When you imagine paragliding, few places in the world compare to Switzerland. With its dramatic mountains, sparkling lakes, and charming villages, this small European country offers some of the most breathtaking paragliding experiences on Earth. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced pilot, paragliding in Switzerland promises an adventure that you will remember forever.
Why Switzerland is a Paragliding Paradise
Switzerland’s unique geography makes it a dream destination for paragliders. The towering Alps create perfect thermals, while the wide valleys and pristine lakes provide stunning scenery at every turn. Combine that with Swiss precision, safety standards, and world-class paragliding schools, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable flight.
The beauty of paragliding here isn’t just the thrill of flying — it’s gliding silently over fairy-tale villages, ancient castles, and turquoise waters, with the snow-capped Alps as your backdrop.
Top Paragliding Spots in Switzerland
If you’re wondering where to experience the best paragliding in Switzerland, here are a few must-visit places:
Interlaken
Often called the adventure capital of Europe, Interlaken is a hotspot for paragliding. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, it’s hard to find a more stunning location.
Tandem paragliding in Interlaken is available year-round. Flights usually launch from Beatenberg and glide over the lakes and town, offering unmatched views.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Imagine soaring above a lush green valley flanked by cliffs and waterfalls — that’s Lauterbrunnen. Known for its 72 waterfalls and postcard-perfect landscapes, it’s a magical place to fly.
Because of its vertical cliffs and deep valley, the flights here can be especially dramatic and are popular among thrill-seekers.
Zermatt
Home to the famous Matterhorn, Zermatt offers an unforgettable alpine paragliding experience.
Here, flights take you past glaciers, high alpine meadows, and of course, those legendary peaks. Weather conditions are a bit more technical, so many flights here are reserved for experienced paragliders or tandem with expert pilots.
Davos and Klosters
These beautiful mountain towns are not only famous for winter sports but also for excellent paragliding in summer and fall. Wide valleys and predictable winds make these spots perfect for both beginners and pros.
Tandem Paragliding in Switzerland
If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry! Tandem paragliding is incredibly popular and accessible across Switzerland.
You’ll fly with a highly trained pilot who controls everything — all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Tandem flights typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the launch site and weather conditions. Some packages even include photos and videos so you can relive your adventure.
Tandem flight basics:
- No experience required
- Minimum age: around 5–7 years old (depends on the operator)
- Weight limit: usually between 20 kg and 120 kg
- Prices: Expect to pay between CHF 150 and CHF 300 depending on the location and flight time
paragliding switzerland
What to Expect During Your Paragliding Adventure
Here’s a typical timeline for a tandem flight in Switzerland:
- Meeting Point: You’ll meet your pilot either in town or at the launch site.
- Briefing: A quick but thorough safety talk about takeoff, flight, and landing procedures.
- Gear Up: You’ll be fitted with a comfortable harness and helmet.
- Takeoff: After a few running steps down a gentle slope, you’ll lift effortlessly into the sky.
- Flight: Enjoy panoramic views, thermal lifts, and sometimes even playful spirals if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Landing: Smooth and gentle landings in an open field or dedicated landing area.
The feeling of floating silently over such jaw-dropping scenery is hard to describe — it’s peaceful, thrilling, and surreal all at once.
Best Time for Paragliding in Switzerland
While you can paraglide year-round in Switzerland, the best months are April through October.
- Spring and Summer offer the clearest skies and strongest thermals.
- Fall brings colorful landscapes as the forests change color.
- Winter flights are possible in some areas, offering a snowy wonderland view.
Morning flights typically have gentler winds, making them perfect for first-timers, while afternoons can be more dynamic for thrill-seekers.
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable clothes: Dress in layers — it can be cold in the air even if it’s warm on the ground.
- Good shoes: Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are recommended.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and enjoy the scenery without squinting.
- Camera or GoPro: Some pilots provide a GoPro, but if not, bring your own to capture the moment.
Operators will usually provide all the necessary flight gear (harness, helmet, etc.).
Is Paragliding Safe in Switzerland?
Yes — paragliding in Switzerland is extremely safe when done with licensed operators.
Swiss pilots are among the most highly trained in the world, and the equipment is meticulously maintained.
Plus, weather conditions are closely monitored, and flights are canceled if there’s even a slight risk.
Choosing a reputable paragliding school or operator ensures that you’re in good hands from takeoff to landing.
Paragliding in Switzerland is much more than just an adrenaline rush — it’s a magical experience that connects you deeply with the stunning landscapes of the Alps.
Whether you’re gliding over Interlaken’s twin lakes, soaring past Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls, or taking in the Matterhorn’s iconic silhouette from the sky, every moment is pure magic.
If you ever dreamed of flying like a bird, there’s no better place to make it happen than Switzerland.
