Engelberg – Brunni – Schonegg

Engelberg–Brunni–Schönegg is a Swiss Alpine site above Engelberg, with two takeoffs: Brunnihütte (1,860 m) and higher up Schönegg (2,080 m). Big, nicely sloped grass launch with a windsock at Brunnihütte; advanced pilots walk up into the steeper part to get an earlier launch time. Thermal usually sets up over the trees slightly left of launch. On good days it's crowded — you can't miss the launch. The whole Engelbergertal has NUMEROUS UNMARKED and BARELY VISIBLE cables — always check with the gondola stations or local pilots first, because they turn up where you least expect them.

Launch & conditions

Brunnihütte takeoff: 46.8426 N, 8.41008 E, 1,860 m — big, nicely sloped grass field with windsock; advanced pilots walk up into the steeper section for an earlier launch. Schönegg takeoff: 46.8435 N, 8.41665 E, 2,080 m. Thermal usually sets up over the trees slightly left of launch.

Getting there & local rules

Lucerne → Stans → Engelberg. In Engelberg, take the cable car to Ristis, then the lift to Brunnihütte. From there take the path down to the lower launch, or the small path following the slope east; on the ridge, go up and pick a spot.

Local rules & hazards

The WHOLE Engelbergertal has numerous UNMARKED and BARELY VISIBLE cables — check info at the gondola stations or ask local pilots before every flight. They often sit where you'd least expect them. At the valley entrance (~5 km north of launch) the CTR of Buochs and Alpnach begins — clearance required to enter or cross that airspace. Can get rough when the Bise (easterly) is strong. Do NOT fly in Föhn (southerly wind with strong N-S pressure difference, Locarno–Zurich > 3 hPa). Turbulence in westerlies.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Engelberg – Brunni – Schonegg, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Engelberg – Brunni – Schonegg with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.