Launch Guide
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken, Switzerland is known for landings near the centre of Interlaken, views toward the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and a landscape framed by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Quick facts
- Country
- Switzerland
- Region
- Bernese Oberland
- Locality
- Interlaken / Beatenberg
- Launch type
- Alpine lake and valley launch
- Flying
- Mountain thermal, Valley flying, and Tandem and recreational flying
- Pilot level
- A popular destination with active commercial flying; independent pilots need current site-specific guidance and appropriate experience.
Meet Interlaken
Interlaken is an alpine lake and valley launch near Interlaken / Beatenberg, Bernese Oberland. Pilots know it for landings near the centre of Interlaken, views toward the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and a landscape framed by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This page is a cultural introduction—not a live site guide—so check current local information before flying.
Why pilots love it
A valley squeezed between two lakes and three famous peaks, with the landing field arriving improbably close to the café tables. The flying can involve mountain thermal, valley flying, and tandem and recreational flying, but the appeal is larger than a list of conditions: it is the landscape, the local rituals, and the stories pilots carry home. The retrieve can end in the middle of town, which feels suspiciously civilised.
COLLECT THE FLIGHT
Launch & Flight collection
Carry a little Interlaken home—minus the retrieve.
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Flying character
Operations depend on Alpine weather, valley winds, launch choice, and current local arrangements. Pilot-level guidance: A popular destination with active commercial flying; independent pilots need current site-specific guidance and appropriate experience. Current access, weather, airspace, and site rules always take priority over this evergreen overview.
Hazards to verify locally
- Valley winds
- High traffic levels
- Alpine weather changes
- Launch-specific access and landing rules
Landing: The Höhematte is strongly associated with Interlaken flying, but current permissions and procedures must be confirmed locally.
Access and etiquette
Official tourism information establishes the destination context; an independent pilot must still obtain current operational guidance from a recognised local flying source. Before visiting, review guidance from Interlaken Tourism paragliding information, confirm the site is open, and respect the agreements that keep flying possible.
Check current guidance from Interlaken Tourism paragliding information.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to reveal the answer.
What kind of flying is Interlaken known for?
Interlaken is associated with mountain thermal, valley flying, and tandem and recreational flying. It is especially known for landings near the centre of Interlaken, views toward the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and a landscape framed by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
What pilot level is appropriate for Interlaken?
A popular destination with active commercial flying; independent pilots need current site-specific guidance and appropriate experience. Conditions can change the answer, so use the current local briefing rather than this page as your operational reference.
Where should I check current rules for Interlaken?
Start with Interlaken Tourism paragliding information at https://www.interlaken.swiss/en/experiences/sport-adventure/experiences-in-the-air/paragliding. Confirm access, airspace, weather, landing arrangements, and any temporary restrictions before flying.