Interlaken · Tandem Paragliding
Fly over Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Here you'll learn who paragliding is best for, what to know before booking and which adventure alternatives around Interlaken may fit better.
Du wirst bei Tourlinks zu Viator weitergeleitet. Dort siehst du aktuelle Preise, Verfügbarkeit und Stornierungsbedingungen.
Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on what is genuinely useful, accessible and plannable for travellers from Interlaken.
Short answer
Yes, paragliding in Interlaken is worth it if you want a memorable experience with big views but do not want to spend a full day on a mountain trip. A tandem flight is possible without previous experience and is one of the most popular adventure activities in Interlaken.
It is not ideal if you have strong fear of heights, if the weather is unstable or if you are looking for the cheapest possible activity. In those cases, canyoning, rafting, Grindelwald First or a day trip to Lauterbrunnen may be a better fit.
At a glance
Activity
Tandem paragliding
Start
Beatenberg / nearby
Landing
Interlaken
Total time
approx. 1.5–2 hrs
Flight time
approx. 10–20 min
Experience
not needed
Weather
dependent
Best for
Couples, solo, adventure
Local host perspective
Paragliding is one of the activities many guests remember most after their stay in Interlaken. The big advantage is that you do not need a full day, but you still get a very special view of the lakes, the town and the mountains.
We especially recommend paragliding to guests who want a strong experience but do not want to go as extreme as skydiving. It is also easy to combine with other plans on the same day.
The important part is flexibility. Paragliding depends on weather, wind and visibility. If conditions are not suitable, a flight may be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled. That is normal and part of safe flying.
— Ronny & Mariana, hosts at AlpineLake Apartments
Views & experience
The main advantage of paragliding in Interlaken is the combination of a short activity and a strong experience. You do not need a full day, but you still get a unique view of the lakes, the town and the mountains around Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Panoramic views towards Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
Landing close to Interlaken
Easy to combine with other activities
Less time-consuming than many full-day trips
A great highlight for arrival or departure day
Audience
If this is your first time in Interlaken and you want a special experience, paragliding is a very strong choice. It gives you a completely different perspective on the town, the lakes and the mountains.
For couples, paragliding can be a shared highlight of the trip. It is memorable, exciting and easier to fit into a travel day than many full-day excursions.
Tandem paragliding works well for solo travellers because you do not need a partner or any previous experience. The pilot handles the flight while you enjoy the view.
If you want action but skydiving feels too extreme, paragliding is a good middle ground. It is exciting but usually calmer and more scenic than a pure adrenaline activity.
Paragliding can often fit into half a day, which makes it ideal if you are only in Interlaken for a short stay or want one memorable activity without losing the whole day.
Paragliding is a strong experience, but it is not the best choice for every traveller or every trip.
Step by step
Meeting point in Interlaken
You usually meet the provider in central Interlaken or at a clearly defined meeting point. From there, the team organises the transfer to the launch area.
Transfer to the launch site
The launch site is often above Interlaken, commonly in the direction of Beatenberg or the surrounding hills. The transfer is usually included in the organisation of the flight.
Short briefing by the pilot
Your pilot explains the take-off, sitting position, flight and landing. You do not need previous experience, but it is important to follow the pilot's instructions.
Take-off with a few steps
At take-off, you run a few steps together with the pilot until the wing lifts you into the air. For most guests, this part is shorter and easier than expected.
Flight over Interlaken and the lakes
During the flight, you may see Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains, depending on the route and weather conditions.
Landing in or near Interlaken
The landing usually takes place on an open area in or near Interlaken. Your pilot guides the landing and tells you exactly what to do.
Optional photos and videos
Many providers offer photos or videos as an extra option. If this matters to you, check the details before booking.
Planning
For paragliding in Interlaken, you should usually plan around 1.5 to 2 hours in total. The actual flight time is shorter, often around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather, thermals and the route.
The price is in the medium to high activity range. It is usually cheaper than skydiving and much easier to fit into your day than a long mountain excursion.
