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Where to paraglide in Switzerland
Short answer: For a first tandem flight, Interlaken is the easiest all-round choice: a 20-minute drive to launch, a landing in the middle of town, and two lakes plus the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in view, for about CHF 170–210. Choose Zermatt if the Matterhorn is the point of your trip, Grindelwald First for a higher alpine launch, or Engelberg and Verbier if you're already staying there.
Interlaken
Best all-rounder: lakes, big peaks, land in town.
Zermatt
Fly in front of the Matterhorn. Pricier, lift ticket extra.
Grindelwald
High launch at First, close to the Eiger.
Side by side
Swiss tandem paragliding spots compared
I fly in Interlaken, so that's the one I know from the inside. The other spots are based on published information, checked October 2026, not on my own flights there.
| Spot | Launch | Price | Airtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interlaken | 1,350–1,600 m (Beatenberg), transport included | CHF 170–210 | 10–20 min | First-timers, families, lakes + Jungfrau view |
| Zermatt | ~2,600 m and higher, lift ticket extra | CHF 190–240 | 15–25 min | The Matterhorn, high-alpine scenery |
| Grindelwald First | ~2,150 m, cable car extra | ~CHF 220 | ~20 min | Close-up Eiger, alpine meadows |
| Engelberg (near Lucerne) | Mountain launch above the valley | CHF 180–240 | 15–60 min options | Visitors based in Lucerne |
| Verbier | Ski-area launches | from ~CHF 120 | varies | Skiers; winter and summer flights |
The spots
What each place is really like
Interlaken
The busiest tandem area in Switzerland, and for good reason. You launch from a grassy slope above Beatenberg, glide out over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and land in Höhematte park in the middle of town. On a clear day the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau fill the horizon. Sheltered valleys mean it flies on a lot of days, and there's a second flying area in the Lauterbrunnen valley when conditions suit it. The trade-off: it's busy in summer. Details in why Interlaken and by the numbers.
Zermatt
If the Matterhorn is why you came to Switzerland, this is your flight. Launches are much higher, around 2,600 m and up, so the scenery is glaciers and rock rather than lakes. Budget more: flights run about CHF 190–240, and you buy the lift ticket to launch on top. Zermatt is also a long way from Interlaken, so don't plan it as a day trip just to fly.
Grindelwald First
In the same Jungfrau region as Interlaken, but with a higher launch at about 2,150 m and the Eiger north face close by. Flights are around CHF 220 for about 20 minutes, plus the cable car up to First. A good choice if you're staying in Grindelwald, or you've already flown Interlaken and want a different angle on the same mountains.
Engelberg and Lucerne
If your base is Lucerne, flying from Engelberg saves a long trip. Operators offer short standard flights and longer panoramic options, roughly CHF 180–240. Lake views are more modest than Interlaken's, but the mountain scenery is excellent.
Verbier
A ski resort with paragliding all year, popular for flying straight off the slopes in winter. Prices are published from about CHF 120, though most flights cost more. Best if you're already there to ski.
My advice
How to choose
- First flight, or flying with kids? Interlaken. Easy logistics, a gentle launch, landing in town, and calm morning slots. See can I fly?
- The Matterhorn is non-negotiable? Zermatt.
- Already flown Interlaken? Try Grindelwald First, or the Lauterbrunnen valley flight from Mürren.
- Tight schedule? Fly wherever you're sleeping. Every extra train hour is an hour you can't use to wait out the weather.
- Short on budget? Compare the total, not the headline price. Lift tickets can add a lot in Zermatt and Grindelwald.
Yes, I'm biased towards Interlaken. But I've also watched thousands of first-timers land in Höhematte with the same grin, and that's hard to argue with.
Quick answers
Paragliding in Switzerland: common questions
Where is the best place to paraglide in Switzerland?
For a first tandem flight, Interlaken is the easiest all-round choice: a short drive to launch, landing in the middle of town, and two lakes plus the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in view. Zermatt is the pick if the Matterhorn is the point of your trip.
How much does tandem paragliding cost in Switzerland?
Most standard tandem flights cost about CHF 170–240. Interlaken is typically CHF 170–210 including transport to launch. Zermatt and Grindelwald First are around CHF 190–240 and usually need a lift ticket on top.
Is Interlaken or Zermatt better for paragliding?
Interlaken suits first-timers and families: launch is a 20-minute drive, flights run all year and you land in town. Zermatt launches higher, around 2,600 m, with the Matterhorn in front of you, but costs more once you add the lift ticket.
Can you paraglide in Switzerland in winter?
Yes. Interlaken, Grindelwald First and Verbier offer winter tandem flights. Flights are often shorter in winter, but the air is usually calm and the snowy views are spectacular. Some high-altitude options close for the season.