Interlaken looks made for a view from above: Lake Brienz and Lake Thun frame the town, while the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rise beyond it. This tandem flight takes off from Beatenberg and glides back to the center of town, with a certified pilot handling the flying.
I like two things in particular: you need no paragliding experience, and the flight gives you a striking bird’s-eye view without requiring a full day away from Interlaken. The team’s pilots, including Oli B, Res, Laser, and Remo, are often singled out for calm briefings, friendly conversation, and skilled photos.
The main consideration is time in the air: 10 to 20 minutes, depending on conditions. Weather can cancel or alter a flight, and the photo package costs CHF 40 extra. Summer weight limits also vary by departure time, so check the rules before booking.
- At a glance: what matters most
- From Interlaken to the Beatenberg launch
- The view from the air
- What the 75-minute outing includes
- Photos, phones, and the CHF 40 decision
- Seasons, clothing, and weather
- Who can fly, and what to check before booking
- Is the price worth it?
- Should you book this flight?
- FAQ
- How long does the whole experience take?
- Where is the meeting point?
- How early should I arrive?
- Where does the flight take off and land?
- Do I need paragliding experience?
- What is the minimum and maximum age?
- What are the summer weight limits?
- Can I use my phone during the flight?
- How much do the photos and videos cost?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
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At a glance: what matters most
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9 / 9- The flight ends in central Interlaken: You launch from Beatenberg and land at the Höhematte field, close to town.
- The views take in two lakes and famous peaks: Look for Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
- The full outing takes about 75 minutes: That includes the bus ride, walk to the launch area, briefing, flight, and landing.
- You can’t use a phone in the air: The pilot can attach a small compact camera, or you can consider the CHF 40 photo and video package.
- Weather and summer weight rules affect the plan: Flights depend on safe conditions, and some summer departure times have lower weight limits.
- It’s set up for first-timers: Certified tandem pilots provide instructions and manage the flight.
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From Interlaken to the Beatenberg launch
The outing begins at the Skywings desk beside Grand Café-Restaurant Schuh at Höheweg 56 during April to October. From November to March, the meeting point is the Skywings office at Alpenstrasse 2. Check the location and departure time on your booking, since seasonal arrangements differ.
Arrive 10 minutes early. The team checks you in, lets you leave small bags, and takes you by bus toward Beatenberg. The ride takes about 20 minutes, though traffic can affect the schedule. The route itself gives you time to settle in and look out over the area before the flight begins.
At the launch site, expect a short walk of about five minutes, then time to gear up and hear the safety instructions. The launch slope is described as gently inclined. You and the pilot run forward together, and the wing lifts you into the air. The running start is the part to pay attention to: follow your pilot’s directions rather than stopping or sitting down as you leave the ground.
First-timers need not arrive with technical knowledge. The pilot is responsible for the equipment and flying, while you follow instructions at launch and landing. People who are nervous about heights may find the clear briefing and steady company reassuring, but a tandem flight is still a real adventure, not a sightseeing lift with a seatbelt.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Interlaken.
The view from the air
Once airborne, the town’s setting becomes easier to read. Interlaken sits between two lakes, with turquoise water, rivers, fields, and mountain walls all visible from above. On a clear day, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau form the starry backdrop. The shift from streets and rooftops to open sky is the reason this short flight can feel like a major highlight.
The flight lasts 10 to 20 minutes, depending on conditions. That is enough time for a proper look around, but it is not a long-distance journey or a full mountain excursion. If you are booking mainly for a sustained flight, keep the variable duration in mind. Spring is described as a good season for longer flights because stronger thermals can provide lift, though no specific duration is guaranteed.
Pilots may point out sights and chat while you are in the air. Some passengers have also enjoyed more active turns or tricks, but those are not promised as part of every flight. If you want a calmer ride, tell your pilot; if you are keen on more excitement, ask what is suitable on the day. Conditions and the pilot’s judgment come first.
The landing takes place on soft grass at Höhematte, in the center of Interlaken. That central finish is practical: you do not have to arrange a separate ride down from the mountain after the flight. You can return to the meeting point to collect any bags you left behind.
What the 75-minute outing includes
The advertised total duration is about 75 minutes, covering the transfer, preparation, flight, and return. The bus ride takes around 20 minutes and the walk to the launch area about five. The flight itself is only part of the outing, so leave room in your schedule for the whole process rather than treating the departure time as your expected landing time.
The included package covers the tandem flight, an English-speaking certified pilot, current certified equipment, insurance for the flight, and transport from the meeting point to the launch site. The return landing is in central Interlaken. Meals, drinks, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off are not included.
Departure slots listed for April to October run from 07:10 through 17:00, though not every return time is available with every departure. The operator may change the schedule because of traffic or weather. Your selected time matters: late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded.
Photos, phones, and the CHF 40 decision
You cannot use your phone during the flight. For safety, phones and cameras with removable lenses can be used at takeoff but must be stowed by the pilot once airborne. A small compact camera may be used if the pilot can attach it securely to your harness.
The optional photo and video package costs CHF 40, payable by cash or card to your pilot. The pilot uses a GoPro to capture the flight, with a package described as 10 to 15 photos and 2 to 4 videos. After landing, you can view the images on a tablet and decide whether to buy. That try-before-you-buy arrangement is useful if you are unsure, though it does mean you should budget for the extra cost if having flight footage matters to you.
