Tandem Paragliding Over Interlaken & the Bernese Oberland

There is a reason Interlaken is the paragliding capital of the Alps. The town sits on a narrow strip of flat land — the interlaken, literally “between lakes” — wedged between the turquoise Lake Thun and the deep-blue Lake Brienz, with the snow-capped wall of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rising directly to the south. From a tandem paraglider the whole arrangement reads like a relief map come to life: two lakes glinting on either side, the green Höhematte meadow at the centre, and the famous Three Peaks filling the horizon. It is, by common consent, one of the most scenic flights you can take anywhere on Earth — and you do not need a single minute of experience to do it.

What a Tandem Flight Actually Involves

A tandem flight means you fly clipped into a harness directly in front of a certified professional pilot, who handles every part of the take-off, the steering and the landing. Your only job is to run a few steps down the launch slope when the pilot says go, then sit back in the harness once the wing lifts you off the mountain. There is no jumping and no freefall — a paraglider is a soft, wing-shaped canopy that you simply walk off the hillside under, and it carries you down in a long, gentle glide.

Most Interlaken flights launch from Beatenberg–Amisbühl, a grassy slope about 1,350 metres above the north shore of Lake Thun. After meeting in town and a quick weigh-in and briefing, you ride a shuttle van roughly 20 minutes up to the launch, already watching the lakes open up below. From take-off you’ll typically enjoy 10 to 20 minutes of airtime, drifting above Lake Thun with views toward the Harder Kulm viewpoint and across to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, before landing softly on the Höhematte — the open parkland right in the middle of Interlaken. If you want longer, some operators sell “high flights” or extended “double airtime” flights that trade a higher start for considerably more time in the air.

Who Can Fly — Weight, Age and Fitness

Tandem paragliding is genuinely accessible. Children can usually fly from around age 6, there is no upper age limit, and the typical weight range runs from roughly 25 kg up to about 100 kg. It’s worth knowing that the maximum weight can be a little lower on the calmer early-morning and late-afternoon departures (often closer to 80–90 kg), so if you’re near the top of the range it pays to book a midday slot or check with the operator. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be fit enough to run a few steps at take-off and stand steady for a moment — the launch is the one physical part of the whole experience.

When to Go — Season, Time of Day and Weather

Paragliding runs in Interlaken year-round, and each season has its own character: lush green valleys in summer, golden larches in autumn, and snow-dusted peaks in winter. Spring tends to deliver the longest flights, because stronger thermals give the wing more lift and keep you aloft longer. Mornings are usually the calmest and smoothest part of the day, which makes early slots a good choice if you’re nervous or prone to motion sickness; later afternoons can offer beautiful light but slightly livelier air.

The single most important variable, though, is the weather. Paragliding is entirely weather-dependent — flights only go in safe wind and visibility, and operators will postpone or cancel rather than fly in marginal conditions. That’s a safety feature, not an inconvenience: if your flight can’t run, you’ll normally be offered a reschedule or a full refund. Because of this, it’s wise to book your flight for early in your stay, leaving spare days to try again if the first morning is grounded.

What to Wear and Bring

Dress as if for a mountain walk. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes — trainers or light hiking boots with decent grip — are essential for the running take-off and landing; avoid sandals and slip-ons. Wear layers: it is noticeably cooler at the 1,350 m launch than in town, and the wind-chill in flight makes it feel colder still, so a fleece or light windproof jacket is sensible even in summer. Sunglasses are genuinely useful against glare and wind, and gloves are welcome on cool mornings. Leave loose hats and scarves behind, secure your phone, and let the operator’s camera capture the flight — most include photos and video as an add-on or in the package.

Booking the Right Flight

The operators flying out of Interlaken are independent, top-rated companies with certified tandem pilots — not a single official authority — so the signals that matter when you book are high review counts, certified pilots, clear weight limits, and free cancellation. The classic Beatenberg flight is the most popular and best value; the Mürren panorama flight launches higher above the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley for a more alpine feel; and if you’re based in Zurich, there are day trips that fold the flight into a full day out. When you’re ready to feel the wing lift you off the mountain and the Bernese Oberland open up beneath your feet, check flight availability.