Last Updated: August 1, 2023
Paragliding in Interlaken: What Options Do You Have?
If you are visiting Switzerland and Interlaken is on your itinerary why not throw yourself off a perfectly good mountain?
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Beyond the picturesque views, cool weather, and quaint town, visitors flock to Interlaken for one major thrill – paragliding. The topography of Interlaken makes it perfect for this outdoor rush. There is enough altitude for a good take-off, and few obstructions for a panoramic view thousands of feet in the air.
If you’re thinking of braving new heights, here’s a quick guide on what to expect when paragliding in Interlaken.
Note: Other exciting adventures you can have in Switzerland include: Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Rides or even a winter Huskie Dog Sled Ride.
Organised Tour Options
Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken
Tandem Paragliding from Beatenberg near Interlaken
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding
The Operators
For something potentially life-changing (which can go either way), the first step is to really read up on paragliding operators. There is a lot of safety measures that need to be in place. If the operator doesn’t seem too worried about safety, then you will probably want to look somewhere else. There are a lot of licensed paragliding operators in Interlaken, all of which offer more outdoor activities.
Here are the most popular operators:
Paragliding Interlaken
- Höheweg 115, 3800 Interlaken
- +41 (0)33 823 82 33
- mail@paragliding-interlaken.ch
- Experience: Since 1990
- Qualifications: Licence de vol libre – Pilote et Biplace
Twin Paragliding Interlaken Switzerland
- Hauptstrasse 36, 3800 Matten bei Interlaken
- +41 79 622 5100
- mail@twinparagliding.com
- Experience: Since 1998
- Qualifications: Swiss Paragliding Association (SHV)
Skywings Paragliding
- Brandstrasse 38, 3852 Ringgenberg BE
- +41 (0)79 266 82 28
- mail@skywings.ch
- Experience: Since 2007
- Qualifications: Swiss Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SHPA)
The Flights
Beatenberg-Interlaken Route
Each tour operator has its own take-off points and packages, but most flights come from Beatenberg, a 20-minute van ride from Interlaken. Its panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland makes it the perfect jump-off point for paragliding. A flight from Beatenberg gives views of the deep blue Lake Thun, and views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.
Paragliding Interlaken
Big Blue Summer and Winter
Flying the Big Blue is one of Paragliding Interlaken’s most popular flights. It flies from Beatenberg to Interlaken and is suitable for beginners. During the winter season from November to March, the views change and more equipment is used, but the experience is just as breathtaking.
Details
- Duration: 10 minutes airtime
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Maximum weight: 100 kg
- Minimum age: 6 years with parents’ consent
- Inclusions:
- Free pick-up from hotel/hostel/train station and shuttle service to take-off point in Beatenberg
- Comprehensive safety talk
- All necessary gear and equipment
- Flight times: 8:00am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:00pm for summer flights only
Price
- CHF 170 for up to 4 people
- CHF 160 for 5-9 people
- CHF 150 for 10 or more people (pre-booking is required)
- Add-ons: Double Airtime at CHF 100, Photo and Video Service at CHF 40
Organised Tour Options
Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken
Tandem Paragliding from Beatenberg near Interlaken
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding
Twin Paragliding Interlaken Switzerland
The Sensational
The take-off point at Amisbühl is perfect for thermal wind conditions which can potentially extend airtimes. The flight offers stunning views of the alpine panorama, and the crystal clear akes of Thun and Brienz. The flight also brings riders over the Aare River and land at the center of Interlaken
Details
- Duration: 12-30 minutes airtime
- Altitude: 1,370-1,600 m
- Maximum weight: 105 kg
- Inclusions:
- Free pick up anywhere in or near Interlaken, or meet up point at Mattenhof Resort
- Comprehensive safety talk
- All necessary gear and equipment
- Flight times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm
Price
- CHF 160
- Add-ons: Photo and Video Service at CHF 40
The Classic
The flight takes off at the original site of the operator at a lower altitude in Beatenberg, and lands west of Interlaken near the city center.
Details
- Duration: 5-10 minutes airtime
- Altitude: 1,060 m
- Maximum weight: 105 kg
- Inclusions:
- Free pick up anywhere in or near Interlaken, or meet up point at Mattenhof Resort
- Comprehensive safety talk
- All necessary gear and equipment
- Flight times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm
Price
- CHF 140
- Add-ons: Photo and Video Service at CHF 40
Organised Tour Options
Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken
Tandem Paragliding from Beatenberg near Interlaken
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding
Skywings Paragliding
The Sensational
The flight takes you next to Interlaken’s local mountain, the Harder Kulm. This is the best option for visitors with limited time to go around Interlaken as it offers views of mountains Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau and the turquoise lakes of Brienz and Thun.
Details
- Duration: 10-20 minutes airtime
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Maximum weight: 100 kg
- Age restriction: 4-95 years old
- Inclusions:
- Free pick up anywhere in or near Interlaken
- Comprehensive safety talk
- All necessary gear and equipment
- Flight times: 11:45 am, 1:30 pm, 2:45 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:15 pm
Price
- CHF 170
- Add-ons: Photo and Video Service at CHF 40
- Other packages:
- The Swiss takes the same route that includes a chocolate show at the Schuh Chocolateria. CHF 180
- The Thermal takes the same route with extended airtime of up to 30-45 minutes, depending on weather conditions. CHF 220
Schynige-Platte-Interlaken Route
Some flights also come from Schynige Platte, which is found in the Jungfrau and can be accessed via cog train. Here, the views are filled with meadows and forests, and also offers great vantage points during the flight to Interlaken.
The sunset flight takes of from Schynige Platte. The trip is a bit more tedious, which involves a 40-minute train ride to Schynige Platte, followed by a 25-minute hike, depending on where the exact location of the operator is. The jump-off point rewards hikers views of Lake Thun and Brienz, and all of Interlaken in the glow of the sunset.
Paragliding Interlaken
Paragliding Sunset
Details
- Duration: 10 minutes airtime
- Altitude: 1,300 m
- Maximum weight: 100 kg
- Minimum age: 6 years with parents’ consent
- Inclusions:
- Free pick-up from hotel/hostel/train station. Train ticket to Schynige Platte not included (CHF 22 or rail pass)
- Comprehensive safety talk
- All necessary gear and equipment
- Flight time: 3:00 pm
Price
- CHF 260
- Add-ons: Photo and Video Service at CHF 40
Twin Paragliding Interlaken Switzerland
The Romantic
Details
- Duration: 10-30 minutes airtime
- Altitude: 1,600 m
- Maximum weight: 105 kg
- Inclusions:
- Free pick up anywhere in or near Interlaken, or meet up point at Mattenhof Resort
- Comprehensive safety talk
- All necessary gear and equipment
- Flight time: upon request
Price
- CHF 210
- Add-ons: Photo and Video Service at CHF 40
No matter which flight you choose, paragliding in Interlaken is just one of the many ways to soak in the beauty of the alps. Making that leap into the air may be frightening, but the thrill of soaring over lakes and through mountains is an experience like no other.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
