Top 7 Paragliding Destinations in Switzerland
If you have ever dreamt of paragliding, Switzerland is an ideal location to turn your dreams into a reality! Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, paragliding in Switzerland is nothing short of breathtaking.
Paragliding is probably the closest feeling of what it’s like to be a bird. Now imagine soaring above snowy Alpine peaks with sparkling glacier lakes and green forests at your feet.
Switzerland has stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, picturesque valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, that provide a breathtaking backdrop for paragliding. Flying over this scenery offers a unique perspective and an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Moreover, Switzerland's diverse topography and microclimates offer ideal weather conditions for paragliding throughout the year.
We've gathered for you the best paragliding spots in Switzerland. Ready for take off?
Verbier
Verbier is located in Southwest Switzerland, in the Valais region. This holiday resort town is known for world-class skiing and high-end hotels. The steep slopes, varied conditions, and wide range of activity options make it a great holiday destination. The ski lifts in Verbier stay open in the summer months to allow hikers and bikers to access trails on four separate valets. One of the lifts, Mont Fort station, reaches up to 3300 meters high. This is a wonderful spot to see panoramic views over the mountain peaks of Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and Grand Combin.
Not surprising that Verbier also is an amazing place to paraglide. You can fly through the air and see stunning views of the surrounding mountains as well as the Verbier valley below. To go beyond, local paragliding schools also offer acrobatic flight options for high-adrenaline seekers. Paragliding in Verbier is a must-do if you are visiting the area.
Gstaad
Located in the town of Saanen, the Swiss village of Gstaad is known as an upper-class, posh ski-resort town. Sitting on the border of old-county Gruyere, Gstaad is packed full of gorgeous nature and 5-star resorts, and it was even named “The Place” to vacation by Time magazine back in the 1960s.
Glamour aside, paragliding in Gstaad is simply an amazing experience, whether you prefer to do it during the summer or winter! The resort town offers a multitude of take-off points, including Wispile, Rellerli, Hornberg, and Videmanette. Wispile is ideal for catching good thermals, while the best winds for soaring are on the west side of the valley near Rellerli. All of these locations have amazing views over the nearby Alpine peaks and the Gruyère National Park. You can also get a glimpse of the snowy Wildhorn and Diablerets peaks. Most tandem paragliding instructors offer hotel pickup in Gstaad - so there’s really no excuse to miss out on this iconic paragliding destination in Switzerland.
Interlaken
Unlike Gstaad, Interlaken isn’t packed full of Louis Vuitton boutiques and celebrities. But this well-known town, nestled deep in central Switzerland, is considered the capital of outdoor sports in Switzerland. Sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is exactly what most picture when thinking of Switzerland: sprawling grassy-green meadows in picturesque valleys, surrounded by rocky mountain peaks covered in snow. You can also see red trains run through the hillsides next to glacial turquoise waters, and tiny mountain flowers grow on the roadside.
Interlaken also has impressive cable cars and funiculars that bring you to majestic summits, from where you'll feel like the king of the world! Visiting Mount Schilthorn, for example, involves riding a series of three different cable cars up over 2970 meters. At the top, you can find spectacular views of the Alps!
Taking a tandem paragliding flight in Interlaken is a truly amazing experience. Most flights will take off from Beatenberg, just North of the city. You will fly above two sparkling lakes, right beside mighty mountains to the South. Expect stunning views of the famous mountain trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Zermatt
The popular resort town of Zermatt in Switzerland is just across the Italian border, at the Northern end of Mattertal Valley. Zermatt village is located at the foot of Switzerland’s highest peaks, including Dufourspitze, Weisshorn, Liskamm, Dent Blanche, Mount Rose, and of course, the famous Matterhorn peak, all towering above 4000 metres. Zermatt also has the best and highest ski resort in all of Europe! This Swiss paradise is not only beautiful but also innovative. The town does not allow any vehicles which use combustion engines to drive through. This helps prevent air pollution and preserves the wonderful views of the Matterhorn.
Zermatt is a great starting point for hikers and experienced alpinists. The Haute Route, for instance, leads into Chamonix, France. It also takes you to where the Patrouille des Glaciers ski touring race takes place. There are cable cars and chair lifts available to carry skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer - with the highest lifts ascending up to Klein Matterhorn at 3,883 metres. Paragliding in Zermatt is super popular because most flights take off from an altitude of 3000 metres, accessible by cable car, of course. From there, you will fly above Zermatt with fantastic views of the highest peaks of the Alps, and - of course - the iconic Matterhorn.
Lake Lucerne
Just 45 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Zurich, you find beautiful Lake Lucerne surrounded by Swiss-Alpine peaks such as Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, Mount Titlis and many more. All of these peaks have cable cars, funiculars, or cogwheel trains to take visitors up to the top for stunning views.
While the medieval city of Lucerne with its famous Chappel Bridge is in itself worth a visit, paragliding over Lake Lucerne will take your stay to the next level! The most popular flight take-off is from Emmetten in the canton of Nidwalden, just to the south of the Lake. This flight offers fantastic views over the lake and the surrounding mountains. Another fantastic take-off point is in Engelberg to the South of Lake Lucerne. This area offers spectacular views over the Uri Alps and Mount Titlis glacier.
Brig
Paragliding in Brig offers an exhilarating adventure amidst the stunning Swiss Alps. Nestled in the heart of the Valais region, Brig boasts breathtaking landscapes of peaks, lush valleys, and winding rivers, providing a picturesque backdrop for your flying escapade. With favourable weather conditions and diverse launch sites catering to all skill levels, Brig is a paradise for paragliding enthusiasts. Whether you're a novice seeking a gentle glide above the valleys or a seasoned pilot craving adrenaline-pumping flights amidst rugged mountain terrain, Brig has something to offer. You may even catch a glimpse of the Aletsch glacier.
Montreux
Another great paragliding spot in Switzerland can be found at in the French speaking part of the country. Paragliding in Montreux is a sought-after activity due to the region's stunning scenic beauty, ideal weather conditions, and accessibility. You will be treated to breathtaking panoramas of Lake Geneva, the Swiss and French Alps, and verdant landscapes, all under favourable wind patterns and clear skies.
The area offers a variety of launch sites at different altitudes, catering to both beginners and experienced paragliders. The well-established paragliding community provides experienced pilots, schools, and guides, ensuring a supportive environment for all skill levels. Montreux's appeal as a tourist destination, known for cultural events like the Montreux Jazz Festival, further adds to the allure, making paragliding here an unforgettable adventure.
Keep your head in the clouds...
If you want to know more about tandem paragliding, check out our complete guide to tandem paragliding, or browse all of our paragliding articles.
And if you want to continue admiring the heights, take a hot-air balloon ride in Switzerland to admire the enchanting surroundings.