Hike & Fly Giri

Nice half-day tour if the wind is coming from the west. The Giri (1923 m above sea level) is not an actual summit, but rather a point at the beginning of the Haldigrat.

I had arranged to go flying with a few friends but couldn't get anyone to join me for a little hike and fly. As they wanted to practice a few maneuvers on the Brändlen and I had in mind that there was a possible take-off point up there, I took another closer look at the map. On windy.com I found a marked take-off point that suited the forecast wind from the west. This is not an actual summit, but rather a point in the western extension of the Haldigrat. So let's go. If the thermals don't work out so well, you can always do a second or third flight using the various cable cars in the valley or just enjoy the ice cream at the Bühlenbahn landing site, as I did.

Directions

By train from Lucerne (23 or 30 minutes) to Wolfenschiessen. Then take the Brändlenbahn to starting point N from where the tour begins.

Ascent

After the north takeoff at Brändlen, follow the signs towards Haldigart/Gigi. The path initially goes very comfortably along a wide forest path, from which it branches off after about 1/3 of the ascent (always follow the signs towards Gigi/Haldigrat) and then continues along a partially narrow but very well marked red and white path through the forest and across cow pastures. In some places it can be quite muddy after rain. You reach Alp Gigi at just under 1800 m above sea level. There, too, you could probably start well below the houses on a steep meadow. From there, continue a few hundred meters northwards and then turn east towards Haldigrat. You pass the point marked on the map as Gigichrüz (1875 m above sea level, you could probably also start from there towards the SW). Then past some horned cows to Giri.

Takeoff

Nice take-off meadow directly below the "summit", which faces west. Be careful on the right-hand side in the direction of flight, there is quite a hollow part in the slope, it is better to take off on the left side.

If the wind is not right, you can simply walk another 15-20 minutes to the Haldigrat and start there if necessary.

Flight

Beautiful flight into the Engelberg valley with various opportunities to search for and perhaps even find thermals. Don't forget the numerous cables in the Engelberg valley. 

Landing

The next official landing site is in Wolfenschiessen (Brändlen landing site). However, other landing sites in the Engelberg Valley (Büelen, Dallenwil) can also be used. Be aware of the valley wind and the various cables in the Engelberg Valley.

Conclussion 

Easy half-day tour with an easy starting point and great views, even if it's not really a proper summit.