Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen: All You Need to Know Before Your Flight
Paragliding in the world-famous Lauterbrunnen valley is a hugely popular activity in Switzerland, and rightfully so. When planning my two-week honeymoon in Switzerland, it was one of the first items I added to our itinerary.
Gliding high above the valley, surrounded by cascading waterfalls, and treated to breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains — need I say more! It easily became the top standout experience of our whole trip.
In this blog post, I’ll provide a personal account of my paragliding experience, giving you practical insights and tips to help plan your own adventure. Enjoy!
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What to expect during the paragliding flight
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your flight.
Pre-flight
The first step of your paragliding experience is getting to Mürren, which is the designated take-off location. Mürren, situated above Lauterbrunnen, is a quaint mountain village at an altitude of 1,638 meters (5,374 ft) above sea level.
You can either book a tour (5⭐️ – 349 reviews) that includes convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Lauterbrunnen. Or, you have the option to make the trip from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren without a guide.
Tip: There are two different routes from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren; choosing the path via Stechelberg brings you the closest to the specified meeting point with your guide. Either way, you’ll just need to purchase a one-way ticket to Mürren.
Be sure to arrive 10 minutes before the chosen meeting time.
Once you arrive in Mürren at the Schilthornbahn cablecar station, exit the station and look for a large “Airtime Paragliding” flag on your left to meet your guide.
The two of you will then hike for about 10 minutes to reach the take-off area. FYI the hike involves a somewhat steep incline, and I found myself short of breath by the time I reached the top. 😅 Just take it at your own pace and you should be a-ok.
After that, you’ll get fitted with a harness and helmet and before you know it, you’re guide will give you a command to “Run as fast as you can” and you’ll be off.
Note: There is no jumping off a cliff edge. With just a few running steps, the paraglider wings open and you will be lifted into the air.
During flight
Now we get to the good part. During your paragliding flight, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the up close and personal views of Lauterbrunnen valley. And I mean close — it’s almost as if you can touch the trees and cascading waterfall on the cliffside.
And if you purchase the photo/video package, don’t forget to smile for the camera!
Towards the end of the flight, your guide will ask you if you’d like to incorporate a “rollercoaster” element, where they sway the lines from side to side. I said a huge YES to this and thoroughly enjoyed it, but it may not be your cup of tea. For example, my husband, seeking a more leisurely experience, declined.
There’s also typically a chance for your guide to let you take control and steer. It’s a fun alternative if you prefer to skip the previous option.
Landing
The landing process is smooth and easy. Honestly, after going skydiving, the landing for a paragliding flight was a piece of cake. Unlike skydiving where your guide will tell you to lift your legs at the end to prevent breaking them (oh my!), for paragliding, your pilot gently guides you to a landing where you’ll land on your own two feet.
You will land right next to the Schilthornbahn cable car station in Stechelberg. From here, your guide can provide you with transportation back to your accommodation, or you can opt for the bus (line 141) or even walk back to Lauterbrunnen, which takes about an hour. If you are based in Mürren, you’ll take the cable car back up.
How much does it cost to go paragliding in Lauterbrunnen?
Airtime Paragliding is the exclusive provider of paragliding flights in Lauterbrunnen (takeoff spot: Mürren). So, there’s no need to invest time comparing with other companies to find the “best one.” They are the one (and only)! The company’s years of experience and outstanding reviews ensure you’re in capable hands.
The price for a tandem paragliding flight depends on what experience you book. There are two different options you can choose from that are based on the amount of flight time you want to experience.
Option #1: “The Wall” — This option costs CHF 190.– (~$220 US Dollars) and includes 15 – 20 minutes of flying time, dependent on the weather. Plus an additional CHF 40.– if you want photos/videos of the experience. Your pilot will share the in-flight photos with you after the experience, so you’ll be able to preview them before you buy the package.
Note: You can pay in cash or by card.
Option #2: “Double Airtime” — This second option is exactly what you would guess –double the flying time. Instead of the normal 15 – 20 minutes, you will get to fly for 30 – 40 minutes (if weather conditions allow). This experience costs CHF 290.– plus an additional CHF 40.– for the optional photo and video package.
To book a Double Airtime flight, you’ll still reserve “The Wall” flight but pick a start time of 11:15 or later. Your pilot will make a “game-time” decision to see if the weather conditions will allow for a longer flight. If conditions permit, you’ll land and cover the additional cost; if not, you’ll still get to experience The Wall flight.
