Above Interlaken, the ground opens into a view of blue lakes, green slopes and the high Alps. This tandem flight starts at Beatenberg and gives you 10 to 20 minutes in the air, with a pilot handling the equipment and flight while you take in the scenery.
I like that the ride includes transport to the launch point and a clear, step-by-step briefing, so you do not need paragliding experience. I also like that pilots can add faster circles if you want more excitement, while the lakes and mountain views make a calmer flight worthwhile too.
One consideration: the flight time depends on weather, and the stated price of US$268.25 does not include optional photos and video. You will also need to meet the 30 to 90 kg weight range, which the operator may adjust for conditions.
- Beatenberg launch: The drive from Interlaken takes you to a popular launch point with views toward the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
- Short but memorable airtime: Expect 10 to 20 minutes in the air, depending on weather.
- Two-lake views: Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are visible from above, along with Interlaken below.
- A pilot-led flight: A certified professional handles the equipment and gives you a briefing before takeoff.
- Optional extra excitement: You can ask for faster circles, if conditions allow and you want them.
- Photos cost extra: The flight’s photo and video service is not included. One quoted price for it was CHF 60 per person.
- Interlaken from above, with the Alps in view
- From Höhematte to Beatenberg
- A 10 to 20 minute tandem flight
- Landing back in the middle of town
- What the price covers, and what costs extra
- Clothing, age and weight rules
- Weather, timing and the right expectations
- Who will enjoy this flight most
- Should you book the Beatenberg flight?
- FAQ
- How long is the flight?
- Where do I meet the pilot?
- How early should I arrive?
- Is prior paragliding experience required?
- What are the age and weight limits?
- What should I wear?
- Are photos and videos included?
- What is included in the price?
- The Best Of Interlaken!
- More Tours in Interlaken
- More Tour Reviews in Interlaken
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Interlaken we have reviewed
Interlaken from above, with the Alps in view
1 / 9
2 / 9
3 / 9
4 / 9
5 / 9
6 / 9
7 / 9
8 / 9
9 / 9Interlaken is a natural setting for a first paragliding flight. From the air, the town sits between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, with the Alps rising behind it. The view gives you a clearer sense of how the lakes, town and mountain slopes fit together than you get from street level.
The launch point is Beatenberg, a well-known spot in the region, with views toward the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The exact view can depend on weather and visibility, but the setting is the main reason to consider this flight: you are not just buying a brief thrill, but a chance to see the Interlaken area from a fresh angle.
The flight is tandem, so you fly with a certified pilot rather than learning to control the paraglider yourself. That makes the activity accessible to beginners, including people who have never tried a sport like this. Your part is to listen to the briefing, follow the pilot’s instructions and enjoy the ride.
👉 See our pick of the Best Workshops And Classes In Interlaken
From Höhematte to Beatenberg
The meeting point is at Höhenmatte in Interlaken, in front of the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. Look for a van marked Swiss Paragliding, usually black or red. You should arrive 10 minutes before the departure time you selected when booking.
From there, transport takes you to Beatenberg. That ride is a useful part of the arrangement: you do not need to organize your own route to the launch point, and the operator manages the transfer as part of the activity. Exact journey time is not stated, so leave room in your day rather than planning a tight connection immediately afterward.
Departure options are listed from 08:15 through 16:00, with several times in between. The available return times vary with your chosen departure and the length of the outing. Traffic and weather can change the schedule, so treat the times as a plan, not a guarantee.
Before takeoff, your pilot gives you a step-by-step briefing and prepares the paraglider with you. The instructions are meant to help you understand what to do and feel ready, even if the equipment is new to you. No prior experience is needed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Interlaken.
A 10 to 20 minute tandem flight
Once you are ready, you take off with the pilot and rise into the open sky. The included airtime is 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather. That is a short flight by the clock, but long enough to take in the views and get a genuine sense of being airborne.
Below, you may see the two lakes that give Interlaken its name, as well as the town and surrounding mountains. Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are specifically noted as visible from the air. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau add a grand alpine backdrop when conditions allow a clear view.
The tone of the flight can vary. You can simply enjoy a smooth glide, or ask your pilot for more dynamic flying, such as faster circles. That option is a welcome touch if you want an extra rush, but there is no need to choose it to make the flight worthwhile. The best fit is to tell the pilot what you are comfortable with and follow their guidance.
Pilot Carolyn has been praised for being friendly and experienced. Your pilot may be someone else, but the activity is led by a certified professional, and the pre-flight briefing is part of the plan. The pilot is responsible for the flight, so you can focus on the view rather than managing the equipment.
