Why go far away when the good stuff is so close!? A summer hike takes us to the Gnipen (1567 m above sea level) and to the wonderful starting hill above the Zugerland. The entry fee is paid in sweat.
DIRECTIONS
Various starting points are possible. We started at the Zugerberg mountain station; that means by train and bus to Schönegg (Zugerbergbahn valley station), then by train to Zugi. Departure times are always xx.26 and xx.56. There are also routes from Walchwil, Arth, Goldau, etc. to the Gnipen, which are not described in detail in the series of articles.
HIKE
From the Zugerberg mountain station in the direction of Gnipen/Wildspitz/Arth-Goldau; the first part of the route leads southwards and across the moorland on Zugerberg and Walchwilerberg in the direction of Rossberg. Various routes are possible (and also signposted), and the differences in travel times are small. We chose the route via Stafel and Dürrenboden in the direction of Rufiberg. Up to this point the route had been almost flat, but now it gets steeper; a small trail leads steeply up through the cool forest in a zigzag. You reach the tree line and flowering meadows. Always follow the Gnipen signpost and you are at the top and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view and since neither a train nor a road leads to the Gnipen, a spot of peace and seclusion. The hike takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. It may be strenuous and sweaty, but the hike does not seem difficult or dangerous to us - provided you have good shoes and are sure-footed.
TAKEOFF
The summit slope is also the take-off point. A beautiful, spacious alpine pasture with an ideal slope without obstacles. It almost sounds Italian! The slope faces northwest and from a west or northwesterly direction, take-off should not be difficult. It is possible to take off southwards towards Goldauer Bergsturtz. The space is very limited, the terrain is uneven and the cliff drops steeply, which is why we advise less experienced pilots against it. Experience has shown that the southern flank (Goldauer Bergsturtz) is often flooded or flooded (alpine pumping) and should be approached with caution.
FLIGHT / LANDING
After the work is done, it's time for fun. Various flight paths and landing sites are conceivable and accessible. Goldau, Arth and Schwyz can be reached by gliding. Cross-country pilots may find connections to the Mythen, the Rigi massif or other peaks in the vicinity. We chose the return route and flew over the Walchwilerberg back to the Zugi and to the official landing site in Oberwil. With a little thermals and no headwind, this is easily possible. If you can't manage it, there are many landing options on the Zugerberg. If you can avoid it, don't land on the raised moorland (brown-red fields) as these are protected areas. Walk the rest of the way back to the Zugerberg take-off site and fly from there to Oberwil.
WEATHER / AIRSPACE
As always, good weather and map studies are essential, as is a plan B in case of adverse starting conditions. The DABS is of course also part of this. There is a restaurant on the Wildspitz (20 minutes from Gnipen). The Zuger Alpli is highly recommended, a simple mountain restaurant with excellent sausages. This stopover can be easily incorporated into the route. However, the last part of the hike is then twice as tough... Enjoy your breath and flight!
CONCLUSION
Easy climb, takeoff and landing. Fly into the sunset!
