Paragliding Switzerland - 68 Top Deals and Prices 2025

Hardly any other country offers so many possibilities for sporting activities in such a small area as Switzerland. Many cantons offer the perfect terrain for spectacular paragliding flights

Paragliding is probably the closest thing to the movement of a bird. However, it also requires some skill. Flying like a bird has become a learnable reality for us humans thanks to the paraglider. Today, the sport of flying inspires not only experienced pilots, but also beginners intoxicated by the zeal of flight

Beginners and novices usually start in tandem. For almost 90% of the participants the first flight is a tandem flight. During a tandem flight, you sit back, relax and enjoy the view while an experienced pilot controls the paraglider. After only a few seconds of flight, you will find a comfortable sitting position with the help of the pilot. A few quick steps before, the paraglider opens and you rise gently into the air. You can do (almost) nothing wrong

Paragliding flights are offered all year round. With a fast-paced ski launch, you'll also get your money's worth if you want to fly in winter

In winter, the air is usually very calm and is therefore ideal for tandem flying. On the other hand, turbulence can occur in the summer, especially in the afternoon. If you don't tolerate the jerking so well, the pilot will immediately head for the landing site or recommend you to fly rather in the early and calmer morning hours.

Paragliding in general

Paragliding has been around in its infancy for more than 70 years. NASA engineer Francis Melvin Rogallo received the first patent of a predecessor paraglider in 1948

In Switzerland, the German Strasilla brothers, together with Andrea Kuhn of Switzerland, developed the world's first paraglider from towed parachutes in 1973. They registered their own paraglider patent as the Skywing. Even then, their glider had an ingenious system of arresting and control lines

Dieter and Udo Strasilla were the first people to fly together from the Jungfraujoch at 3463 meters above sea level to Lauterbrunnen, covering 2676 meters of altitude. This was the birth of paragliding in Switzerland. Even today, the world's first paraglider, an 11-cell glider made of spinnaker fabric, can still be seen at the Schleissheim airfield near Munich

How does paragliding work?

The pilot sits safely in a harness under the paraglider, which is connected to the harness by lines. He steers the flight by means of control lines. In a tandem flight, the passenger sits in a second, tightly connected harness directly in front of the pilot. All the equipment fits into a backpack and weighs between 15 and 20 kg.

How do you take off when paragliding?

In the mountains, the flight is usually done with a forward takeoff. The paraglider is behind you and you start walking slowly until the paraglider has filled with air and is above you. After a few steps downhill, the paraglider lifts you into the air at 20 km/h already.

The start to the flight takes place over four phases:

The launch preparation: Exploring the launch site, mental preparation.

Launch phase: This phase starts from the feeling. Here you determine by pressing the line whether the glider needs to be counter-steered.

Control phase: Probably the most important phase decides whether to launch or abort the launch

Acceleration and take-off: You accelerate continuously until the take-off speed is reached. You decelerate in a controlled manner and continue to run until your last steps in the air

For whom is paragliding suitable?

As a passenger of a tandem flight you do not need any previous experience. You will be briefed by the pilot before the paragliding flight in the launch preparation. Thereby you will learn what you have to pay attention to during take-off, landing and during the flight

The provider of a tandem flight often specifies a minimum and maximum weight, which is usually between 30 kg and 120 kg. A special fitness is not required. In case of serious illnesses, however, you should consult your doctor beforehand. It is better to specify this when booking

If you suffer from motion sickness or have a strong fear of heights, a paragliding flight is not suitable for you. Paragliding is also not suitable for pregnant women.

Tandem paragliding flight

During a tandem flight, the professional flight instructor or pilot will take care of everything important. You can do one thing above all: enjoy the magnificent scenery. For example, if you like to plunge from the Jakobshorn or the Gotschnagrat, you can book a tandem flight with a renowned provider for about 190 CHF. The approximate cost of a general paragliding flight in Switzerland ranges from about 150 to 250 CHF, depending on the duration. Usually it's an unforgettable 20 to 40 minutes that you float over a beautiful alpine landscape.

