INTERLAKEN PARAGLIDING
Sky Soaring Thrills in Switzerland
It
is impossible not to notice while visiting Interlaken in the Bernese
Oberland of Switzerland’s central Alps is that every few minutes
someone drops from the sky underneath a spread canopy of silk. One following
another adventurers of first time or long standing soar from the high
mountains above, circling to land on the broad open grass landing field
of the city’s Hohenmatte park right in front of the street cafes
and grand era hotels. Stunning views of the snowy Alps crags of the Eiger
and Jungfrau peaks (see Jungfrau
Eiger Scenic Rail) and shimmering 
lakes
as you drift from the launch point from 3000 feet above the earth, to
twirl
and soar toward the Swiss resort town is breathtaking and the experience
unforgettable. The uniqueness of Interlaken’s landscape as has
made paragliding as familiar and popular as any activity in this land
of winter skiing and summer hiking. The popularity of soaring in Interlaken
is spurred as much by the convenience as the thrilling experience. To
begin your sky sailing adventure you meet at a bar on Interlaken’s
main street, ride via van to the launch point on the mountain above,
run off a grassy slope 
- no
airplanes or cliffs - and drop down to land a few yards from whence you
departed where friends await your return,
camera ready. The paragliding is tandem, so requires no skill, beyond
some safety instruction,
though
you can
take
classes
should you desire to learn the sport. Hang-gliding is also available.
The difference, with paragliding you drift downward under a soft parachute,
hang-gliding allows travel over distances before eventually finding earth
again. There are two principal paragliding companies in Interlaken.
Paragliding
Interlaken is the largest operator. The ticket booth and
meeting point for departures
is at the Des Alpes Restaurant on the main
drag Hoheweg, across from the park, impossible to miss. They offer a
variety of jumps. The basic short and easy tandem paraglide from Beatenbern
is 170 chf (about $120) and is available all year. A higher jump for
a sunset view from Schynige Platte requiring about 25 minutes of hiking
to get to the launch point is 240 chf. They also offer paraglides in
Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Transportation is included in the price.
They also have the monster drop from Schilthorn - of James Bond movie
fame (see Schilthorn
Piz Gloria) for 290 chf, plus transportion. If gliding
isn’t enough they also offer river-rafting adventures and sky-diving.
Paragliding
Interlaken
033-823-8233
Twin Paragliding meets at the Rameli Bar next to the Casino and Hooters. (Yes, Hooters has found Switzerland!) They offer similar flights, though not quite as many variations. The “classic” drop from Beatenberg to Interlaken is only 140 chf. You can call them to arrange a time to fly or drop by the meeting point.
Twin Paragliding
0800 359-894
Other Paragliding, hang-gliding and adventure operators are Star Paragliding for Tandem Flights, AlpinAir which is more focused on training and Chillout which operates paragliding camps and schools based at the popular Interlaken Backpackers Paragliding Villa Hostel in Interlaken. © Bargain Travel Europe
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Interlaken
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SEE ALSO:
HISTORIC ROMANTIC HOTEL INTERLAKEN
SHERLOCK HOLMES MUSEUM - REICHENBACH FALLS
MT PILATUS - LUCERNE'S MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
CHATEAU D'OEX - INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL
SWISS PASS - RAIL TRAVEL DEAL IN SWITZERLAND
