Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Beatenberg Pickup & Pro Pilots

Summary

Soar above lakes & alps near interlaken with tandem paragliding

You’ll meet your pilot in Interlaken before heading up to Beatenberg for your tandem paragliding flight over lakes and mountains. Includes pickup, all equipment, and an easygoing safety briefing with your local guide. You’ll launch together from a grassy slope, float above Swiss villages, and land right back in town—still feeling that rush long after.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way Markus grinned at me as he handed over the helmet in Interlaken — like he knew I was about to lose my cool but in a good way. He asked if I’d ever tried paragliding before (nope), then cracked a joke about Swiss cows being our only audience if I screamed. The van ride up to Beatenberg was quiet at first, just the sound of rain jackets rustling and someone’s phone buzzing with weather updates. It’s weird how you notice tiny things when you’re nervous — like the smell of pine through the cracked window, or how everyone suddenly gets chatty when we spot snow on the distant peaks.

The takeoff spot in Beatenberg is just this grassy slope, nothing dramatic. Our guide did a safety talk that felt more like a pep talk (“just run, don’t sit!”), and then we were clipped together, facing out over Lake Thun. My shoes squished into the wet grass and I thought for a second about bailing — but then Markus counted down and suddenly we were running fast, legs pumping until there was no ground left under us. There’s this split second where your stomach drops and then… it’s silent except for wind in your ears and his voice somewhere behind me saying “look left!”

I didn’t expect to feel so calm up there. The world below looked like a patchwork quilt — blue lake, green fields, tiny red roofs. We floated past other gliders who waved (Swiss friendliness is real), and Markus pointed out some village names I immediately forgot. My hands were cold but I couldn’t stop grinning. At one point he let me steer for a bit — I probably zigzagged too much because he laughed and took back control pretty quick.

Landing was softer than I expected; my knees barely bent as we touched down in Interlaken again. Everyone high-fived awkwardly, still buzzing from the flight. Later, walking back through town with helmet hair and grass stains on my jeans, I kept replaying that first step off the hill in my head — how it felt to trust someone else with gravity for a few minutes. If you’re thinking about booking a tandem paragliding experience near Interlaken, honestly… just go for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem paragliding from Beatenberg

• Transport from Interlaken to Beatenberg
• Receive safety talk and equipment
• Launch from grassy slope
• Enjoy tandem paragliding flight
• Admire alpine mountain and lake views

Top questions

Is pickup included for tandem paragliding from Interlaken?

Yes, pickup at the meeting point in Interlaken is included with your booking.

Where does the paragliding flight take off?

You’ll take off from Beatenberg, an alpine village above Interlaken.

How long is the whole experience?

The duration varies depending on weather and group size but plan for several hours including transport and briefing.

Is previous experience required for tandem paragliding?

No previous experience is needed—your licensed pilot handles everything after a short safety talk.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes suitable for mountain weather; all flying equipment is provided.

Are there weight limits for this activity?

Yes—maximum weight varies by season: 80kg/180lbs or 90kg/200lbs depending on time slots.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If poor weather cancels your flight, you can reschedule or get a full refund; final checks happen close to flight time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at the meeting point in Interlaken, transport up to Beatenberg, all necessary flying equipment, a relaxed safety briefing with your pilot, and of course your tandem paragliding flight over lakes and mountains before landing back in town.