Interlaken Tandem Paragliding Flight over the Lakes
- Duration1.5 hours
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Overview
This tandem paragliding flight lifts you off a grassy slope at Beatenberg, high above Lake Thun, and carries you down over the rooftops of Interlaken with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on the horizon. A qualified pilot flies for you, so no experience is needed: you only run a few steps at take-off. Transport to the launch site and all equipment are included, and you land on the Höhematte meadow in the centre of town. It suits first-time flyers, couples and active travellers.
Highlights
- Take off from Beatenberg, a sunny terrace village high above Lake Thun
- Fly with a qualified tandem pilot who handles take-off, steering and landing
- Views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks
- Choose a calm, gentle glide or ask your pilot for a few spins
- Land on the Höhematte meadow, right in the centre of Interlaken
- Transport to the launch site, flight gear and boots if needed are included
Full Description
Beatenberg, the Take-Off Terrace above Lake Thun
Beatenberg is a long village strung along a sunny mountain terrace at roughly 1,100 to 1,200 metres, facing the Bernese Oberland across Lake Thun. Its open, south-facing meadows catch the rising morning air, which is why it has become the classic launch site for paragliding in Interlaken. The drive up by van from the town takes about 20 minutes, followed by a short walk to the slope.
At the top your pilot lays out the wing, fits your harness and helmet and explains the few things you need to do: stand, lean forward and run a few steps when told. Many visitors book a day trip to Beatenberg just for the view, but here you leave it the fast way, lifting off the grass within minutes of arriving.
Flying over Lake Thun, the Bödeli and the Jungfrau Region
Interlaken sits on the Bödeli, a flat plain of river sediment between two lakes: turquoise Lake Brienz to the east and the wider Lake Thun to the west. From the air the layout finally makes sense, with the Aare River linking the lakes and the snow walls of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rising behind the town, all three peaks between about 3,970 and 4,160 metres.
The flight usually lasts somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the wind and thermals of the day. If you want adrenaline, your pilot can add spirals and wingovers; if you prefer to relax, you simply sit back in the harness. Is paragliding in Interlaken worth it? For most guests it is the most memorable view of the Swiss Alps they get on the whole trip.
Landing on the Höhematte in the Heart of Interlaken
The Höhematte is a large protected meadow between the Höheweg promenade and the old monastery district, kept free of buildings since the 19th century so that hotel guests could always see the Jungfrau. Today it is a public park and the main landing zone for tandem paragliders, so walkers often stop to watch the colourful wings come down.
Your pilot brings you in slowly and you finish with a few easy steps or a soft sit-down landing on the grass. Because you land in the centre, there is no transfer back: shops, cafés and the Interlaken West and Ost railway stations are all within walking distance, so it is easy to fit the flight into a day of other sightseeing.
Interlaken, the Adventure Capital of Switzerland
Interlaken has welcomed travellers since the early 1800s, when visitors came for the mountain air and the views of the Jungfrau. Its position between two lakes and below high peaks now makes it the Swiss base for outdoor sports, from canyoning and rafting to skydiving and, above all, paragliding, which runs in both summer and winter.
The best time to go paragliding in Interlaken is on a clear morning, when the air is calm and the peaks are sharp; winter flights over snowy forests are just as beautiful, though the air is colder. Flights depend on the weather, and the team makes the final decision close to take-off, so keep your day flexible and dress warmly even in summer.
Itinerary
- Meeting point in InterlakenCheck in with the team at the meeting point in town, where your details and weight are confirmed.
- Drive to BeatenbergRide about 20 minutes by van up to the take-off area above Lake Thun, followed by a short walk to the launch slope.
- Briefing and take-offYour pilot fits your harness and helmet, gives a short safety briefing and you run a few steps together to lift off.
- Tandem flightGlide for around 10 to 20 minutes over the lakes and town with the Jungfrau peaks in view, calm or with a few manoeuvres.
- Landing on the HöhematteLand softly on the meadow in the centre of Interlaken, where the experience ends about 1.5 hours after check-in.
What's included
- Tandem paragliding flight
- Qualified pilot (English or German)
- All flight equipment
- Hiking boots if needed
- Transport to the take-off site
Not included
- Digital photos and videos (available to buy on site)
- Hotel pickup
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 5–12
- Travellers who want the view from the air
- Active travellers looking for adrenaline
- A short visit — about 1.5 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
- You are afraid of heights
- You travel with young children
Not suitable for
- Children under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- People with heart problems
- People with epilepsy
- People with mobility impairments or who cannot run a few steps
- People above the weight limit of their flight time (80 kg or 90 kg)
Meeting point
The experience starts at a meeting point in Interlaken; the exact address and check-in time are shown on your booking confirmation. Hotel pickup is not included, but the meeting point is easy to reach on foot from central hotels and both railway stations. From there you travel by van to the take-off site at Beatenberg, and the flight ends on the Höhematte meadow in the centre of town.
Important information
- Each flight time has a weight limit of either 80 kg or 90 kg, and some early and late slots also have an age limit of 60; choose your time accordingly.
- Children who weigh less than 30 kg must fly before 11:00.
- You must be able to run a few steps at take-off and landing.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothes, and bring a jacket, as it is cooler in the air; hiking boots can be provided.
- Flights depend on the weather; the final decision is made close to the flight time and you will be told if your flight has to be moved.
- Photos and videos of your flight can be bought on site and are not included.
- Changes to your booking must be requested at least 24 hours before the flight.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does tandem paragliding in Interlaken cost?
The price depends on the date and flight time you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each available option.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the team at a meeting point in Interlaken, and the van transfer from there to the take-off site at Beatenberg is included.
How long is the paragliding experience?
Allow about 1.5 hours from check-in to landing. The time in the air is usually around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the wind and thermals.
Is tandem paragliding suitable for children?
Children from 5 years old can fly with a pilot. Children weighing under 30 kg must choose a flight before 11:00, and every passenger must be able to run a few steps.
Do I need any experience to paraglide?
No. Your qualified pilot controls the wing the whole time. You only need to follow a few simple instructions at take-off and landing.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes for the season and a warm jacket, even in summer. Sunglasses help on bright days; loose items are best left with the team.
Is there a weight limit for paragliding in Interlaken?
Yes. Depending on the flight time, the limit is 80 kg or 90 kg per passenger, and some slots are limited to guests aged 60 or younger. Please check before choosing your time.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first, so flights only go ahead in suitable conditions. The team decides close to the flight time and contacts you if your flight has to be rescheduled.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, if there is still space. The booking panel shows the dates and flight times that are still available.
Can I get photos of my flight?
Yes, digital photos and videos filmed during the flight can be bought on site after you land. They are not included in the booking.
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