Landing back in the middle of town
The flight returns to a landing field at Höhematte in Interlaken. That central landing is a pleasing finish: rather than ending far from town, you arrive back in the heart of the place where you started. One account of the flight described landing right in Interlaken, a detail that makes the outing easy to fit around other plans.
The return point is listed as Höhematte, though the precise return time depends on your departure slot and how the outing runs. Keep your schedule flexible, particularly if you are connecting to a train, meal reservation or another timed activity.
What the price covers, and what costs extra
The listed starting price is US$268.25 for tandem paragliding with an experienced pilot. It includes a certified professional instructor, transport, flight equipment and 10 to 20 minutes of airtime. You are paying for a guided activity that combines the transfer, equipment, instruction and flight, not just time in the air.
At that price, the value will depend on how much you want the view and the sensation of flying. If paragliding is a major goal of your Interlaken visit, the guided setup makes it a straightforward way to try it without buying equipment or arranging transport to the launch site. If you are mainly seeking a long flight, note the stated airtime carefully: it can be as brief as 10 minutes.
Photos and video are not included. A quoted optional package cost was CHF 60 per person, with payment decided after landing. Bring cash or a credit card if you may want to buy the package. If you would rather keep the cost down, you can skip it; the flight itself is the main purchase.
Tips, gratuities and personal expenses are also excluded. No other extra charge is specified, so check the booking details before you pay if you need clarity on the final price in your currency.
Clothing, age and weight rules
You must be at least 6 years old to take part. Children aged 6 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The listed weight range is at least 30 kg and no more than 90 kg, although the operator may adjust the limits depending on weather conditions.
Wear good footwear and clothing suited to the season. Long pants and a windbreaker are recommended year-round, a sensible choice for time spent in the open air. The operator does not specify a precise footwear type, so choose shoes you can move comfortably in.
You will need to present your mobile voucher. The activity is beginner-friendly in the sense that no previous paragliding experience is needed, but you still need to meet the age and weight requirements and follow the pilot’s instructions.
Weather, timing and the right expectations
Weather matters twice: it can affect the schedule and it determines whether the flight lasts closer to 10 or 20 minutes. The operator may also adjust weight limits based on conditions. If your holiday schedule is packed, give this outing some breathing room and avoid placing an important connection right after the return.
The published departure choices range from early morning to late afternoon. Select the time you want when booking and arrive 10 minutes early. Confirmation is normally sent within minutes; if it does not arrive, contact customer support. The voucher is valid only on the date and time specified.
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the activity date, using the destination’s local time. That policy offers some flexibility, but it does not remove the uncertainty of weather on the day.
Who will enjoy this flight most
This is a good choice if you want a dramatic view of Interlaken without committing to a long technical course. Beginners can take part, and the pilot-led format keeps the focus on the scenery and the feeling of flight. It also suits anyone who likes the idea of a little adrenaline but wants the option to keep the flight calm.
Families may find the age minimum useful, though children aged 6 to 12 need a paying adult with them. Check the weight limit before booking, especially because weather can change the operator’s requirements.
It may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed airtime duration, a fixed return time or photos included in the price. The flight is short, weather-dependent and the camera package costs extra. For many people, those are fair trade-offs for seeing the lakes and mountains from the air; for others, the added cost and scheduling uncertainty may tip the decision.
Should you book the Beatenberg flight?
Book it if you want a guided first paragliding flight with a strong chance of memorable views over Interlaken, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The included transport and equipment make the outing simple, and the pilot can tailor the flight’s feel to your comfort level where conditions permit.
Think twice if you are watching every franc, need a longer flight or have a rigid schedule. Budget separately for the optional photo package, dress for wind and changing conditions, and leave space around the activity. If you can manage those details, this is a direct way to add a very different view of the Alps to an Interlaken visit.
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding with Pilot “The High Flight”
“Fantastic! Pilot Carolyn is really nice and very experienced. I had an excellent flight in Interlaken.”
FAQ
How long is the flight?
The included airtime is 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
Where do I meet the pilot?
Meet at Höhenmatte, in front of the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken. Look for a van with a Swiss Paragliding logo.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 10 minutes before the departure time you selected.
Is prior paragliding experience required?
No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and the pilot gives you a step-by-step briefing.
What are the age and weight limits?
Participants must be at least 6 years old and weigh at least 30 kg. The listed maximum is 90 kg. Children aged 6 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and the operator may adjust weight limits for weather.
What should I wear?
Wear good footwear and seasonally suitable clothing. Long pants and a windbreaker are recommended throughout the year.
Are photos and videos included?
No. Photo and video service costs extra. One stated price was CHF 60 per person, and you can bring cash or a credit card.
What is included in the price?
The package includes a certified professional instructor, transport, flight equipment and 10 to 20 minutes of airtime.
