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Paragliding or skydiving?
Short answer: Paragliding is the calmer, cheaper and longer way to see Interlaken from the air: 10–20 minutes for about CHF 170–210. Skydiving is the bigger rush: 40–45 seconds of freefall from about 4,000 m, then 5–7 minutes under canopy, for about CHF 425–690. Nervous, with kids, or here for the view? Paraglide. Here for the adrenaline? Jump.
10–20 min
Paragliding: time in the air on a standard flight.
40–45 sec
Skydiving: freefall from about 4,000 m.
CHF 170 vs 425+
Typical tandem price: paragliding vs skydiving.
Side by side
Paragliding vs skydiving in Interlaken
Full disclosure: I'm a paragliding pilot, so I'm biased. The numbers below aren't, though. Skydiving figures come from the operators' published information.
| Tandem paragliding | Tandem skydiving | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 170–210 | CHF 425–690 |
| Photos / video | ~CHF 40 | CHF 120–260 |
| Starting height | 1,350–1,600 m, on a grassy slope | ~4,000 m, from a helicopter or plane |
| How you start | A few running steps | Out of the door |
| Freefall | None | 40–45 seconds, up to ~180 km/h |
| Time in the air | 10–20 min (30–40 min on longer flights) | ~1 min falling + 5–7 min under canopy |
| Total time | 1.5–2 h | 2–3.5 h |
| Where you land | Höhematte park, centre of Interlaken | Dropzone outside town (e.g. Wilderswil) |
| Minimum age | Often ~5–6, varies by operator | 12 (parental consent under 18) |
| Weight | Varies with wind and pilot | Max 100 kg men / 90 kg women, plus BMI limits |
| Season | All year, weather permitting | All year, weather permitting |
| Feels like | Floating, scenic, calm unless you ask for turns | Pure adrenaline, then a quiet canopy ride |
Honest advice
Which one suits you?
Choose paragliding if…
- you want time to actually look at the lakes and the Jungfrau, not just a blur;
- you're nervous, or scared of heights (sitting in a harness feels very different from standing on an edge, see nervous flyers);
- you're bringing kids, or you're over the skydiving weight limit;
- you'd rather spend the difference on a very good fondue.
Choose skydiving if…
- the freefall is the whole point and you want the biggest adrenaline hit Interlaken offers;
- you've paraglided before and want something new;
- you're happy with a shorter time in the air in exchange for intensity.
Weather affects them differently
Skydiving needs clear air all the way up to about 4,000 m. Paragliding launches at 1,350–1,600 m, so on some days with high cloud we can still fly while jumps wait. The reverse happens too: strong wind can ground paragliders while a jump goes ahead. If your dates are tight, book early in your trip either way. More in weather cancellations.
Why not both?
Doing both on one trip
Plenty of visitors do. Two tips: put them on different days so one weather delay doesn't knock out both, and do the paraglide first if you're unsure about heights. It's a gentler way to find out how you feel up there.
Quick answers
Paragliding vs skydiving: common questions
Is paragliding or skydiving scarier?
For most people, skydiving. You leave a helicopter or plane at about 4,000 m and fall for 40–45 seconds before the parachute opens. Paragliding starts with a few running steps on a grassy slope and stays a calm glide unless you ask for turns.
Is paragliding cheaper than skydiving in Interlaken?
Yes. A standard tandem paragliding flight is about CHF 170–210. Tandem skydives around Interlaken cost about CHF 425–690 depending on aircraft and location, plus CHF 120–260 for photos or video.
Which lasts longer, paragliding or skydiving?
Paragliding. You get 10–20 minutes in the air on a standard flight. A skydive is 40–45 seconds of freefall and about 5–7 minutes under the parachute.
Can children do paragliding or skydiving in Interlaken?
Children fly tandem paragliding here regularly, often from around 5–6 years old depending on the operator. Helicopter skydiving in Interlaken has a minimum age of 12, with parental consent under 18.
Is there a weight limit for skydiving in Interlaken?
Yes. The helicopter skydive in Interlaken lists a maximum of 100 kg for men and 90 kg for women, with BMI limits. Paragliding weight limits vary with wind and pilot, and heavier passengers often fly in the stronger midday slot.