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Description
Located in Abtenau, Austria, this paragliding site offers a launch altitude of 1140 meters with a height difference of 395-450 meters, making it suitable for easy to medium-level flights. The site is regularly used and is considered straightforward in every aspect. It is ideal for afternoon flights, soaring, and some cross-country (XC) flying. The launch site is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the top station of the Karkogelbahn.
The region is known for its smooth updrafts, making it suitable even for less experienced pilots. The thermally active season starts in April and ends around late September. Due to its westward orientation, thermals typically develop in the afternoon, allowing for calm soaring flights against the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Tennengebirge, often until dusk.
Access to the launch site is via an 8-seater gondola combined with a 6-seater chairlift, which also serves summer toboggan run guests. Alternatively, you can drive to Karalm and hike the remaining 15 minutes to the launch site. From the Karkogelbahn top station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the launch site.
Please note that hunters request pilots to avoid flying low over the area in front of the small Traunstein (about 200 meters left of the launch site) to protect wildlife.
Additional launch sites include:
- Wandalm: Accessible only on foot, approximately a 40-minute hike from Karalm, at an altitude of 1500 meters with a height difference of about 750 meters, facing west.
- Tagweide: A hike-and-fly site requiring a 2-hour hike, at an altitude of 2100 meters with a height difference of 1400 meters, facing southwest.
Flights are most effective in the afternoon, with thermals active from 14:00 to 17:00. The flying season runs from May to October, coinciding with the lift operating times. In winter, the launch site often has too much snow, and launching from the piste is only possible in exceptional cases.
There are no start or landing fees. The landing field near Karkogel, on the left side after the farmhouse, can be challenging due to thermal turbulence. Alternatively, you can use the landing field of the local paragliding school located in 'Au'.
For more information, visit:
- Ikarus Abtenau: [Ikarus Abtenau](http://www.ikarus-abtenau.at/common/ikarus/ikarus_portal.nsf/31a873b37a08f3b0c1256b79005507f5/30ee8e0ebf1dcc68c12569c8004eb825?OpenDocument)
- Flugschule Abtenau: [Flugschule Abtenau](http://www.flugschule-abtenau.at)
Please avoid flying over the reservoir south of the launch site to protect wildlife. The Karkogelbahn offers discounted multi-ride tickets for paragliders. For local tips and contacts, the Gasthof Traunstein at the base station of the Karkogelbahn is a great place to meet fellow pilots. The local club Ikarus-Abtenau is also available for assistance and accommodation recommendations. Contact them at ikarus@ikarus-abtenau.at.
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