Speiereck, located in St. Michael im Lungau, Austria, offers a versatile paragliding experience with altitudes ranging from 2000m to 2400m and a height difference of 1250m. This site is regularly used for soaring, leisure flights, and cross-country (XC) opportunities. Access to the launch sites is facilitated by the club bus or the Lungau mountain railway, followed by a walk & fly approach. The entire southern slope is suitable for launching, with the main launch site at Speiereck, where thermals are commonly found along the ridge. The primary launch directions are: South: The main launch site is spacious, clear, and suitable for beginners. East: With light east winds, you can still launch from the main site. For stronger east winds, a short hike up the ski slope is required, which is also beginner-friendly. North/East: The northeast launch site is recommended only for experienced pilots, and local advice should be heeded. In summer, access to the launch sites is exclusively via DFC-Lungau club vehicles. Typically, trips are organized every Saturday and Sunday, with meeting times around 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Fliegerhütte in St. Martin. Coordination with other pilots is necessary on weekdays, and contact details can be found on the members' page. Alternatively, you can take the gondola from Mauterndorf to Großeck and hike approximately one hour to the launch site. Always check the operating times of the Lungau mountain railways. In winter, access is more straightforward with a chairlift from St. Martin to Speiereck. Paragliders can either hike 20 minutes to the official launch site or take a 5-minute downhill walk followed by a 4-seater chairlift to the summit. Hang gliders are transported to the launch site via SkiDoo; inform the base station in advance. For more information, visit [DFC Lungau](http://www.dfc-lungau.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=76). The region, known as the "Salzburger Sonnenstudio," is renowned for its excellent thermals, especially from March to June. Despite its favorable conditions, Speiereck is not overly crowded. Summer access is limited to club vehicles, and the cable car operates infrequently. For webcam views of the area, visit [Bergbahnen Lungau](http://www.bergbahnen-lungau.at/webcams.htm). Thermals are usable from the morning, with cross-country routes extending into Styria. Popular destinations include the Tauerntunnel and the Schladminger Tauern. Note the proximity to Mauterndorf airfield.