Interlaken’s paragliders are part of the view from town. This flight lets you join them, launching from Beatenberg at about 1,300 metres and gliding down toward the Höhematte field, with the Alps and lakes spread below.
I like two things in particular: the short, straightforward transfer from town means you spend little of your day getting to the launch site, and the flight gives you a striking view of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The pilots also handle the gear and briefing, so you do not need prior experience.
The main consideration is time and weather. Airtime is only 10 to 20 minutes, and bad conditions can cancel a flight. The price is steep for a short activity, so think of it as a special-event spend, not a long excursion.
- Launch above Interlaken: Take off from Beatenberg, around 1,300 metres above sea level.
- Fly for 10 to 20 minutes: The exact time depends on weather conditions.
- Meet at Höhematte: The landing field is also the central meeting point, opposite the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel.
- Budget for optional media: Photos and video cost CHF 40, paid to the pilot.
- Check weight and age rules: Participants must be at least 5 years old and weigh between 20 and 90 kg.
- Leave room in your schedule: The ride and flight are brief, but the full outing can take close to two hours.
- From Interlaken’s town center to the Beatenberg launch
- A simple takeoff, with clear instructions
- What you see during 10 to 20 minutes in the air
- Landing back on the Höhematte
- Cost, value, and what the price includes
- Weather, weight limits, and who should book
- Should you book the Interlaken tandem flight?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point?
- How long does the whole activity take?
- How long is the flight?
- Where does the paraglider take off and land?
- Do I need paragliding experience?
- What are the age and weight limits?
- What should a participant under 45 kg know?
- Can I use my phone or camera during the flight?
- How much do the photos and videos cost?
- What happens if bad weather prevents the flight?
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From Interlaken’s town center to the Beatenberg launch
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6 / 6The meeting point is on the Höhematte field in central Interlaken, opposite the Hotel Victoria Jungfrau. It is about a five-minute walk from either Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost station. Arrive 10 minutes before your booked time; late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.
Look for staff wearing blue shirts or black jackets with the AlpinAir logo. From there, a van takes the group toward the launch area near Beatenberg. The ride takes about 20 minutes, followed by an eight-minute walk with mountain views. You will not be dropped at the edge of a platform and pushed into the sky. There is a short walk to the takeoff point, where the pilot explains what to do.
The transfer is useful because it takes the effort out of finding a mountain launch site on your own. It also makes this an easy activity to fit into an Interlaken day. Still, do not plan your next activity too tightly. The stated trip time is about 75 minutes, while the full schedule describes roughly 90 minutes, and actual outings can run close to two hours. Traffic, weather, and the flow of the group all affect the clock.
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A simple takeoff, with clear instructions
At the launch area, your SHV-certified tandem pilot gives you a safety briefing and fits your helmet, gloves, and harness. No previous paragliding experience is needed. The important part for you is to listen closely and follow the pilot’s instructions during takeoff and landing.
The launch is a short run, not a leap from a cliff. Once the wing catches the air, you and your pilot lift off together. The setup is designed for beginners, but it is still an adventure activity: you are flying above populated areas, and conditions must be right for a safe flight.
The pilot is in control of the paraglider. You can settle into the harness and look around as the town drops below. If you are nervous, say so before takeoff. Pilots named in accounts of this operation include Lucas, Dario, Rick, Patrick, Noel, and Simon, among others, but you cannot count on a particular pilot being assigned.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Interlaken.
What you see during 10 to 20 minutes in the air
The flight covers an 800-metre difference in height, from the Beatenberg launch area down to Interlaken. Airtime is usually described as 10 to 20 minutes, with weather conditions affecting the length. That is enough time to take in the lakes, rooftops, green valley, and surrounding peaks, but it is not a long aerial tour.
From above, Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the high Alps beyond. The view changes as the pilot steers, so you get more than a single postcard angle. On a clear day, you may see the Eiger and other mountain peaks. Cloud, haze, or poor visibility can change what is visible, which is why the activity only runs when conditions are suitable.
Most of the flight is a smooth glide, though the experience can be made more exciting. Some pilots add swoops or turns, and people describe roller-coaster-style manoeuvres near the end. These are not the whole point of the flight, and they will not suit everyone. If you prefer a gentler ride, tell your pilot. If you want more excitement, ask what is possible under the day’s conditions. Your pilot can decide what is safe.
A small compact camera may be allowed if the pilot can attach it securely to your harness. Mobile phones and cameras with removable lenses are not permitted in the air because they cannot be secured safely. You can bring them to the takeoff area, but the pilot must stow them during the flight. That rule makes sense over a town, where a dropped device could hurt someone or disappear for good.