Learn to paraglide

Paragliding can become a lifelong passion. is an experiential process that always needs training. Training as well as learning should not be effort, but fun. In any case, paragliding is an uncomplicated, easy to learn and above all safe sport

The good training, professionally supervised flight areas, attractive paragliding trips and interesting advanced training courses promote the popularity of this sport in Switzerland

Swiss Activities tips for paragliding

• In less overflown areas, animals are not yet familiar with the silhouette of the paraglider. Therefore you should keep enough distance to the ground.
• Fiesch in the Valais offers a wonderful and special flying experience: The flight "Barrierefrei" is a 20-minute paragliding flight in a wheelchair. It is carried out by a professional tandem partner.
• A steep mountain slope provides further altitude gain for cross-country pilots due to the sunshine that has been rising for some time. Here you can use the thermals to your advantage.
• Long-term and regular weather observation is indispensable for alpine pilots
• For destinations up to 1000 meters altitude a good general condition is sufficient.

Paragliding in Switzerland - 7 Popular Locations

Switzerland is a paradise for paragliders, boasting diverse and beautiful landscapes, numerous paragliding schools, and an excellent transport network. Wherever there's a breeze and a mountain, you'll find paragliding happening in Switzerland.

Interlaken is considered a fantastic spot. The flying around the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Bern and Valais cantons, is equally thrilling. The Fiescheralp offers particularly good thermals. Grindelwald First is the top choice for breathtaking panoramic views over the Jungfrau region.

If you prefer soaring over lakes, you should take off in the Vierwaldstättersee or Lake Lugano area. Get inspired and discover 7 wonderful paragliding locations in Switzerland.

Paragliding in Interlaken, Bernese Oberland

Interlaken is known for its stunning location and ideal flying conditions. Many tandem paragliding flights in the Bernese Oberland are offered from various take-off points. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the shimmering blue mountain lakes and the Jungfrau massif. A flight in this stunning area is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience of the highest caliber.

Since the region around Interlaken is so popular for paragliding, we’ve put together a separate piece showcasing the 5 best paragliding flights from Interlaken.

Paragliding Central Switzerland

Thanks to the fantastic flying conditions, you can go paragliding in Central Switzerland all year round. You'll float over the stunning landscapes of the Central Swiss Alps. The route for paragliding Niederbauen / Emmetten is considered one of the most beautiful for paragliding. The view over Lake Lucerne is breathtakingly beautiful. After an amazing flight experience lasting 15 to 30 minutes, you'll land gently back in the valley.

Paragliding in Ticino

The mountains in Ticino offer ideal jumping-off points for aspiring paragliders. From Sasso Ferro or Monte Nudo, you glide gently down and land in Icaro's field. But that's not all: all paragliding flights are completely family-friendly. Even the youngest can enjoy this unique flying experience and the unforgettable views of Ticino.

A flight from the 1,704 m high peak of Monte Generoso delivers intense emotions. At the top stands the stone flower designed by architect Mario Botta. During the flight, you'll be treated to the stunning landscape of this region: the Mendriosotto with its vineyards, Lake Lugano, and the enchanting Alpine range. You'll share the sky with falcons, eagles, and many other birds.

Monte Tamaro also provides a fantastic opportunity for a flight with breathtaking views. On your way down to the valley, you'll cover about 1,000 vertical meters. Depending on the thermals, you can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Lugano, Bellinzona, and Lake Maggiore.

Meanwhile, passionate paragliders highly value Monte Lema as a perfect spot for indulging in their passion. At an elevation of 1,620 m above sea level, you'll find paragliders from all over the world. Some flights extend over 200 km and reach places like Engadin or Valtellina. However, these are not suitable for tandem flights.

Paragliding in Eastern Switzerland

Thanks to its stunning panorama, Eastern Switzerland is a popular region for paragliding.

Paragliding Walensee: Soar above the Walensee, a gem nestled between Zürich and Chur, and experience the freedom of the skies. Ideal thermal conditions make for a promising flight. Whether in winter or summer, due to the excellent conditions in this area, both scenic flights and thermal flights are offered.

