Want to go paragliding while you’re in Switzerland? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed guide covers all the best places for paragliding in the Alpine country!
Interlaken with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Verbier with its imposing mountain peaks, and Lauterbrunnen with its captivating landscapes are just some of the most popular locations for flights in the country. Keep reading to see all the best paragliding Switzerland has to offer and find the perfect flight for you!
Table of Contents
Best Places for Paragliding in Switzerland
Lake Lucerne
Lucerne offers some of the best paragliding opportunities in central Switzerland, so sign up for a flight if you’re in the area. There are quite a few centers around the lake that offer paragliding, so you can choose whichever sounds like the best option for you.
There is a great option for tandem paragliding above Lake Lucerne, which has spectacular views.
However, the majority of centers have experienced pilots, and all the flights offer beautiful views of the impressive Lake Lucerne.
There is one great paragliding experience from Stans which includes views over the renowned Engelberg as well as Lake Lucerne. The average cost of paragliding in Lucerne is above 200 CHF, but depends on the time of year and company.
It’s worth noting that many of the operators offer duo flights, which include two pilots assigned to two guests – this is a good way to save money if you’re going paragliding with someone else.
Verbier
Thanks to the sensational nature that surrounds this popular ski resort, Verbier is a very popular destination for paragliding in southern Switzerland. You can do a tandem flight with multiple centers in town, and it will be an amazing experience no matter who you choose to go paragliding with.
Paragliding in Verbier is possible in the summer and in the winter, and the prices for a standard tandem paragliding adventure start at 120 CHF. Most centers offer additional options for paragliding, which include double airtime, discovery flights, and speed rides.
Discovery flights are awesome if you enjoy being in the air – they normally entail a longer flight time so you can really enjoy the views, plus the experienced pilot lets you take the ropes of the glider so you can learn how to control it on your own!
Interlaken
Interlaken is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland for outdoor adventurers. The town is known for countless outdoor activities, which include skydiving, paragliding, hiking, rafting, and much more.
There are nearly a dozen different centers that offer paragliding in Interlaken, so you will be spoiled for choice. They all offer tandem paragliding flights that are perfectly safe for newbies, and most take place at Beatenberg Mountain. There’s also a paragliding school in town, which is great for people who are really into the sport and want to eventually go on solo flights.
The paragliding opportunities at Interlaken range from a basic tandem paragliding flight to elaborate experiences that include boat rides and piles of chocolates. You can choose from dozens of different experiences, which will cost you anywhere from 140 CHF to 250 CHF. The average cost of paragliding Interlaken is at least 175 CHF in the summer, and it’s a bit more affordable in the winter because of lower interest.
Lauterbrunnen
Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen valley is truly an unforgettable experience. If you’re into scenic views of waterfalls and mountains, you should definitely plan to spend an afternoon paragliding when visiting this wonderful place in Switzerland.
A few sports centers operate paragliding in the region but Airtime Lauterbrunnen is by far the most popular one. You’ll be flying tandem with an experienced pilot, over some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the entire country. The wonderful car-free village of Murren is the launch site for flights, and you get to enjoy magical views before you even take off. You have the famous Schilthorn (aka James Bond movie spot) above you, and the jaw-dropping Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger straight ahead. Not to mention Lauterbrunnen below you, which is amazing itself!
The sports center charges 190 CHF for standard tandem flights (at the time of writing), and that includes pick up and drop off at the agreed-upon location. The price doesn’t include the cable car to Murren, and it’s worth noting that you are allowed to bring a GoPro on the flight.
Gandria/Lugano
If you’re staying on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, you should head to the lovely village of Gandria. That’s where you will find FlyTicino, the sports center that operates tandem flights in this region.
Enjoy mesmerizing views of the mountains and lakes in the area while soaring through the air. FlyTicino offers two types of flights – a standard tandem paragliding flight with a flight time of some 15 minutes, and a deluxe option with a flight time of 30 minutes. The prices for the flights are 220 CHF and 270 CHF respectively, but that doesn’t include the 20 CHF cable car ticket to Monte Tamaro, which is the meeting point for flights.
It’s also possible to fly from other mountains in Ticino, but this is available upon request and will likely cost you extra.
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Geneva
You don’t have to stay in a remote Swiss village to be able to enjoy paragliding – it’s possible to have fun soaring through the air even if you’re staying in one of the bigger cities. Paradelta and Tandy operates tandem paragliding flights from Geneva, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views of the lake, mountains, and the city from high up in the air.
Choose from short tandem flights that last around 15 minutes to premium experiences that will have you in the air for up to 35 minutes. The prices for tandem flights in Geneva range from 140 CHF to 240 CHF depending on the option you choose, which is surprisingly inexpensive for Geneva.
There are also options to do flights in far more scenic locations but organised from Geneva:
Zurich
Paragliding is a popular activity in Zurich, Switzerland’s most populous city. There are quite a few different operators that offer tandem paragliding in the city, with multiple options when it comes to flight times. Opt for a quick 10-minute flight from lower mountains like Uetliberg or Zug, or go for a premium 60-minute flight if you really enjoy being in the air.
It’s worth noting that paragliding in Zurich is pricier than in the more remote regions. A short flight of up to 10 minutes will set you back 180-200 CHF, and you’ll need to spend at least 240 CHF for a standard 15-20 minute flight. It’s worth every penny though, since the panoramic views of Lake Zurich, the city, and the surrounding mountains are absolutely magical.
