Paragliding in Interlaken: The Complete Guide
Few places on Earth combine natural drama and accessibility quite like Interlaken. Wedged between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rising just beyond, it has become the paragliding capital of Switzerland — and one of the best places in the world to try tandem paragliding for the first time.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the flight is actually like, how much it costs, when to go, what to wear, and how to choose the right operator.
Why Interlaken is a paragliding paradise
Interlaken's geography is almost perfectly designed for paragliding. The valley floor sits at around 570 m, while launch sites on the surrounding hillsides rise 700–1,000 m above town — high enough for a genuine flight, low enough for a short, easy transfer. Reliable thermals rise off the valley through the warmer months, the mountain backdrop offers some of the most photogenic scenery of any paragliding destination, and the standard landing zone is right in the town centre, so your flight starts and ends within a few minutes of your hotel.
Add a mature, well-established tandem industry — dozens of certified pilots have been flying visitors here for decades — and it's easy to see why paragliding has become as synonymous with Interlaken as skydiving or canyoning.
What a tandem paragliding flight involves
You don't need any experience, training or special fitness to fly tandem — you're simply a passenger, seated in a harness in front of a certified pilot who controls the wing throughout.
- Meet in town. Most operators have a shop or meeting point in central Interlaken. You'll fill out a short form and be fitted with a harness.
- Transfer to launch. A minibus takes you up to the launch — most commonly Beatenberg, at roughly 1,350 m, about 20 minutes from town. Other regional options include sites near Habkern and the Schynige Platte area, depending on wind direction.
- Briefing. Your pilot explains the launch (a short, gentle run down the grassy slope) and what to expect in the air.
- Launch. There's no jumping and no ledge — you simply run a few steps forward as the wing fills with air and lifts you both off the ground.
- The flight. You'll soar for roughly 15–20 minutes on a standard flight, gliding over Interlaken with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on either side and the Jungfrau massif ahead. Pilots can add spirals, wingovers or steep turns for extra thrill — or keep it smooth and photographic.
- Landing. You touch down softly on grass, typically at the Höhematte park right in the centre of Interlaken, an easy walk back to your hotel.
Total time commitment, including transfers, is usually about 1.5 hours, with 15–20 minutes of that actually spent flying.
Other experiences you might enjoy
Once you've flown, Interlaken and the Jungfrau region reward a longer stay. Beyond a tandem paragliding flight in Interlaken, consider the scenic Mürren paragliding panorama tandem flight above the Lauterbrunnen valley, or the adrenaline of airplane skydiving over the Swiss Alps from Reichenbach. Many travellers also add a trip up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, a cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, and a day exploring Grindelwald and the Harder Kulm viewpoint above town.
Types of tandem flights available
| Flight type | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tandem flight | 15–20 minutes | First-timers, most travellers |
| Double airtime / thermal flight | 30–40 minutes | Those wanting maximum time in the air |
| Acro / thrill flight | 15–20 min with manoeuvres | Adrenaline seekers who still want a gentle launch |
| Sunset flight | 15–20 minutes | Photographers and couples |
If you want the most time aloft, the high-flight / thermal option climbs on rising air for a noticeably longer glide over the Jungfrau region — a favourite for anyone who wants the view to last.
How much does paragliding cost in Interlaken?
Tandem paragliding is one of the more affordable adventure activities in Interlaken relative to its "wow factor." Typical pricing:
- Standard flight (15–20 min): approximately CHF 180–200
- Double airtime / thermal flight (30–40 min): approximately CHF 280–300
- Photo/video package: approximately CHF 30–50, often shot by the pilot mid-flight
These are indicative ranges — always confirm current pricing directly with your chosen operator, as rates can shift seasonally. For a wider look at Alpine flying costs, see our Interlaken skydiving price guide.
Age, weight and fitness requirements
Tandem paragliding is remarkably accessible:
- Minimum age: many Interlaken operators accept children from around 6 years old with parental consent — one of the few adventure sports genuinely suitable for families.
- Weight range: typically 25–100 kg, though this varies by operator and wing size.
- Fitness: no special fitness is required. You should be able to walk a short distance on a grassy slope and sit comfortably in a harness. Most operators ask you to disclose any heart conditions, recent injuries or pregnancy for safety screening.
- Maximum age: generally none, provided you're in reasonable health — paragliding is genuinely enjoyed by flyers well into their 70s and 80s.
Close to a weight limit, travelling with young children, or flying with an older parent? Our dedicated guide to weight and age limits for skydiving and paragliding in Interlaken covers every threshold in detail.
Best time to fly
- Season: the main season runs roughly April through October, when thermals are active and weather is more stable. Some operators fly into winter on clear, calm days, though conditions are less predictable.
- Time of day: mornings tend to offer the calmest air and clearest mountain views, while afternoons bring stronger (sometimes bumpier) thermals — great for thrill-seekers, less ideal if you're prone to motion sensitivity.
- Weather dependency: paragliding is highly sensitive to wind and cloud. Book earlier in your trip rather than on your last day, so a weather delay doesn't cost you the flight entirely.
What to wear and bring
- Closed, comfortable shoes (sneakers or hiking shoes) — no sandals or flip-flops.
- Layered clothing — it's noticeably cooler at launch altitude than in town.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime flights.
- Leave loose scarves or hats behind; secure long hair.
- Most operators can lend a warm jacket for cooler months.
Paragliding vs other Interlaken air activities
- Vs skydiving: paragliding is calmer, longer in the air relative to cost, more affordable and more accessible to children and nervous flyers. Skydiving delivers a shorter, far more intense adrenaline spike from high-altitude freefall — compare the two in our skydiving vs paragliding guide.
- Vs helicopter tours: paragliding is more intimate and active — you feel the wind and air currents directly rather than watching through a window — and costs less per person.
- Vs canyon swings and other adrenaline activities: paragliding offers sustained flight time rather than a single burst of thrill, appealing more to travellers who want to savour the scenery.
Choosing a paragliding operator in Interlaken
With so many operators in town, look for:
- Certified, experienced pilots with a strong local safety record and years of flying the specific launch sites they use.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden transfer or equipment fees.
- Flexible rebooking policies for weather cancellations — a good operator won't penalise you for conditions outside your control.
- Genuine reviews from recent flyers, ideally naming the specific pilot and flight.
- Photo/video options if capturing the moment matters, since personal cameras usually aren't permitted mid-flight.
Fly above Interlaken
Paragliding in Interlaken isn't just an activity — it's the single best way to see the Jungfrau region's lakes, forests and peaks all at once, from a vantage point almost nobody gets to experience. Whether you want a calm, photographic glide or a flight with a few spirals thrown in, our certified pilots tailor every flight to you.