The requirements for a tandem paragliding flight in Interlaken
Anyone thinking about a paragliding flight in Interlaken for the first time often asks themselves similar questions: Am I brave enough? Do I have to be sporty? What if I have a fear of heights? Can my child fly with me? And am I perhaps too old for this adventure?
The good news is that paragliding is an activity that is suitable for far more people than many people think. In fact, tandem flights are one of the best outdoor experiences in Switzerland, and you only need a few qualifications to take part. Thanks to modern equipment, experienced pilots and simple procedures, people of all ages and fitness levels can experience the fascination of flying.
In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the physical and emotional requirements for a tandem paragliding flight in the Jungfrau region and show why many guests consider paragliding in Interlaken to be one of the best experiences of their vacation.
Can I go paragliding if I am afraid of heights?
This is probably the most common question we hear from our guests. Surprisingly, every year we carry out numerous flights with people who say they suffer from a fear of heights. And almost all of them report the same thing after landing:
“It was much less bad than I expected.”
The reason for this is simple: paragliding does not normally give rise to the classic feeling of fear of heights. Fear of heights often occurs when you are standing on a ladder, a balcony or a lookout tower and perceive direct contact with the ground. The brain recognizes the depth and reacts accordingly. The situation is different with paragliding. As soon as you take off, you float freely in the air. There is no fixed connection to the ground and no feeling of being on an edge. Many guests therefore describe the flight as a calm glide or hover rather than “being high up”.
What’s more, our pilots have a lot of experience with nervous guests. Before take-off, they explain every single step and answer all questions. This builds trust and most passengers relax just a few minutes after take-off. Of course, a certain amount of respect for heights is completely normal. However, experience shows that even guests with a fear of heights often land enthusiastically and wonder why they were worried in the first place. Many guests also report this in the reviews on google, which you can read here.
Do I have to be sporty or fit to go paragliding?
Many people believe that paragliding is a sport for particularly fit or athletic people. However, this is not true. No special sporting ability is required for a tandem Paragliding Interlaken flight. The most important physical contribution is to run a few meters downhill at the start. Depending on the launch site, this take-off run only takes a short time. The paraglider then takes over and carries you gently into the air.
You don’t have to do anything during the flight itself. The pilot controls the glider, monitors the weather and wind and ensures that the flight is safe and enjoyable. You can simply sit back, enjoy the view and let the experience sink in. Depending on your preference (if you are an adrenaline junkie), you can also get some action by having the pilot initiate a spiral flight
No special fitness is required for landing either. Most landings take place gently on a meadow in the center of Interlaken. In many cases, all you need to do is walk a few steps as you land. Paragliding is therefore one of the few outdoor activities in Switzerland that is suitable for both sporty adventurers and more leisurely vacation guests.
You can find all the information about our paragliding flight in summer here.
Are there age or weight restrictions for paragliding?
Yes, there are certain guidelines. They are purely for safety and enable the pilot to ensure the optimum conditions for each flight. Typically, the following requirements apply:
- 👉Minimum age: approx. 6 years
- 👉Minimum weight: 25 kg
- 👉Maximum weight: 100 kg (for summer flights at 7:15 a.m., the maximum weight is 80 kg)
However, these values are not absolute. The current weather conditions and the pilot’s assessment on the day of the flight are always decisive. For example, slightly heavier or lighter passengers can fly in very calm conditions. Conversely, there may be restrictions in certain wind conditions. We therefore always recommend contacting our team directly if you are unsure. Together we will find out whether a flight is possible.
Incidentally, there is no upper age limit. As long as a person is mobile enough to walk a few steps at take-off, there is often nothing to stop them flying. We have already had guests of advanced retirement age who have realized their dream of flying and have not regretted it.
Are children allowed to paraglide?
Yes, of course. For many families, a tandem flight is now one of the best vacation experiences in Interlaken.
The prerequisite is the consent of the parents or legal guardians. We also make sure that the child feels comfortable with the pilot. This is often even more important than the exact age or weight. Many of our pilots are parents themselves and have years of experience in dealing with children. They know exactly how to reduce nervousness and make children feel safe. Most children are surprisingly relaxed and curious anyway. They often enjoy the flight even more than the adults.
For children, the flight is a real adventure:
The lakes look like giant bathtubs.
Houses look like toys.
The mountains seem close enough to touch.
Many young guests still talk about their flight over Interlaken years later and we have also had many guests who first flew with us as children and then flew with us again years later as adults.
Is paragliding suitable for families or groups?
Definitely: Paragliding is not only an individual adventure, but is also ideal for families, groups of friends, company outings or club trips. Thanks to our large team of pilots, several guests can often take off in quick succession or even almost simultaneously. This creates a shared experience that will be talked about for a long time to come.
Many families use their stay in the Jungfrau region to experience something special together. While some family members prefer a peaceful panoramic flight, others may want a little more action. The great thing about tandem paragliding is that the flight can be customized. And of course, after a paragliding flight in the Jungfrau region, there are many other activities that are especially suitable for families.
Conclusion: Paragliding is suitable for many more people than you might think
If you ask yourself whether you meet the physical or emotional requirements for a tandem flight, the answer in most cases is yes: Yes. You don’t have to be a top athlete or particularly brave. You just have to be willing to try something new. Whether young or old, family or individual traveler, adrenaline fan or pleasure-seeker: Paragliding Interlaken offers a suitable experience for everyone. With experienced pilots, professional supervision and the unique backdrop of the Jungfrau region, your flight will be an unforgettable adventure over Switzerland and you may even realize after landing that your biggest fear was completely unfounded and that flying is much easier and more beautiful than you ever thought.
TOP 5 FAQ Paragliding Interlaken
Are children allowed to paraglide?
Children may fly if they meet the minimum age and weight requirements and feel comfortable doing so. Parents or legal guardians must give their consent. Many families use tandem flights as a shared experience where children fly safely with an experienced pilot. For children, age and weight are a guideline. It is important that the children feel comfortable with a professional stranger. Many pilots have children themselves and are very used to and practiced in dealing with our young guests.
Are there age or weight restrictions for paragliding?
Yes, there are guidelines for safety. Usually, the minimum age is around six years, the minimum weight is around 25 kilograms and the maximum weight is around 100 kilograms. The wind conditions and the pilot’s assessment on the day of the flight are decisive.
Are there discounts for a paragliding flight?
Yes, there are special prices for groups of 10 or more and for combined bookings with other activities. There is also a 5% discount for multiple bookings.
Is paragliding suitable for families or groups?
Yes, tandem flights can be planned very well as a family or group experience. Several pilots can take off at the same time so that friends or family members can fly together and share the view. If desired, the flights can be timed so that everyone can take off and land together. There is something for everyone when paragliding. From a leisurely panoramic flight to an action-packed rollercoaster flight, everything is possible.
Can I book a paragliding flight spontaneously?
Yes, basically yes – but we recommend booking online early to secure your preferred date. Certain times can be fully booked, especially during the high season in summer.