Landing back on the Höhematte
The flight ends on the open Höhematte field in central Interlaken, close to where you started. The landing is handled by your pilot, who guides the paraglider down to the grass. You should still pay attention to the instructions as you approach the ground.
Once landed, the pilot can show you the photos and videos taken during the flight. The media package is optional and costs CHF 40, payable by cash or card directly to the pilot. Files are transferred to your phone or USB after landing. If keeping a record matters to you, decide in advance whether that extra cost fits your budget. You cannot use your phone in the air as a substitute.
The central landing is a real convenience. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from a remote site, and the field is an easy walk from both train stations. Keep in mind that finishing the flight does not always mean you are instantly free to leave. One account describes a wait after landing, so avoid booking a train or meal with no buffer.
Cost, value, and what the price includes
The experience is listed from about US$240.25, while a package price is also shown from US$218.35. Prices can vary by package and booking, so check the total at checkout rather than relying on a starting figure. The fare includes the tandem flight, transfer to the launch site, pilot, equipment, briefing, and stated accident insurance for the flight.
At that price, you are paying for a short but unusual view of Interlaken, plus the trained pilot and transport that make the flight accessible to beginners. The 10 to 20 minutes in the air may feel brief for the cost, especially if cloud limits the view. But if a flight over the Alps is a personal must-do, it can be worth prioritizing over another standard sightseeing stop.
The CHF 40 photo and video option pushes the total higher. It may be worthwhile if you want hands-free pictures of the flight, since phones cannot go up with you. If you are happy to remember the view without a file to prove it, skip the add-on.
Weather, weight limits, and who should book
This is a weather-dependent activity. Flights do not operate in rain, storms, heavy snowfall, strong winds, or poor visibility. The operator may cancel if conditions are unsafe; in that case, you can reschedule or request a full refund. If your Interlaken schedule is tight, keep this weather risk in mind and avoid making the flight your only plan for a particular day.
Participants must be at least 5 years old. Children aged 5 to 16 need parental consent. The minimum weight is 20 kg and the maximum is 90 kg, though the operator can adjust the upper limit depending on conditions. Anyone under 45 kg should book before 11 a.m. from April through September.
The activity is not recommended for pregnant women. People with heart disease may take part if they have been cleared for air travel. The organizer states that flight participants are covered by accident insurance for medical expenses up to CHF 5 million in Switzerland. No prior experience is required.
This is a good fit if you want a high-impact view of the region, are comfortable with heights, and can follow instructions. It can also work for families whose children meet the age and weight rules. If you are prone to motion sickness or uneasy about swooping turns, tell the pilot before you set off and ask for a calmer flight.
Should you book the Interlaken tandem flight?
Book it if the thought of floating above the lakes and Alps excites you more than the short airtime and high price bother you. The central meeting and landing point, included transfer, and certified tandem pilot make the logistics manageable for a first flight.
Skip it if you need a guaranteed view, have a packed schedule with no flexibility, or would rather spend the money on a longer mountain outing. Weather can change the plan, and the flight itself is brief. But on a clear day, few activities give you such a direct view of Interlaken from above.
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot “The Top Flight”
“Lucas was nothing short of exceptional as my paragliding pilot. We drew pilots by lottery, and by pure luck, I got him. What made him stand out? Hi…”
FAQ
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at the Höhematte landing field in Interlaken, opposite the Hotel Victoria Jungfrau. It is about a five-minute walk from Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost station.
How long does the whole activity take?
The stated trip time is about 75 minutes, while the schedule describes roughly 90 minutes. Allow close to two hours, as traffic, weather, and group timing can affect the outing.
How long is the flight?
Airtime is 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
Where does the paraglider take off and land?
The flight takes off from the Beatenberg area and lands at Höhematte in central Interlaken.
Do I need paragliding experience?
No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and the pilot gives a safety briefing before the flight.
What are the age and weight limits?
Participants must be at least 5 years old and weigh at least 20 kg. The adult maximum is 90 kg, though the operator may adjust it depending on weather. Children aged 5 to 16 need parental consent.
What should a participant under 45 kg know?
From April through September, participants under 45 kg should fly before 11 a.m.
Can I use my phone or camera during the flight?
Mobile phones and cameras with removable lenses are not allowed in the air. A small compact camera may be allowed if the pilot can attach it securely to your harness.
How much do the photos and videos cost?
The optional photo and video service costs CHF 40. You pay the pilot by cash or card, and the files are transferred after landing.
What happens if bad weather prevents the flight?
The activity only operates when conditions allow safe flying. If the operator cancels because of extreme weather or unsafe conditions, you can reschedule or request a full refund.
