Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot

Interlaken is already a fine place to see from the ground. From a paraglider, it becomes something else entirely: lakes below, snowy peaks ahead, and the town spread out beneath your feet. You ride up to Beatenberg, take a few running steps, and let the wind do the rest.

I like two things right away. The landing is in the center of town, so you do not spend the afternoon finding your way back from a remote airfield. I also like the human side of the flight. Pilots such as Ray, Remo, Val, Simon, Michael, and Klem are repeatedly praised for calm instructions and a friendly manner.

The main consideration is the weather. Alpine conditions can change quickly, and the final decision may come close to departure. Weight and age limits also vary by time slot, so check those details before you book.

Key points to know before you book

• Take off from Beatenberg: A 20-minute van ride and a short walk bring you to the grassy launch point above Interlaken.
• See Lake Thun and the Alps: The flight gives you a broad view of water, villages, mountain slopes, and snow-capped peaks.
• Choose your pace: Ask for a calm sightseeing flight, or request turns and aerial tricks if you want more action.
• Land at Höhematte: You finish smoothly in central Interlaken, close to the activity’s summer meeting area.
• Plan around the limits: Maximum weight is 80 or 90 kilograms depending on the departure time and season, with some slots limited to age 60.
• Bring the right clothes: Wear closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a jacket. Photos and videos cost extra.

Why paragliding works so well in Interlaken

Interlaken gives you the rare combination of dramatic mountains and open water in one view. The town sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Bernese Alps rising beyond it. From Beatenberg, you gain height before the flight even begins, which makes the launch view part of the experience.

You are not strapped into a noisy aircraft or sealed behind a window. The flight is open and quiet. You hear the air, talk with your pilot, and watch the scenery shift below. That sense of calm is a big part of the appeal. The activity has an exciting reputation, but much of the actual flight feels gentle.

You do not need previous paragliding experience. Your pilot handles the equipment and controls the paraglider. You follow the safety briefing and the running instructions at takeoff. Several pilots are especially good at settling first-time nerves, including Klem, who was praised for a calming presence, and Remo, who has been noted for clear explanations and a light sense of humor.

This is a good match for someone who wants an Alpine view without committing to a long mountain hike. It also suits couples, families with eligible children, and anyone looking for one major adventure during a Swiss trip.

Meeting in central Interlaken

The meeting point changes with the season, so read your booking details carefully. From November through March, you meet at the Skywings office on the corner of the landing field, on the bottom floor of the large pink Savoy building. Look for the blue and orange Skywings logo.

From April through October, you meet at the Skywings desk by the landing area, in front of Restaurant Schuh at Höheweg 56. This central location is useful if you are staying in Interlaken, and it keeps the start simple. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to a mountain base.

Allow the full 1.5 hours rather than thinking only about time in the air. The activity includes check-in, transport, the short walk, preparation, flight, and landing. The exact amount of time spent in the air can vary with conditions, and one winter flight was described as shorter because visibility was not ideal. That is a sensible reminder that mountain weather shapes the day.

The office staff handle the early steps, and the pilots give you the instructions you need. English and German are available.

The 20-minute ride to Beatenberg

The van ride from the office takes about 20 minutes. It is not a sightseeing tour in its own right, but it moves you from town to the takeoff area efficiently. One person found the summer vehicle hot and without air conditioning, so do not expect a luxury transfer.

The payoff comes when you reach Beatenberg. The village sits above Lake Thun, and the route gives you changing views as you climb. You get a sense of the height before you ever leave the ground.

Once the van arrives, expect about five minutes on foot. Wear closed-toe shoes with a firm sole. Hiking boots are included if you need them, which is helpful for the grassy hillside and uneven footing. Still, your own practical shoes may be more comfortable than relying on borrowed footwear.

Beatenberg takeoff: a short run, then open air

At Beatenberg, the pilot prepares the equipment and gives a full safety briefing. You will need to be able to run for takeoff. This does not mean a long athletic sprint, but you must follow the pilot’s instructions and move forward with purpose as the paraglider fills with air.

