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Description
The paragliding site at Zwölferhorn in St. Gilgen, Austria, offers an exceptional flying experience at the western end of Wolfgangsee. The cable car from St. Gilgen takes you up to the Zwölferhorn, from where you can reach the northern launch site by ascending from the mountain station. Another launch site to the east is accessible by a short descent towards the northeast. The mountain is well-organized and frequently used for training purposes. The view over Wolfgangsee is breathtaking.
The landing site in St. Gilgen is somewhat hidden above the main road. The landing field is large but slightly sloping. This site is ideal for altitude flight training and for leisure pilots who want to enjoy a stunning lake landscape. Flying is possible year-round, and the cable car operates continuously, even during maintenance in the off-season.
The site features two beautiful launch areas. The operating hours of the cable car are from 09:00 to 17:30, extending to 18:00 in the summer. There are also numerous scenic hiking trails with many huts for refreshments around and at higher altitudes (e.g., Bergstation, Franz'l Hütte).
The mountain at Wolfgangsee is primarily a north/northeast site. However, with strong thermals from the valley, other wind directions are also possible. The broad launch area can accommodate multiple gliders side by side. In light west winds, launches are possible, but caution is advised due to potential rotor turbulence behind the trees on the west side of the launch area. After takeoff, it is recommended to quickly move to the windward side (over the power line, i.e., turn left after takeoff).
The panoramic views are unparalleled. You can fly north towards Fuschlsee, east towards Mondsee, or south towards Hallstättersee. Wherever you fly, a lake is always in sight. The ridge in front of the landing site offers excellent soaring conditions.
In the evening, especially in autumn, the air flows down the valley in the late afternoon. This can create reverse thermals over the lake, and you must land uphill at the landing site, which has a slight incline. Therefore, after a round over the lake, return to the landing site in good time to counter the headwind on the return flight.
For more information, visit the following links:
- [Zwölferhorn Cable Car](http://www.12erhorn.at/)
- [Paragliding School Salzkammergut](http://www.paragleiten.net)
- [Local Club](http://www.sacklhupfer.at/fluggebiet/)
For a delightful dining experience, visit Gasthof Fürberg, accessible via a romantic footpath (20 minutes) or by boat from St. Gilgen. The public beach and the terrace offer stunning views of the flight mountain and launch site. The fish soup is highly recommended.
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