Tandem flight with a licensed pilot from a mountain launch above Interlaken, landing in the Höhematte or lake meadows with views of the Jungfrau and both lakes.
Tandem paragliding over Interlaken is a passenger flight in which a licensed pilot controls the wing and the visitor sits in a harness attached to the pilot, so no prior experience is required. Flights are operated by Skywings Paragliding Interlaken, which collects visitors from a pickup point arranged at booking in Interlaken and drives them for roughly 20 to 30 minutes to a launch site chosen according to the wind, commonly in the Beatenberg area above Lake Thun. The flight itself lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, and the whole outing takes around 1.5 hours including the transfer. Landing is typically on the Höhematte, the large meadow in the centre of Interlaken at Höheweg, with views across the Jungfrau massif and both lakes, Thun and Brienz, during the descent. The activity suits most healthy visitors: the take-off involves a short run of a few steps downhill, and the pilot gives a briefing on the ground covering the run, the seated position, and the landing. Weight limits and minimum ages are set by the operator and should be confirmed at booking, as should any medical restrictions. Equipment including the wing, harness and helmet is supplied by the operator, while closed shoes, long trousers, a jacket and gloves are recommended because it is cooler at altitude. Safety rests on pilot judgment: flights are cancelled or postponed when wind, cloud or thermal conditions are unsuitable, and the pilot carries a reserve parachute as standard tandem practice. The best conditions run from April to October when thermals are strongest, although winter flights are possible on stable days. Visitors should avoid days of strong foehn wind, low cloud or rain, which commonly lead to rescheduling. Prices are around CHF 160 to 200 (about $197 to $246) per flight, and photo or video packages are often offered as an optional extra. Interlaken is among the best-known paragliding centres in Switzerland, and the large number of operators means availability is usually good outside peak summer weekends.
| Price | CHF 160-200 (~$197-246) per tandem flight |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 1.5 hours including transfer (flight 10-20 minutes) |
| Difficulty | Easy (tandem) |
| Season | April-October for best thermals; winter flights possible |
| Address | Pickup point arranged at booking in Interlaken; launch site chosen by wind; landing typically Höhematte, Höheweg, 3800 Interlaken |
Activity facts
- Where
- Interlaken and Beatenberg
Equipment
Provided by operator; closed shoes, long trousers, jacket and gloves recommended
Location
Pickup point arranged at booking in Interlaken; launch site chosen by wind; landing typically Höhematte, Höheweg, 3800 Interlaken
46.6860, 7.8573 View on map
Highlights
- Tandem flight with a licensed pilot, no experience needed
- Views of the Jungfrau massif, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from the air
- Landing on the Höhematte meadow in the centre of Interlaken
- Launch site chosen daily by wind for the best conditions
Tips for visiting
- Book a day or two ahead in summer and keep the schedule flexible in case wind or cloud postpones the flight.
- Wear closed shoes, long trousers and a jacket, since it is cooler at altitude.
- Ask the operator about weight limits, age minimums and the cancellation policy before paying.
- Morning flights often have calmer air and clearer views of the peaks.
- Photo and video packages are commonly sold separately; ask whether a camera mount is allowed.
When to visit
April to October offers the strongest thermals, with morning and early afternoon flights usually calmest; winter flights are possible on clear, stable days.
Accessibility
The take-off requires a short run downhill and the landing may involve a few steps, so the activity is not suitable for most wheelchair users. Visitors with limited mobility should discuss options with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to fly tandem paragliding in Interlaken?
No. The licensed pilot controls the wing, and a short ground briefing covers the run at take-off and the landing.
How long does the whole experience take?
About 1.5 hours including the transfer to the launch site, with 10 to 20 minutes in the air.
Where do flights land?
Landings are typically on the Höhematte in central Interlaken, though the exact spot depends on the wind.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are postponed or cancelled when wind or cloud makes flying unsafe, and the operator usually offers another time or a refund.