When it comes to Swiss adventures that combine stunning scenery with a sense of thrill, paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley ranks high on the list. This tour, offered from Interlaken, promises an hour of floating high above some of the most iconic sights in the Alps, with views of snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. While I haven’t done this specific trip myself, the rave reviews and comprehensive description suggest it’s a fantastic choice for anyone craving a memorable, scenic adventure.
What really catches our eye about this experience is the professional guidance offered—your tandem pilot is highly experienced, making it approachable even for beginners. Plus, the views of landmarks like the Schilthorn and the Eiger are undeniably spectacular. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the price; at around $247 per person, it’s not cheap, but the quality of the experience and safety measures seem to justify the expense. It’s ideal for travelers who want a safe, awe-inspiring flight with minimal fuss, whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to add a unique memory to your Swiss trip.
If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and aren’t afraid of heights, this tour could just be the highlight of your visit. Families with children over 5 are welcome, so it’s also an option for those traveling with kids who meet the age and fitness requirements. Overall, it’s a well-rounded package for anyone eager to see the Alps from a totally different perspective.
Key Points
- Professional pilots ensure safety and a smooth experience, even for those new to paragliding.
- Unbeatable panoramic views of Lauterbrunnen, the Schilthorn, and other Alpine giants.
- Flexible scheduling options help fit this adventure into your travel plans.
- Easy to book in advance — average bookings are made about 39 days ahead.
- All abilities welcome; no prior experience needed, just a moderate level of fitness.
- Photos and videos are available for purchase, but optional.
What to Expect on Your Paragliding Adventure
This tour begins in Mürren, a charming mountain village perched high above Lauterbrunnen, with a quick cable car ride from Stechelberg that shaves off a few minutes of travel time. The cable car ride itself is worth mentioning — it’s the steepest in the world and offers its own kind of thrill, taking only 4 minutes to reach Mürren. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your guide and walk to the take-off area, passing scenic waterfalls like the Mürrenbach during your hike.
Safety Briefing & Equipment: Before taking off, your pilot will give a comprehensive safety talk covering takeoff, flying, and landing procedures. You’ll be fitted with a harness and helmet, and in winter, jackets or shoes are provided free of charge to keep you comfortable. The group size is relatively intimate—max 20 travelers—so you’ll likely get personalized attention.
The Flight Itself: Expect to start with a walk or gentle jog down a slope, then take off into the air. The sensation of weightlessness is one of the most memorable parts of paragliding, and from your vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Alps, including the Schilthorn, Eiger, and the Lauterbrunnen U-Valley dotted with waterfalls. Flying tandem means your pilot will do the steering, so you just need to relax and soak in the scenery.
Landing & After: You’ll land at Stechelberg Schilthornbahn, right next to the parking lot. From there, you can hop on a bus back to Lauterbrunnen or opt for a 45-minute walk along the valley floor—both scenic options.
Planning more time in Interlaken? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Itinerary Breakdown
Start Point: The adventure kicks off at the Intersport Mürren-Schilthorn Station, a well-equipped ski rental shop in Mürren, where you meet your guide. The journey begins with a scenic cable car ride to Mürren, with the steepest cable car in the world providing a thrill of its own.
Hiking & Take-off: From the station, you’ll hike a short distance to the take-off site. This part is straightforward, and winter visitors might use a chairlift to access the takeoff point, which could add a little extra time but ensures access regardless of season.
Over Lauterbrunnen & Waterfalls: During your flight, you’ll glide past numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, including the famous Mürrenbach. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, the 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen will be visible from above, offering jaw-dropping scenery.
Landing: The flight concludes with a gentle touchdown at the parking lot beside the Schilthornbahn station, a spot that offers quick access to transportation options.
The Experience from the Reviews
The consistent theme across reviews is how professional, experienced guides make beginners feel safe and well cared for. Multiple reviewers comment on the guides’ friendliness, expertise, and patience, which is reassuring if you’re new to paragliding or nervous about heights. For example, one reviewer mentions, “My guide was awesome! Wolf, thank you so much for an amazing experience. I felt safe and in awe of the beauty!”
Participants also rave about the spectacular views. Many describe it as an “unreal experience” with “unbelievable” scenery, emphasizing how the flight offers a different perspective of Switzerland’s iconic mountains and waterfalls. One reviewer said, “It’s an ‘armchair in the sky’—relaxing and breathtaking all at once,” which perfectly captures the feeling of floating above such majestic landscapes.
Safety and comfort are highlighted repeatedly. While some mention feeling nervous beforehand, almost everyone feels reassured by the professionalism of the guides and the safety briefing. A few mention how even those with fears or height anxieties report feeling surprisingly at ease once airborne.
Value for money seems to be a common point of praise, with many reviewers feeling the experience was worth every penny. Several bought the photos and videos, which they found to be well worth the extra cost, capturing their flight to relive later.
The Practical Details & Considerations
Pricing at $246.88 per person is on the higher side, but considering the guided nature, safety standards, and top-notch views, many feel it’s justified. The tour includes the use of helmets and the guiding service, but not the cable car or the photo/video package. These extras are optional but can enhance your experience, especially if you want souvenirs.
Booking in advance is highly recommended—most are booked about 39 days ahead, which speaks to its popularity. Flexibility in scheduling is available with different time slots, making it easier to fit into your itinerary.
Weather dependency is an important point. Since the flight relies heavily on good weather, cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t suitable. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Physical requirements include being fit enough to run if needed and comfortable with moderate walking. The minimum age is 5, making it accessible for families with children meeting the criteria, but always check your child’s comfort level.
Final Thoughts
This paragliding experience from Mürren offers an incredible chance to see the Swiss Alps in a way that’s both safe and exhilarating. The combination of professional guidance, the chance to soar over waterfalls and mountain peaks, and the ease of booking makes it a standout option for many travelers.
The main appeal is the unmatched views and friendly, experienced guides who make sure everyone feels secure. If you love the idea of floating high above the mountains and are prepared for the cost, this is likely to be one of your favorite moments in Switzerland.
While it’s not the cheapest activity, the memories and photos you’ll take home could make it worth every franc. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and an adventurous spirit—perfect for travelers wanting a bucket-list experience that balances thrill and scenery.
Mürren: Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley
“Such an unreal experience! The guides were amazing! Very experienced and very nice and great people! Would highly recommend this company!”
FAQs
Is prior experience required?
Not at all. No experience is necessary. The tour is designed for beginners and all abilities, with a safety briefing and tandem flights with professional pilots.
What is the weight limit?
The maximum weight allowed is 90kg (198 lbs). This helps ensure safety and comfort during the flight.
Can children participate?
Yes, children over 5 years old can fly, provided they are able to run and meet the physical requirements. Always check your child’s comfort level with heights.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the guiding service, helmet, and landing/ facility fees. The cable car and photo/video packages are extra.
What if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, cancellations are possible. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How long is the entire experience?
The flight lasts about 1 hour, but including briefing, hiking, and transportation, plan for a slightly longer overall experience.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all equipment including helmets and harnesses are provided. You can bring your own camera, but photos and videos are available for purchase during the flight.
If you’re after a breathtaking, safe adventure that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the Alps, this paragliding trip from Mürren is hard to beat. Just remember to book early, dress appropriately, and prepare for some of the most memorable scenery you’ll ever see.