Photos are a common reason people choose the package, and pilots are often praised for capturing good shots. Still, think about what you value more: keeping the flight simple and enjoying the view, or leaving with images you can share. Either is a perfectly sensible choice.
Seasons, clothing, and weather
The flight operates only when conditions allow safe flying. Rain, storms, heavy snowfall, strong winds, and poor visibility can stop the activity. A cloudy day may also affect what you see, and the operator may adjust the flying location if conditions call for it. Keep a flexible plan around your booking, especially if your Interlaken stay is brief.
The seasons offer different trade-offs. Spring can bring stronger thermals and longer flights, along with green fields and snow on the peaks; it is also described as a quieter period for visitors. Summer makes light clothing more comfortable, with morning and evening flights noted as pleasant options. Autumn can offer clear visibility, gentler thermals, and fall colors. Winter brings snow-covered mountain views, but calls for warmer clothing.
Bring sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and a warm, windproof jacket. Ankle-high boots are recommended. Gloves and warm trousers are sensible in cooler conditions, and jackets, warm pants, and hiking boots may be available on request. Even if the town feels mild, you will be exposed to wind once airborne.
Who can fly, and what to check before booking
The activity is open to participants aged 5 and older but under 66, with no previous experience required. It is not recommended for pregnant women. People with heart disease may participate if they have been cleared for air travel.
Summer weight limits vary with the departure time. For 07:10, 08:10, 16:00, and 17:00 departures, the stated maximum is 80 kg, with a maximum age of 60. For 09:20, 10:30, 11:45, 13:30, and 14:45 departures, the stated maximum is 90 kg. Children under 30 kg can only take the 07:10, 08:10, 09:20, or 10:30 flights. The operator may adjust weight limits according to weather, so confirm your eligibility before choosing a slot.
The organizer provides accident insurance for the paragliding flight, including unlimited coverage for medical expenses in Switzerland. That coverage is specific to the flight. You remain responsible for suitable health and accident insurance, including cover for sports accidents, for other activities.
If flying with a female pilot matters to you, request availability through the booking provider at least 96 hours before your desired date. A particular pilot is not guaranteed. Although the experience name refers to The Golden Eagle, the available details describe a team of Skywings pilots, so confirm directly if you have a specific pilot in mind.
Is the price worth it?
The advertised price starts at $240.19, while seasonal package rates are also shown from about US$218.35 for April to October and US$218.39 for November to March. Prices can vary, so check the amount for your date before paying. The price includes transport to the launch site, the tandem flight, equipment, a certified English-speaking pilot, and flight insurance. The CHF 40 photo and video package is extra.
For an activity that takes about 75 minutes from start to finish, it is not a low-cost way to fill half a day. You are paying for a specialist flight, the pilot, equipment, and the rare chance to see Interlaken from above. If a mountain-and-lake view from the air is high on your wish list, that combination can justify the expense. If you mainly want a scenic outing at a lower cost, this may not be the best fit.
The strong points are consistent: the view, the pilots’ reassuring manner, and the smooth organization from check-in to landing. Names such as Oli B, Res, Laser, and Remo appear in accounts of especially memorable flights, but pilot assignments can change. The more useful expectation is a professional team rather than a specific person.
Should you book this flight?
Book it if you want a short, memorable way to see Interlaken and its surrounding peaks from the air, and you are comfortable with a running takeoff, changing weather, and a price that does not include photos. It suits first-time paragliders, couples, families with eligible children, and solo participants who want a guided flight rather than a technical lesson.
Think twice if you need a long flight, have a tight schedule, or would be disappointed by a weather cancellation or limited visibility. Check your weight, age, departure time, seasonal meeting point, and clothing before you commit. If those details work for you, the combination of a Beatenberg launch and a central Interlaken landing makes this a particularly practical way to take in the valley from above.
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot “The Golden Eagle”
“The instructor was also very kind, and I had a wonderful time!”
FAQ
How long does the whole experience take?
The total experience lasts about 75 minutes. The flight itself is approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
Where is the meeting point?
From April to October, check in at the Skywings desk beside Grand Café-Restaurant Schuh, at Höheweg 56 in Interlaken. From November to March, the meeting point is the Skywings office at Alpenstrasse 2.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded.
Where does the flight take off and land?
The flight launches from Beatenberg and lands at Höhematte in central Interlaken.
Do I need paragliding experience?
No. Certified tandem pilots give instructions, and no prior experience is required.
What is the minimum and maximum age?
Participants must be at least 5 years old and under 66. Some summer departure times have a lower maximum age of 60.
What are the summer weight limits?
For 07:10, 08:10, 16:00, and 17:00 departures, the stated maximum is 80 kg. For 09:20, 10:30, 11:45, 13:30, and 14:45 departures, it is 90 kg. The operator can adjust limits according to weather.
Can I use my phone during the flight?
No. Phones and cameras with removable lenses must be stowed by the pilot during the flight. A small compact camera may be used if it can be securely attached to the harness.
How much do the photos and videos cost?
The optional photo and video package costs CHF 40 and can be paid to the pilot by cash or credit card. You can view the images after landing before deciding whether to buy.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights operate only when conditions allow safe flying. Rain, storms, heavy snowfall, strong winds, and poor visibility can prevent a flight, and the schedule or location may change due to weather.