The launch itself is gentler than many people expect. You run a few steps from the grassy slope, and the wing lifts you into the air. The pilots work in pairs with the equipment and guide you through the process, so your task is simple: listen, run when told, and keep moving until you are airborne.

This is the moment when nerves tend to peak. If you feel uneasy, tell your pilot before takeoff. The strongest theme in the feedback is the pilots’ ability to make nervous first-timers feel comfortable. Ray, Val, Klem, Michael, and Remo were each singled out for clear or reassuring guidance, but the broader team also received praise for being friendly and well organized.

Once airborne, the sensation changes quickly. Instead of a sudden free fall, you settle into a supported seat beneath the canopy. The flight can be quiet and smooth, allowing you to look around without the constant noise of an engine.

What you see from the paraglider

The view is the main reason to choose this activity. Lake Thun spreads below you, while Alpine peaks rise beyond the water. You can also look down on mountain villages, slopes, roads, and Interlaken itself.

The height changes your sense of place. From the street, the mountains can feel like a wall around town. From the air, you see how the lakes, villages, and valleys fit together. It is a geography lesson with no map required.

The light matters. A clear summer morning may give you crisp mountain lines and bright water. Winter can add snow to the launch area and the surrounding slopes, though visibility may be less reliable. One winter participant enjoyed the snowy scenery but planned to return in summer for a clearer view.

Your pilot may talk with you during the flight and point out features around the valley. Some pilots also let you take a more active role when conditions allow. Remo and another pilot were praised for allowing turns or brief steering under supervision. Do not count on this as a guaranteed part of every flight. It depends on the pilot, weather, and safety conditions.

Calm flight or extra turns

You can tell the pilot what sort of experience you want. If you are nervous, ask for a steady flight focused on scenery. One passenger specifically appreciated a pilot who avoided the dropping feeling associated with roller coasters and kept the flight calm.

If you want more excitement, ask about turns or aerial tricks. Some pilots added spins and faster movements for people who wanted a thrill. David was praised for checking comfort first before adding speed and tricks. That is the right approach: the fun should match your nerves, not fight them.

The open-air setting can feel surprisingly peaceful. You may spend much of the flight simply looking at the Alps and talking with the pilot. Another participant described about 30 minutes in the air, but the exact duration is not guaranteed in the activity details. Conditions affect how long the flight lasts and what maneuvers are possible.

If you are prone to motion sickness, mention it before asking for spins. The supplied information does not promise a specific flight length or a particular set of maneuvers, so treat the tricks as an optional extra rather than the central product.

Landing at Höhematte

The flight ends with a smooth landing at Höhematte, the large open area in central Interlaken. This is one of the most practical features of the activity. You finish close to town rather than at a distant landing strip.

The final approach is handled by your pilot. You follow the landing instructions, and the equipment is collected after you are safely on the ground. The activity route includes a short photo stop and scenic views around Höhematte before the experience wraps up.

Because you land in town, it is easy to continue with lunch, shopping, a lake excursion, or another Interlaken activity. It also makes this a convenient choice if you are fitting paragliding into a busy day.

Are the photos and videos worth buying?

Digital photos and videos are not included in the $233 price. They are available to purchase on-site. Many participants considered them worthwhile, especially because the pilot can capture views that are difficult to photograph while you are managing your own excitement.

The pilots use cameras to record the flight, and several people praised the quality of the footage. Michael was noted for taking memorable photos and videos, while Ray, Res, and others helped make sure people received their files. One participant had trouble using an SD-card adapter and appreciated that the pilot worked out another solution.

If the flight is a once-in-a-lifetime treat, I would budget for the media before you go. You may not be able to hold a phone comfortably during takeoff, flight, and landing, and your own photos would not show you suspended above Interlaken. Still, the media is an optional extra, so you can skip it if the price has already stretched your budget.

