Is Paragliding in Interlaken Worth It? My Experience & Advice

Is Paragliding in Interlaken Worth It? My Experience & Advice

Interlaken in Switzerland is Famous for its Paragliding. This is due to the special view you will have. Not only can you see the beautiful city of Interlaken and its surrounding villages. You will glide over the lake and between the mountains. Needles to say it is stunningly beautiful and for me a once in a life must do thing.  

I This post I want to give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to go Paragliding and what to know before going.

Why Interlaken Is the Paragliding Capital of Europe

Interlaken is geographically speaking the best place to go Paragliding. It is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps. But not only that, Intelaken has ideal wind conditions almost all year around. This means if you are lucky a longer flying time is possible.

During you flight you can also soak up the spectacular views on Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This makes it popular among tourists. Beginner and adventure and more advance travelers and paragliders. Side note: Interlaken is also a good base for a lot of different hikes. Here i have the 1o best hikes in Switzerland.

The Experience: What Pragaliding is Really Like

You will meet your pilot at the meeting point. Where you will get a quick safety briefing before you head into the car to drive to the takeoff point. The drive will be 15 to 20 minutes and will already have beautiful views. Once you arrive at the takeoff point your guide will prepare everything.

When you are strapped in, it’s time to run. Well for me it was more just some steps before the Paraglider lifts you off the ground. That actually is quite a funny feeling and hard to describe. For me it felt like jumping off a swing slide. Once in the air that was the moment my nerves all calmed down. The feeling in the air truly is like flying alongside the birds its calm and almost relaxing and in this moment, I felt very small on this earth.

When we came closer to the landing my guide asked me if I wanted to do somersaults in the air. This was the only adrenaline packed moment of the flight. If you want a rush, I recommend doing t. I that is was very funny.

The landing then is very smooth. Your guide will tell you when to start running and put your feet down.

All in all, I loved the experience and will definitely do it again.

What to Expect Logistically

The typical flight duration is anything between 15 and 25 minutes. You will meet your guide at the pick up spot in Interlaken and will head with the bus to the takeoff spots. This is either Beatenberg or Höhematte

With post providers you will have to pay extra for photos and videos. I would say do it. It is a really cool way of remembering your flight. 

You can book your flight online or directly in Interlaken. There are more than enough providers. I flew with Twin Paragliding and had an amazing time.

Tips for your First-Time Paragliding

Wear something sportive and comfortable. And if you are like me and you are freezing quite fast take a light jacket. Wear good sturdy shoes. I recommend hiking shoes and not just sandals or sport shoes. You need to have a supported foot during takeoff and landing.  

I personally think the best time is in summer. It is warm, sunny and you will have a beautiful landscape. Of course, if you love the snow this also could be a time for you.

If you are a person that will be nervous like me, take someone with you either for just talking before your guide will meet you or even do it together

Is It Worth It? My Honest Thoughts

Honestly, I did not know what it would feel like and I kind of expected a adrenalin rush. I was pretty nervous when we where waiting on the meeting point- But once we were going everything went so fast that I did not think about my nerves. Once I was in the sky just soaked up the atmosphere and truly loved it. It truly feels like flying and it is an amazing feeling.

I think if you are in the hunt for an adrenaline rush this is not for you. But if you ever wondered how flying feels you must do it

Final Thoughts

I loved my experience of paragliding in Interlaken and would definitely do it again. It truly is one of kind experience and I recommend to everyone doing it once in your Life. Do you have other Paragliding Spots to recommend or have questions about Interlaken? Leave them in the comments below!

If you are interested in Switzerland in General, I have more Posts here.