Best Conditions
Description
The Niesen, located in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, is a highly frequented paragliding site known for its excellent cross-country (XC) potential. This site is best suited for advanced pilots due to its challenging conditions and terrain.
Altitude: 2250-2300 meters
Difficulty: Medium to Difficult
The Niesen offers a steep south launch site and a slightly easier southwest launch site, both ideal for long-distance flights towards Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Lenk, Kandersteg, or even into the Valais region. The best launch times during summer are between 08:30-12:00 or in the evening. Be cautious of strong valley winds towards Frutigen, which typically start around 11:30 AM.
Access to the launch site is via the Niesenbahn funicular, operational from spring to autumn. Note that only a maximum of 10 paragliders are allowed per ride due to safety regulations, and long waiting times are common on weekends.
Landing Zones:
1. Heustrich (697 meters) - Difficult due to proximity to Reichenbach airfield's control zone.
2. Spiez (640 meters) - Easy under good wind and weather conditions.
Additional landing options are available around the Niesen, but pilots must be aware of numerous small airfields in the region with strict control zones and no-fly areas for paragliders and hang gliders. These include Reichenbach (parachuting), Thun, Saanen, Zweisimmen, St. Stephan, Meiringen, and LS D14 near Kandersteg.
The Niesen is not suitable for flying in north wind or Bise conditions, despite having a north launch site, which is very challenging and requires cliff launching. The approach to Spiez can be demanding in Bise conditions due to headwinds.
The local paragliding club, Birds Gleitschirmclub, emphasizes the importance of respecting the control zones and planning flights to ensure safe landings even in strong valley winds. The Niesen is known for its reliable thermals, especially in the morning, making it a popular starting point for significant cross-country flights.
For more information, visit:
- [Cloud-7 Paragliding Sites](http://www.cloud-7.ch/de/fluggebiete.php)
- [Niesenbahn](http://www.niesen.ch)
- [Birds Gleitschirmclub](http://birdsgsc.ch/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Info-Niesen-A3-2012.12.04.pdf)
Coordinates for the launch site: 7.64958013, 46.64414295
Contact for Niesenbahn:
Talstation Mülenen
Tel. +41 (0)33/676 11 12
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