The paragliding site offers a breathtaking view over Bregenz and Lake Constance. It is regularly used and ideal for evening panorama flights. Occasionally, medium cross-country flights are possible. Important to note: Flying is only permitted from October 1st to April 30th. There is a flight ban from May to September. Access to the launch site is via cable car, followed by a short hike. The launch site is located at Maldonahang, at the beginning of the ski slope. The site is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, directly above Bregenz, Austria. The Pfänder is considered the local mountain for both Lindau and Bregenz. The best thermal conditions are in spring (mid-February to end of April). The panoramic view of Lake Constance can also be enjoyed during a simple glide. The owner of the launch meadow (Maldonahang) only allows launches from early October to the end of April, meaning there is no flying in the summer. The launch itself is easy. However, the trees at the end of the launch meadow can be tricky with strong headwinds. It is advisable to fly as far left as possible towards the tree line to make a right turn back to the slope if necessary. With strong west winds, the lee side of the tree line at the start and below can be problematic. In strong headwinds (N/NW), reaching the landing site at Rupp Käsle might be difficult due to the glide angle. There are practically no landing options south of the landing meadow. In an emergency, landing directly on the lakeshore, such as on the slanted stone wall, might be necessary. Finding the launch site can be challenging for newcomers. It is best to ask at the kiosk or join other pilots. The Pfänder is located in the east of Lake Constance near Bregenz in Vorarlberg, Austria. It is primarily a hiking, biking, and skiing mountain rather than a flying mountain. However, this does not diminish the joy of a scenic flight over Lake Constance. The best time to fly at Pfänder is from mid-February to the end of April, when the grass is already out below and there might still be snow above. Flights typically start at the upper end of Maldona. Pilots often fly down to Lochau (Ruppkäsle or the beach). However, landing there is not officially allowed. The official landing site near the cable car valley station is marked by a windsock and visible from the gondola. Most landings occur on the gravel strip directly by the lake, between the lakeside path and the waterline, and between the harbor mole and the 'Mili' bathhouse. Approaches are usually made from the harbor. However, landing within 50 meters of the railway's overhead line is illegal. Some local pilots fly southwest towards Gebhardsberg after takeoff, landing in Wolfurt or at Hotel Schwaerzler. Staying airborne at Pfänder is challenging, with the best chances over the cable car support or further down over the former 'Haggen' restaurant. In strong west winds, the start is in the lee of the trees. Pilots need to gain enough altitude over the long launch meadow to clear the trees at the lower end. Recent experiences show that once airborne, it is usually possible to clear the trees. The cable car wires are also a hazard. Landing on the gravel strip poses obstacles such as the railway's overhead line, water, and sunbathers. Reliable wind information is available at the cable car. The Pfänder is not significantly affected by valley winds, so regional winds are crucial. Winds up to 4m/s from W-NW are optimal; east winds make takeoff difficult due to the flat launch meadow. If valley winds are negligible, mountain winds can still be significant: in the evening, east-northeast winds often make takeoff difficult or impossible in ungroomed snow. Top landings on the launch meadow have been observed but are generally reserved for experts. For more information, visit the Pfänderbahn website: http://www.pfaenderbahn.at Pfänderbahn Steinbruchgasse 4 A - 6900 Bregenz Tel.: +43 (0)5574/42160-0 Fax: +43 (0)5574/42160-4 office@pfaenderbahn.at For a visual experience, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re3HWk7Gj6s For additional details, visit: http://www.abgeflogen.info/2010/10/24/fluggebiet-pfander-bregenz/