Grindelwald
The lovely village of Grindelwald is an excellent place for organising a day of paragliding in Switzerland. Its proximity to some of the country’s tallest peaks means you can enjoy some truly incredible views while you’re in the air.
Because Grindelwald is surrounded by several tall mountains, you will have the option to choose which mountain you want to fly from. Most centers that operate paragliding in the region offer flights from several mountains, which vary in price and flight time depending on the height of the peak. Flights from First are usually the longest (and priciest) and include up to 50 minutes of flight time.
Another great place to go is Lauterbrunnen, which has some of the most stunning views in the area. They have paragliding from above the valley which you certainly won’t forget.
Paragliding from Grindelwald will usually cost you between 200 CHF and 350 CHF, depending on the center and mountain you choose.
Engelberg
Engelberg is a great destination for paragliding in central Switzerland. The town is surrounded by tall mountain peaks that make for excellent launch sites, plus it offers some truly mesmerizing landscape views once you’re in the air.
There’s a paragliding school in Engelberg that operates tandem flights year-round, and you can choose from standard 15-minute flights to deluxe 60-minute panoramic flights. The prices for flying with instructors from the flight school range from 180 CHF to 240 CHF, depending on which flight experience you go for.
It’s worth noting that a few sports centers operating out of Lake Lucerne use Engelberg as the launch site for flights, so you have quite a few options for paragliding from this lovely village.
Gstaad
Gstaad might be best known for the many kilometers of ski pistes and winter hiking trails, but the town also happens to be an excellent destination for paragliding in the canton of Bern. Paragliding Gstaad operates all the tandem flights in the village, and it’s best to book directly with them if you want to avoid paying additional fees to travel agencies.
You can choose from several different options for flights, ranging from a quick 20-minute flight to a full-day adventure with a personal flight instructor. They even operate tandem flights from Glacier 3000; the flight is 30-45 minutes long, and it’s very expensive and absolutely worth it for the surreal views that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s worth noting that the other tandem flights are reasonably priced, and range from 190 CHF to 290 CHF, depending on the flight time.
Map of Paragliding in Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Paraglide in Switzerland?
Yes, you can easily go paragliding in Switzerland. It’s possible to paraglide in many places throughout the country, so no matter which region of Switzerland you’re visiting, there should be a center for paragliders nearby.
If you want to visit the country specifically for the experience of gliding through the air, it’s best to aim to visit a specific area to enjoy the best views possible. Below is a list of the most popular destinations for paragliding in Switzerland, so decide which sounds the best to you and aim to visit it during your stay.
What should I wear when paragliding in Switzerland?
When you go paragliding it is best to wear warm clothes even in summer. It might be warm on the ground, but when you are up high in the wind, things can get cold, fast. It is recommended to wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather conditions but not too restrictive. In the summer, you can wear lighter clothes, but wearing a long-sleeve T-shirt and a long tracksuit or leggings is still recommended. And even pack extra layers so that you can put them on before take-off. In the end, it really depends on the weather conditions of the day of the flight – sometimes you can go paragliding in shorts, and other times you’ll need a winter jacket.
In the winter, it’s best to wear thermal layers that will keep you warm underneath the additional suit you’re provided. Depending on where exactly you’re paragliding, you can just show up in your ski suit and you’ll be set.
Paragliders need to run for a little while on the landing site, so it’s recommended to wear boots that offer enough ankle support. If you don’t have these on you, the instructors can usually lend you a pair free of charge.
Helmet, goggles, and other necessary gear are provided to all paragliders free of charge.
When is the best time for paragliding in Switzerland?
The best time to go paragliding in Switzerland is in the summer. It is warmer for you and there are more thermals around to create a better flying experience.
However, many paragliding centers operate flights in the summer and the winter, so no matter when you visit, you should be able to go paragliding. However, if you want to have the absolute best experience, I would recommend planning a paragliding trip in the summer.
Paragliding in the winter can reward you with spectacular views of the snow-covered Swiss Alps, the cold air can make the entire experience less enjoyable. The instructors will provide you with special winter gear for paragliding, but it will still be cold up in the air, even with thermal layers and thick clothing.
Is paragliding in Switzerland safe?
Paragliding in Switzerland is very safe. The sport has an injury rate of 1%, which means that, on average, an accident happens once every hundred flights. It’s generally a very safe sport, especially because you’re paired with an experienced tandem instructor for each flight. The possibility of injuries is minimal, so there’s really very little to worry about if you’re considering going paragliding in Switzerland.
That being said, it is not as safe as going for a hike or bicycle ride, so you have to be aware that it is a riskier sport than most.
How much does it cost to paraglide in Switzerland?
Paragliding in Switzerland can cost as little as 120 CHF, and as much as 500+ CHF for an extravagant experience with many extras. It depends on the location, time of the year, and what else gets included in the service, but the above is a rough estimate.
It’s worth noting that you will need to pay extra if you want to get photos and videos of the experience. Most pilots will take photos and videos during the flight and show them to you once you land, but they’ll only send them to you for an extra fee, which is usually 40 CHF.
And, in most cases, you are not allowed to bring a phone or a camera with you, because of safety issues. You might be able to get away with a GoPro or a similar action camera, but it’s always best to ask the agency beforehand if that is allowed.
