Paragliding is that one sport, the one that makes you feel free, makes you understand how birds fly and give you a sense of WOW! Paragliding can still be considered an extreme sport due to the heights and no real method of stopping a downfall if something happens. Paragliding is a sport for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie, or the daredevil.
When paragliding, you launch off the starting point, out into the wide open. You control the glider with your hands and arms. The remainder of the time, you are free-flying. Across the skies, witnessing Nature’s beauty, and possibly some of the World’s most intriguing locations. One of the areas that are considered to be the most beautiful would be in the central European nation of Switzerland. Beauteous mountains surround the area, including the peaks of the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland is known for many things, some of the world's famous landmarks, the Alps, the finest chocolate worldwide and breathtaking views for paragliders. Paragliding has quickly launched into one of the most thrilling adventures to partake in. Combine the thrill and excitement with the beautiful country of Switzerland and you have a paraglider’s paradise.
Not all towns in Switzerland are large and filled with unique shopping, fancy boutiques or five-star restaurants. There are hiking trails that will take you further up the mountains than you ever imagined you could go, depending on your overall health.
Switzerland offers much more than skiing or paragliding. Switzerland offers one of the most scenic train excursions available across the country. No matter which area of Switzerland you are in, there are paragliding opportunities all around. There are instructors that will do tandem paragliding, they can give lessons, and there are equipment shops. You can easily hook up with an instructor to teach you the ropes or take you on a tandem paraglide trip if this makes you feel more at ease.
Do not be fooled, there is plenty to do in Zurich and many of the other beautiful towns located in Switzerland. There are ferry boat rides that will give the grand tour. There are many historic locations that can be visited and learned about.
Switzerland is also home to one of the World's Renowned Chocolatiers! The Lindt Chocolatiers make their home in Switzerland. From walking tours, spas, historical sights and shopping, all combined with some of the best locations for paragliders, there is no reason to not visit Switzerland to enjoy the beauty and peace of a paraglide sail over any number of the cities in Switzerland.
Many of the cities within the borders of Switzerland contain medieval quarters, historical landmarks and a great portion of artistry made by nature. Switzerland is also known for more than just skiing and chocolate. Switzerland is home to many of the top Finance and Banking industries.
Although Switzerland is a landlocked country, there are many lakes for sporting activities and enjoyment of the view as you paraglide over the turquoise-coloured waters. There are multiple popular locations within Switzerland to launch your paraglide flight from. The following are some of the most popular.
Interlaken
Interlaken is one of the central locations for outdoor sports in Switzerland. Interlaken is not one of the trendy locations that so many flocks to for shopping, however, that is also available.
Interlaken is situated between two of Switzerland’s lakes, Brienz and Thun. This is where you see the true Interlaken, the lush green meadows, the snowy mountain caps, and gorgeous picturesque valleys where you still witness the trains run through.
Paragliding in Interlaken is also enjoyed in a tandem manner. That is where you have two people, likely one experienced and one that is not so experienced. Beatenberg is the one spot where the majority of flights will begin, the take-off. The path from Beatenberg will take you over two shining blue lakes, right alongside those stunning mountain views.
Interlaken is fast becoming home to some of the most exciting outdoor, free-flying sports. They also have many water sports available as well as some of the World's best skiing. Kayaking, skydiving and even bungee jumping off the high bridges are just a few activities available in Interlaken.
Zermatt
This quaint little resort town is not such a small town any longer. Zermatt is located at the base of some of Switzerland’s highest peaks. These include Weisshorn, Liskamm, Dent Blanche, Mount Rose and of course let us not forget the famous Matterhorn. These peaks all reach over 4000 meters.
Zermatt had been known for being the highest ski resort in all of Europe. However, now paragliding is becoming one of the most talked-about activities here. The town is also extremely cautious in regard to pollution. They do not allow any vehicles that have a combustion-style engine in their town. This helps to prevent pollution and allows visitors and residents to be able to see the Mountain tops much easier.
Cable cars and chair lifts are available year-round to take skiers and gliders up to the topmost launch of Klein Matterhorn at 3883 meters. This launch will allow you to take off and fly above Zermatt and witness the beauty of the Matterhorn.
Lake Lucerne
Just a short drive outside of Zurich is Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the majestic views of Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis. There are available funiculars, cable cars and chair lift to take gliders up the mountains to a launch spot.
Lake Lucerne is not just known as a paragliding paradise, it is an old town village with plenty of other activities one can enjoy. Among these are the Museums, the Swiss Architecture, the great little restaurants and cafes, the shopping plus so many other outdoor activities.
Paragliding is a must-do activity when visiting Lake Lucerne. There are multiple routes that can be taken and the views are never the same. Paragliding over Lake Lucerne makes one feel at peace while viewing some of the best Nature has to offer.
Gstaad
Gstaad is considered to be one of the top upper-class resort towns. Gstaad sits on the border of the old-style town of Gruyere, Filled with 5-star resorts, listed by Time magazine as the spot to visit, Gstaad offers one of the finest paragliding experiences available. You may even meet some famous folks while gliding through the air.
There are many take-offs or launching spots in Gstaad. These include from Wispile, Rellerli, Hornberg and Videmenette. For those who love catching a great wind, Rellerli is the best take-off location, if you prefer the thermals, launch off from Wispile. The best all-around winds are on the west side of the valley near Rellerli.
Each of these locations has amazing views that should be experienced by all people. Paragliding over these areas will also share great views of the snowy Wildhorn and the Diablerets peaks. Paragliding over the Swiss Alps is one of the most iconic locations if you want to witness the mountains with the snowy peaks. Many tandem paragliding instructors do offer to pick up from the hotels in Gstaad.
Zurich
When the thought of sailing through the air sends that thrill of excitement up your spine, head for Zurich, Switzerland. One of the multiple sites available to paraglide from in Zurich would be Mount Uetliberg. While paragliding over this area, you can take in the views of Lake Zurich and the city of Zurich itself.
Geneva
Paragliding over Geneva offers some of the most fantastical views. The balcony of Geneva, as it is commonly called, will give you a starting point to paraglide over the city of Geneva and take in all the sites from above. You can also see the Jura Mountains and the ranges of the Alps. While floating above the turquoise lakes you will take in one of the most exceptional views of your lifetime.
Klosters
Klosters is one of the most exceptional locations in Switzerland. Tourists flock to Klosters to enjoy many of the outdoor activities available in the region. Filled with outdoor enthusiasts, these people are willing to show you all around and take you to the places that are must-sees. Klosters is located very close to Zurich and is home to many outdoor activities.
The high-flying mountain ranges that are nestled among the exceptional towns, make Klosters a perfect destination.
Wengen
Wengen Village is a very popular tourist destination for the adventures that nature offers. It does not matter what time of year you visit, paragliding is one of those exceptional activities to enjoy here.
The mountainscapes, the snowy peaks, the green valleys and the beautiful skies that surround this small village will give paragliders the experience they seek in one of the most beautiful areas.
Wengen also offers many other exciting outdoor activities to get the blood flowing.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald offers so many forms of outdoor activities it is difficult to choose just one. Paragliding is just one of many that give you the time to enjoy paragliding over beautiful landscapes.
When you are ready to challenge yourself to the thrill of paragliding and decide to combine it into one great vacation, make that trip happen in Switzerland. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime sights, sounds and adrenaline rushes that can be matched by no other locations.
