, and the landing zone near Lake Ossiach make it ideal for pilots with families.
Whether you're an XC or acro pilot, Gerlitzen has something for everyone. The current paragliding distance record is 169.32 km (as of 2013). The significant altitude difference and Lake Ossiach provide excellent training conditions for acro pilots. The site is also suitable for flight safety training, with renowned acro pilot Xandi Meschuh hosting annual safety and acro training sessions here.
Airspace: At Gerlitzen, you can fly up to 1981 meters (FL65/6500ft MSL) or 300 meters above ground. Beyond this, airspace D begins. Near the summit, you can ascend to a maximum of 2200 meters. When the Temporary Reserved Area (TRA) Gerlitzen is open, you can fly up to 2896 meters (FL95/9500ft). In the Ossiacher Tauern area, the maximum altitude is 1067 meters (FL35/3500ft MSL). TRA Gerlitzen clearance must be requested through Feldkirchen airfield. Information on clearance can be obtained via the ATIS-Klagenfurt listening band at +43(0)517036831 or on the frequency 126.325 MHz.
For acro/SIV training, visit [Just Acro](http://justacro.com/startplaces/austria/gerlitzen).
Ossiacher See is located in southern Austria, a few kilometers from Villach, and is one of the best places to practice over water. It's easily accessible by motorways (A10, A11, A2) and has a cable car to the top. Each season, a large acro community trains here, with many pilots staying at Lindenhofcamping.
You can park in Annenheim at the "Kanzelbahn" cable car station or 1 km away at the camping's parking next to the landing zone. Take the "Kanzelbahn" and then the "Gipfelbahn" cable cars to the Gerlitzen peak (1911 meters). The take-off site is large, smooth, and grassy. Except for northern winds, you can launch in any direction. The height difference is 1400 meters, and depending on wind and conditions, you can reach the lake 600-900 meters high.
The cloud base is usually only a few hundred meters above the peak, and the thermals are not the best. It's strictly forbidden to climb above 2100 meters ASL due to the Klagenfurt TMA airspace.
This region has a favorable micro-climate, often allowing flights when other areas in Austria are not flyable. The dominant valley wind comes from the east. West wind is not ideal as it can be strong at the top and may indicate incoming foehn winds (strong and turbulent). West wind also pushes you back to the lake, away from the landing field, so plan your landing accordingly.
The landing area is lakeside, next to the camping, behind the treeline. There are two fields: one for the local flying school and the other for commercial tandem companies. Acro pilots should land on the field between the road and the lake. Avoid landing in the camping area or high grass.
For more information on the cable car, visit [Bergfex](http://www.bergfex.at/gerlitzen/).
For accommodation and other tourist information, visit [Kärnten](http://www.kaernten.at).
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