Where to Go Paragliding in Switzerland
Deciding where to go paragliding in Switzerland? This blog will explore the top paragliding tours by destination to help you narrow down where you should book this out-of-body experience.
As someone who was hesitant to book this activity due to the cost and fear factor, I can confidently say that it was worth the investment! This thrilling flight over the Swiss mountains and aquamarine lakes was a truly unique experience, giving me a much better view of the scenery than any window seat on a flight has been able to provide.
If you’ll be hopping around the country, you might be wondering where the best views are for paragliding. It’s unlikely that you’ll be disappointed, as Switzerland has gorgeous views wherever you are. However, the towns listed below are well-known for their aerial views and have become coveted locations for individuals who love this sport.
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Where to Go Paragliding in Switzerland
Interlaken
My paragliding tour was done in Interlaken, as I had based myself here during my stay and heard it was a must-do activity in the area. Paragliders are visible over the town every day, as this popular sport is a favorite pastime of many locals and has even become the reason for many individuals’ relocations to the area.
Paragliding through Interlaken is unique in that you get the perfect mix of mountains and lakes on your flight. The contrast of the vibrant colors is striking, giving you a glimpse of what the birds in the region see on a daily basis.
I had the best experience on my flight and have included all of the details later in this blog so you know what to expect. I’m extremely grateful I was brave enough to book this, especially as the paragliders couldn’t be missed each day as they were up above your head. I would’ve been so jealous seeing people paraglide daily, knowing that I had passed up the opportunity to do so.
Zermatt
While Zermatt didn’t make it on my itinerary, most individuals travel here to see the Matterhorn. While many opt to see this mountain peak from ground level, you can experience this view in a unique way via paragliding!
What sets paragliding in Zermatt apart from other destinations is the ability to fly in front of the Matterhorn, potentially spotting some wildlife in the process.
While there are no vivid lakes in the area, this flight gets you up close and personal with some of the most impressive mountain peaks in the world.
Lucerne
I got to spend less than 24 hours in Lucerne and might have looked into paragliding in this region if I had more time. Instead, I spent my limited time there exploring the city and attending a traditional Swiss dinner and show that featured yodeling.
However, the region does have paragliding tours available with views similar to those in Interlaken. On your flight, you can expect to see greenery, mountains, and lakes.
If you have extended time in Lucerne and are looking for a unique experience, paragliding here is a great way to experience the scenery firsthand.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is the destination that inspired my trip to Switzerland. This enchanting town is known for its waterfalls, traditional chalets, and arching mountains. These stunning views also make it a great location for paragliding!
Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen provides views of one of the most beautiful towns in the world, flying next to waterfalls and the stunning valley. While there are plenty of hikes in the area, experiencing Lauterbrunnen from this aerial perspective is a truly otherworldly experience.
What Can I Expect For My Paragliding Tour in Switzerland?
I paraglided over Interlaken, which provided this dual view of mountains and lakes with the town sandwiched between these natural wonders. On the day of my flight, the company picked each participant up and dropped us at the meeting point, where our pilots joined us in a van headed towards our takeoff site.
As our pilots joined, we each randomly selected the name of the individual who would be our personal pilot. Once this was determined, we went over general expectations, safety guidelines, and instructions for takeoff and landing.
The pre-flight jitters were definitely making themselves known at this point, but I knew there was no backing down. After about 15-20 minutes, we reached the takeoff location.
Soon enough, we were getting hooked up in our gear and receiving final instructions from our individual pilots. One by one, we took turns getting a running start down the hill, the wing catching air and lifting us above the ground. Before I knew it, we were thousands of feet in the air, calmly gliding over the town we had just come from.
The wind and weather make a huge determination as to how long you can stay in the air. Most pilots aim to have their flights last around 20 minutes, although it felt like I was up there much longer with my pilot. However, if the wind isn’t cooperating, some flights get cut a bit short. Thankfully, I got the full experience!
I also pre-paid for photos and videos, as you’re not allowed to take any items with you on your flight for obvious reasons. (I wouldn’t have wanted to risk losing my phone mid-flight anyway!) While I don’t normally pay extra for photos and videos on tours, I knew it would be worth it this time. My pilot was extremely intentional with using his GoPro to capture fun videos of us during the flight, even giving me posing instructions at times!
Make sure to communicate with your pilot during your flight, especially if you begin to experience any motion sickness. I told mine that I wanted to try some of the twists and turns they’re able to do. However, I started experiencing motion sickness one turn in and decided we should take it easy. He immediately accommodated this request and ensured that I was feeling well throughout the entire flight.
After our time was up, we landed in an open field and removed our gear. Finally, he imported the photos and videos he had taken to my camera so that I could post them right away.
That concluded the entire experience, but it was something that I talked about for the remainder of the trip and convinced a few other travelers to do, all of whom later told me how glad they were that they booked this!
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Deciding where to go paragliding in Switzerland? This blog will explore the top paragliding tours by destination to help you narrow down where you should book this out-of-body experience.