Paragliding Alpstein: Touch the clouds and fly freely like a bird! You'll take a gondola up to Ebenalp, glide past the world-famous Äscher mountain restaurant, and enjoy the view of Lake Seealpsee. The flight ends in Wasserauen next to the valley station of the cable car.

Paragliding Toggenburg: From the Chäserrugg mountain station, it's just a 15-minute walk to the launch site on Hinterrugg. Here, you can embark on a breathtaking paragliding adventure with views over the Churfirsten mountain range in Toggenburg. There are also tandem flights available for people with disabilities who are wheelchair-bound.

Paragliding in Davos Klosters

Besides winter sports, this area is a popular hotspot for paragliding in Davos. This is true all year round.

When you glide in Parsenn, you can take in the sunlit snowy mountains and the dark forests of Davos.

In the Parsenn ski area, you also have the opportunity to launch from Gotschnagrat. From a height of 1,000 m, you can enjoy an incredible flight time of 15 to 35 minutes, taking in the breathtaking alpine landscape of this Graubünden region.

Finally, you'll be thrilled to launch from Jakobshorn. This launch spot is particularly popular with paragliders due to the stronger and more consistent updrafts compared to other locations. Along with the great thermal conditions, the flight offers stunning views over beautiful peaks and forests.

Paragliding in Zurich

In the beautiful surroundings of Zurich, a paragliding flight over Uetliberg is a top-notch experience. If you fancy it and the weather allows, you can enjoy a flight into the sunset on a summer evening. If you wish, you can also try some thrilling maneuvers—always under the guidance of an experienced paraglider pilot.

Paragliding in the Valais

The Aletsch Arena offers limitless freedom amid a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this area, Kühboden is a haven for paragliders and hang gliders. Fiescheralp, Bettmeralp, and Riederalp are well-known for paragliding in the Valais. They are situated on the southern saddle of the Aletsch Glacier, making them perfect for scenic flights.

Finally, Zermatt entices with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks. Numerous passenger flights are available, allowing you to experience Zermatt and its region with 38 fantastic summits over 4,000 m high from a bird's eye view.

Paragliding for Kids

In the Aletsch Arena, kids as young as four can join in on the flying spectacle. These are exclusively tandem flights with an experienced pilot. The little passengers love looking at the houses, roads, and hiking paths from above. With quick steps, the tandem pilot glides down the slope. The wind catches under the canopy, and the paraglider lifts off silently: kids' hearts race with excitement.

Many providers set a minimum age requirement. Generally, young sky adventurers can join in, but for children around seven years old, tandem flights are typically possible, though parental consent is needed. It's also essential that the child truly wants to participate, as there’s no turning back once in the air.

Depending on the operator, children aged between 3 and 15 years can take part in a tandem kids' paragliding flight. The minimum weight varies from 15 to 25 kg. A normal psychological and physical state is required.

Paragliding safety

Professionalism and safety are guaranteed in paragliding. Without exception, all pilots are certified by the Swiss Hang Gliding Association SHV. They possess the hang gliding certificate, which confirms their skills. Pilots who are allowed to perform tandem flights go through an additional, strict examination

There are also very strict regulations for paragliders. All parts of the paraglider must be able to withstand at least an eightfold load. In addition, every paraglider is equipped with a rescue parachute that is pulled in case of emergency.

Equipment for paragliding

Good mountain equipment is in principle also suitable for paragliding. Personal equipment is chosen to serve both functions. First and foremost, it must be safe, packable in small pieces and suitably light.

Sturdy shoes, long trousers and a windbreaker are a must In summer, good, ankle-high shoes, a light windbreaker or a sweater are recommended. In winter, good, ankle-high shoes and a warm jacket and pants are also important. Not to be forgotten are the gloves. For a ski start, skis and a ski suit are needed, of course. Light equipment fits well in a large alpine backpack and weighs less than 10 kg

Paragliding equipment should meet safety standards. Helmet, reserve parachute and protector are always included

Paragliding is now proven to be the safest flight sport ever.