Here are the different flight times offered for each season:
- WINTER: 9:45 AM, 11:15 AM, AND 12:45 PM
- SPRING: 9:45 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:45 PM, AND 2:15 PM
- SUMMER: 7:45 AM, 9:15 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:45 PM, AND 3:15 PM
- AUTUMN: 9:15 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:45 PM, AND 3:15 PM
Note: The cost of the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren whether you take the route via Grütschalp or Stechelberg will be an additional cost, typically between 5 to 12 Swiss Francs for a single (one-way) journey.
You’ll receive a discount by using a valid regional Swiss rail pass, such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Travelcard, Berner Oberland Pass, or Jungfrau Travel Pass. I highly recommend purchasing one of these passes if you plan on exploring the Bernese Oberland region further.
Good to know: The Jungfrau Travel Pass does not cover the cable car ticket from Stechelberg to Mürren but covers all transportation from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren via Grütschalp.
Where are the different meeting points?
There are a few options depending on where you are staying or traveling from.
1. Mürren
If you are staying in Mürren or already planning to be in town to do some sightseeing, you will meet at the south side of town, near the Schilthornbahn cable car station. Look for a flag with Airtime Paragliding and your guide should be nearby.
P.S. If you have extra time to spend in Mürren, grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint restaurants in Mürren. You won’t be disappointed!
2. Lauterbrunnen
In Lauterbrunnen, you can book a tour that offers convenient pick-up from your accommodation. The tour then provides transportation to the cable car station in Stechelberg, where you’ll take a cable car up to Mürren.
To arrange a pick-up, you can contact Airtime Paragliding via WhatsApp, call them directly at +41 (0)79 247 84 63, or send an email to info@airtime-paragliding.com.
Note: The cost of the tour does NOT cover the cable car ticket (CHF 11.80 for a single journey), which you’ll pay upon arrival. Some Swiss rail passes, such as the Half-Fare Travelcard, will offer a >50% discount, so be sure to use your pass if you have one.
3. Stechelberg
You also have the option of meeting at the Schilthornbahn cable car station in Stechelberg, which links to Mürren. You can access this location by taking a bus (line 141) from Lauterbrunnen. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, there are parking spots available. Rates start at CHF 4.– for 1-2 hours.
How long does a paragliding flight last in Lauterbrunnen?
Option #1: “The Wall” — Once you factor in the time it takes to reach the take-off area (10-minute hike), a short orientation, getting fitted with a harness and helmet, and the actual flight time, the whole experience takes approximately 1 hour.
Option #2: The “Double Airtime” flight goes through the same process as option #1 above, but you get double the flight time. So, tack on an additional 10-20 minutes and you are looking at closer to 1.5 hours for the entire experience.
Note: The estimated durations for both options #1 and #2 do not include the travel time to Mürren if you are departing from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg.
What should you bring for a paragliding flight?
Plan on bringing just the essentials for your paragliding flight — phone and money/wallet. Everything else, I would leave behind. You can also bring a camera if it can be secured to you, i.e., a compact camera or GoPro. I used this small crossbody bag that I could strap on to ensure my personal items didn’t fall into the valley below.
In terms of what to wear, I would plan on wearing layered clothing and good sturdy shoes (no flip-flops). You are at an altitude of 1,638 meters (5,374 ft) above sea level, so it can definitely get a little chilly depending on the month. The guides will provide jackets if you need an additional layer. (I did in September)
FAQs
Explore common queries and get quick answers in the FAQ section below.
Why is paragliding so popular in Switzerland?
To say it simply — the views. The diverse landscapes, including the Swiss Alps, offer an ideal playground for paragliders, attracting approximately 200,000 flights annually. Plus, with over 10,000 registered paragliders and an impressive 150 paragliding schools across the country, it’s clear that Switzerland takes paragliding seriously.
Is paragliding worth the price?
1000%! If you want to check paragliding off your bucket list, Switzerland is the place to do it. Yes, the cost for a flight duration of 30 minutes or less comes with a hefty price tag. But, you are paying for a lifetime of memories. It’s truly an experience I will never forget and hope to be able to do it again one day!
How safe is tandem paragliding in Switzerland?
Tandem paragliding in Switzerland is known for its high safety standards. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) regulates paragliding operations, ensuring strict safety measures are in place. According to statistics from the Swiss Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, the accident rate for tandem paragliding is remarkably low, with a comprehensive safety record.
The use of certified and experienced tandem pilots, regular equipment inspections, and adherence to weather and flight conditions contribute to the safety of tandem paragliding in Switzerland. The pilot will 100% cancel your flight if there’s bad weather.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post inspires you to go paragliding in Lauterbrunnen. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll remember for years. Your future self will thank you for taking the plunge and enjoying an unforgettable journey in the heart of Switzerland!