Morning flights often have calmer air, which many first-time flyers find comfortable. Later in the day, thermals may become stronger, which can make flights more dynamic depending on the conditions.
There is no single perfect time for everyone. The best time depends on the weather, wind and the provider's schedule.
Paragliding is weather-dependent. Wind, visibility, rain or thunderstorms can lead to delays, rescheduling or cancellations. This is not a bad sign — it is part of safe flying.
Serious providers only fly when wind, visibility and conditions are suitable. If paragliding is one of your must-do activities in Interlaken, try not to book it for your very last free time slot.
Packing list
High season
Paragliding in Interlaken is very popular in good weather and during the main travel season. If you have a preferred day or time, it is worth checking availability early. Still, keep some flexibility in your travel plan — weather and wind decide whether a flight can safely take place.
You'll be redirected to Viator, where you can see current prices, availability and cancellation conditions.
Direct comparison
Our recommendation: For most first-time visitors, paragliding is the better first choice.
Paragliding is calmer, usually cheaper, less extreme and still very memorable. Skydiving is better if you are intentionally looking for the maximum adrenaline kick.
Paragliding
Paragliding is more scenic and usually less intense. You float above Interlaken and enjoy the views instead of focusing only on adrenaline.
Skydiving
Skydiving is much more intense and focused on the thrill of freefall. It is better for travellers who specifically want a high-adrenaline experience.
Alternatives
If paragliding is not the perfect fit, there are several strong alternatives around Interlaken depending on weather, season and how much adrenaline you want.
Better on hot daysA good choice in summer if you want water, jumps, slides and a more physical group activity.
View Canyoning
Good for groupsA fun adventure for friends, groups and summer travellers who want action on the water.
View Rafting
Scenery without adrenalineA better option if you want dramatic landscapes, waterfalls and mountain villages without an adrenaline activity.
View Lauterbrunnen
Views + activityA good mix of mountain views and activities such as the First Cliff Walk, hiking or adventure options.
View Grindelwald FirstIf you plan paragliding, canyoning, rafting or day trips from Interlaken, choosing the right base matters.
Interlaken is especially practical for adventure activities because many tours start or meet nearby. Spiez is quieter and beautifully located by the lake, which can be better if you prefer a more relaxed stay.
For travellers without a car, staying close to a train station and tour meeting points can make the trip much easier.
View AlpineLake ApartmentsFAQ
Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours in total, including meeting point, transfer, briefing, flight and landing. The actual flight time is usually shorter, often around 10 to 20 minutes depending on weather and thermals.
No. Tandem paragliding is designed for beginners. You fly with a professional pilot who controls the wing and explains what you need to do during take-off and landing.
Paragliding is an outdoor adventure activity, so conditions matter. Serious providers only fly when weather, wind and visibility are suitable. Delays or cancellations because of weather are part of safe operation.
If wind, rain, thunderstorms or poor visibility make flying unsafe, the provider may delay, reschedule or cancel the flight. This is normal for paragliding and should be seen as a safety measure.
Paragliding in Interlaken is usually in the medium to high activity price range. It is generally cheaper than skydiving but more expensive than simple sightseeing. Check the current price and what is included before booking.
It can be suitable for some children, depending on the provider's age, weight and safety requirements. Always check the exact conditions before booking and make sure the child is comfortable with the idea of flying.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Depending on the season, bring an extra warm layer. Avoid loose items, and check with the provider if you want to bring a camera.
For most first-time visitors, paragliding is the better first choice because it is calmer, more scenic and usually less expensive. Skydiving is better if you want the strongest adrenaline experience.
Compare paragliding options, check weather and availability, and plan your flight over Interlaken.
You'll be redirected to Viator, where you can see current prices, availability and cancellation conditions.
This page contains affiliate links to Viator. If you book, we may receive a commission. There is no additional cost to you.
Du wirst bei Tourlinks zu Viator weitergeleitet. Dort siehst du aktuelle Preise, Verfügbarkeit und Stornierungsbedingungen.
Check paraglidingIf the button doesn’t work: open the Viator link directly