Switzerland’s Alps deliver some of the planet’s most spectacular paragliding experiences. The country’s distinctive geography generates perfect thermals while offering aerial views that’ll leave you speechless.
Whether you’re a complete beginner seeking gentle slopes or an experienced pilot craving challenging peaks, Switzerland covers all bases.
The Swiss Alps blend reliable weather patterns with jaw-dropping scenery, creating conditions that paragliders consider ideal. Most locations provide professional instruction and equipment rental, making the sport accessible regardless of your experience level.
Here is a list of 16 must-do paragliding spots that showcase Switzerland’s finest alpine flying opportunities.
Interlaken
Interlaken’s position between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz creates thermal conditions that paragliders absolutely love. The Harder Kulm launch site delivers spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks — all while providing relatively straightforward takeoff conditions.
Flying here feels like drifting through a postcard, with emerald lakes stretching below and snow-capped peaks surrounding you. The landing zone in the town center makes this spot incredibly convenient for visitors.
Zermatt
The iconic Matterhorn towers over Zermatt, making every flight here utterly unforgettable. Launch sites scattered around the valley offer different perspectives of this famous peak, while thermals generated by surrounding glaciers provide excellent lift.
High altitude means flights can last longer than in lower regions, giving you plenty of time to absorb the incredible mountain scenery. Weather conditions change rapidly here, so local knowledge becomes essential for safe flying.
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Verbier
Verbier merges world-class skiing terrain with equally impressive paragliding opportunities. The resort’s multiple launch points accommodate different skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging high-altitude starts for experts.
Summer thermals here pack a serious punch, allowing for cross-country flights that cover impressive distances. The après-flight scene in Verbier is legendary — mountain restaurants and bars provide the perfect celebration spot after your aerial adventure.
Davos
Davos offers high-altitude flying with incredible views across the Graubünden mountains. Launch sites here benefit from consistent thermals created by the valley’s unique shape and orientation.
Flying conditions stay good well into the autumn months — extending the season compared to many other Alpine locations. The town’s reputation as a health resort adds another dimension to your paragliding trip, with excellent spa facilities for post-flight recovery.
Lenzerheide
The Lenzerheide area provides some of Switzerland’s most dependable flying conditions throughout the paragliding season. Multiple launch sites around the valley offer different wind directions and difficulty levels — perfect for groups with varying experience.
The landscape here is gentler than some Alpine locations, with rolling hills and forests creating a more forgiving environment for learning. Local flying schools maintain excellent safety records while offering comprehensive training programs.
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Engelberg
Engelberg’s dramatic mountain amphitheater creates thermals that can lift paragliders to impressive heights. The Titlis glacier provides a stunning backdrop for flights, while the valley’s orientation offers protection from strong winds.
Flying here often involves navigating between multiple peaks, making it ideal for pilots wanting to practice their mountain flying skills. The town below offers excellent facilities for visitors, including gear shops and repair services.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald places you right in the heart of the Bernese Oberland’s most famous peaks. Launch sites here offer direct views of the Eiger North Face — creating an intense flying experience that few locations can match.
The valley’s thermals are influenced by massive glaciers above, creating unique lift patterns that experienced pilots find both challenging and rewarding. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, making local guidance essential for safe operations.
Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee’s high-altitude location means the paragliding season extends well into autumn and starts early in spring. The village sits surrounded by thirteen peaks over 13,000 feet, creating a natural amphitheater perfect for thermal generation.
Flying here requires solid mountain skills, as the terrain is serious and the weather can change rapidly. The glacier-fed thermals provide excellent lift, often allowing flights to reach altitudes that match surrounding peaks.
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Kandersteg
Kandersteg offers a more intimate flying experience in a smaller valley setting. Launch sites here are easily accessible, making it perfect for pilots who want to maximize flying time rather than hiking to takeoff points.
Thermals in this valley are predictable and gentle, ideal for building confidence and practicing new techniques. Surrounding peaks provide excellent reference points for navigation while creating beautiful photo opportunities.
Flims
— Photo by boggy22
Flims combines excellent flying conditions with stunning views over the Rhine Valley. Launch sites here benefit from consistent thermals created by the valley’s orientation and the presence of Lake Cauma below.
Flying conditions remain good even during marginal weather, making this a reliable backup location when other sites are closed. The area’s limestone cliffs create interesting thermal patterns that keep flights engaging and challenging.
Leysin
Leysin’s south-facing slopes create some of Switzerland’s most reliable thermals. The launch sites here are well-maintained and easily accessible, with clear landing zones that reduce stress for newer pilots.
Flying from Leysin often involves soaring along ridges that stretch for miles, providing opportunities for long cross-country flights. The town’s proximity to Lake Geneva adds an extra dimension to flights, with the lake’s thermal effects influencing local weather patterns.
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Château-d’Oex
— Photo by HeyingPhoto
Château-d’Oex is famous for its hot air balloon festival, yet the same conditions that make it perfect for ballooning also create excellent paragliding opportunities. The valley’s gentle topography and predictable thermals make it ideal for learning and practicing new skills.
Flying here often involves soaring over traditional Swiss chalets and pastoral landscapes that look like something from a fairy tale. The area’s reputation for stable weather makes it a reliable choice throughout the season.
Arosa
— Photo by bennymarty
Arosa’s high-altitude location provides flying conditions that last well into the shoulder seasons. The launch sites here offer spectacular views across the Graubünden Alps, with flights often providing glimpses of distant peaks in Austria and Italy.
Thermals in this area are influenced by surrounding glaciers and can be quite strong, making it suitable for experienced pilots looking for challenging conditions. The town’s car-free center creates a peaceful atmosphere that complements the serenity of alpine flying.
Klosters
Klosters offers a more exclusive paragliding experience in a valley known for attracting discerning visitors. The launch sites here are less crowded than some more famous locations, providing a more intimate flying experience.
Thermals in the Prättigau Valley are reliable and strong, often allowing for impressive altitude gains and long flights. The area’s traditional architecture and pristine landscapes create a quintessentially Swiss flying environment.
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Champéry
Champéry sits at the heart of the Portes du Soleil region, providing access to launch sites that span the Swiss-French border. Flying here offers unique opportunities to soar between two countries during a single flight.
The valley’s orientation creates interesting thermal patterns that change throughout the day, keeping flights dynamic and engaging. Cross-border flying adds an extra element of adventure, though it requires an understanding of different national regulations.
Gstaad
— Photo by xbrchx
Gstaad combines luxury resort amenities with excellent paragliding opportunities in the Bernese Oberland. The launch sites here offer stunning views across the Saanenland region, with flights often providing glimpses of Lake Geneva in the distance.
Thermals in this area are influenced by the multiple valleys that converge near the town, creating complex but rewarding flying conditions. The resort’s reputation for excellence extends to its paragliding facilities, with top-quality equipment and instruction available.
Where Mountains Meet the Sky
Switzerland’s paragliding spots represent more than just launch points. They’re gateways to experiencing the Alps from a perspective that few people ever enjoy. Each location offers its own character and challenges, from the gentle thermals of Château-d’Oex to the dramatic high-altitude flights around Zermatt.
The sport has evolved significantly since the early days of hang gliding, with modern equipment making these incredible experiences safer and more accessible than ever before.
Whether you’re taking your first tandem flight or planning a cross-country adventure, Switzerland’s Alps provide the perfect backdrop for creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. The combination of reliable conditions, stunning scenery, and excellent infrastructure makes this country the ultimate destination for anyone serious about paragliding.
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