The $233 price and what it buys

At $233 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an hour and a half. You are paying for a qualified pilot, specialized equipment, transport to Beatenberg, the flight itself, and the convenience of a central landing.

The value depends on what you want from your Swiss trip. If you only want mountain scenery, trains, cable cars, and viewpoints cost less. But paragliding gives you a different angle, plus the personal guidance of a pilot and the sense of actually moving through the sky.

I think the price makes the most sense for a special occasion, a first-time flight, or a trip where you want one standout activity. Birthdays and anniversaries are a natural fit. One participant even received a birthday song in the air from pilot Ray.

You can also reduce financial risk by booking with the pay-later option. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Weather decisions may be made close to flight time, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Weight, age, weather, and physical requirements

Check the weight rules before choosing a time. The maximum is either 80 kilograms, about 180 pounds, or 90 kilograms, about 200 pounds, depending on the departure slot.

In winter, the 80-kilogram limit applies to departures at 8:30, 13:45, 15:00, and 16:00, with a maximum age of 60 for those times. The 90-kilogram limit applies at 9:45, 11:00, and 12:15.

In summer, the 80-kilogram limit applies at 7:10, 8:10, 16:00, and 17:00, again with a maximum age of 60. The 90-kilogram limit applies at 9:20, 10:30, 11:45, 13:30, and 14:45.

The activity is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with epilepsy, people over 200 pounds or 91 kilograms, or people with mobility impairments. You must be able to run for takeoff. Wear a jacket, dress for the weather, and bring closed-toe shoes.

Weather is the other big variable. The company makes a final check at flight time because conditions can change fast around Interlaken. If you do not receive an update, plan to attend as scheduled, but understand that a delay or cancellation may be necessary for safety.

Who should book this flight?

I would recommend it to first-time paragliders who want a guided introduction rather than a technical lesson. The pilot controls the flight, and the briefing keeps your role clear.

It is also good for people who dislike roller-coaster drops but still want an aerial adventure. Tell the pilot you prefer a calm ride. On the other hand, confident thrill-seekers can ask about turns and tricks if conditions allow.

This is less suitable if you cannot run, have one of the listed medical conditions, exceed the weight limit, or need a fully accessible activity. It is also a poor choice for a rigid schedule, since weather can affect the final decision.

Should you book Skywings in Interlaken?

Yes, if you want a memorable Alpine experience and you meet the physical and weight requirements. The strongest reasons are the superb setting, the easy central landing, and the pilots’ repeated attention to safety and comfort.

Book a morning or afternoon slot that fits your weight limit, then keep your schedule loose around the weather. If you are nervous, ask for a calm flight. If you want more action, speak up. And if the photos matter to you, plan for the extra charge.

At $233, this is a splurge. But it gives you something a cable car cannot: a quiet, open-air glide above Lake Thun and Interlaken, with a pilot beside you and the Alps spread out below.

FAQ

How long does the tandem paragliding experience last?

The full activity lasts about 1.5 hours, including transport, the walk to the launch area, preparation, the flight, and landing.

Where does the activity begin?

In winter, meet at the Skywings office on the corner of the landing field, on the bottom floor of the pink Savoy building. In summer, meet at the Skywings desk in front of Restaurant Schuh at Höheweg 56.

How do you reach the takeoff point?

A van ride from the meeting point takes about 20 minutes, followed by about five minutes on foot to the takeoff area at Beatenberg.

Where does the paraglider land?

The flight lands at Höhematte, in the center of Interlaken.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No previous experience is stated as necessary. A qualified pilot provides the equipment, safety briefing, and flight guidance.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring a jacket and weather-appropriate clothing. Closed-toe shoes are required. Hiking boots are included if needed.

What are the weight limits?

The limit is 80 kilograms or 90 kilograms depending on the departure time and season. The stated upper limit is 90 kilograms, about 200 pounds.

Can children take part?

Children under five cannot participate. Some departure times also have a maximum age of 60, so check the selected time before booking.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Digital photos and videos can be purchased on-site as an additional cost.