Interlaken Paragliding: Weight Limits, What to Wear & Who Can Fly

Tandem paragliding in Interlaken is genuinely accessible — children can fly, there’s no upper age limit, and you don’t need to be an athlete. But there are real weight, age and fitness rules, and what you wear makes a surprising difference to the day. Here’s everything to check before you book.

The Short Answer

Most operators fly passengers from roughly 25 kg up to about 100 kg, from around age 6 with no upper age limit, as long as you’re fit enough to run a few steps at take-off. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and warm layers — and leave loose items behind.

Weight Limits

The typical range is about 25 kg minimum to around 100 kg maximum, though the exact ceiling depends on the wind and your pilot’s judgement on the day. A few things worth knowing:

• Some operators quote a more conservative everyday range of roughly 30–90 kg, with the full ~100 kg only in good conditions (and sometimes only if you’re tall enough — around 1.80 m — to manage the running take-off).
• The maximum can be a little lower on the calmest morning and late-afternoon slots, where lighter winds give the wing less margin. If you’re near the top of the range, book a midday flight or check with the operator first so your slot isn’t a problem on the day.

Age and Fitness

• Minimum age is usually around 6 years (younger children simply can’t be harnessed safely or run the take-off).
• There’s no upper age limit — plenty of flyers are well into their senior years — but everyone must be in good general health.
• You need to be fit enough to run a few steps downhill and stand steady for a moment. The launch is the only physical part of the whole flight; once you’re airborne you simply sit back in the harness.
• If you’re pregnant, recently injured, or have a relevant medical condition, check with the operator before booking.

What to Wear

Dress as if for a mountain walk, because the launch site sits high and cool:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes — trainers or light hiking boots with good grip. No sandals or slip-ons: you’re running at take-off and landing. (Some operators will lend grippy shoes for free if you don’t have any.)
• Layers, year-round. It’s noticeably cooler at the 1,350 m launch than in town, and the wind-chill in flight makes it feel colder still — bring a fleece or a light windproof jacket even in summer. Long trousers are recommended in every season.
• Sunglasses against glare and wind, and gloves are welcome on cool mornings or winter flights.

What to Leave Behind (or Secure)

• Loose hats and scarves — they’ll blow away; leave them in the van.
• Phones and cameras — secure them or, better, let the operator’s mounted camera capture the flight (see what photos and video cost).
• Bulky bags — most operators store your things during the flight.

Quick Pre-Flight Checklist

• Within ~25–100 kg (check the calmer slots if you’re near the top)
• Age 6+ and in good general health
• Able to run a few steps at take-off
• Closed-toe grippy shoes + warm layers + sunglasses
• Loose items left behind; camera handled by the operator

For when to go and how the weather affects your slot, see the best time of year to paraglide in Interlaken; for how it all works on the day, see is it safe and what to expect.

Ready to Book?

If you tick the boxes above, a top-rated Interlaken tandem paragliding flight is waiting — certified pilots, clear weight limits, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Check availability and pick your slot.