Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken: Requirements

Tandem paragliding in Interlaken is built for first-timers, so the requirements are refreshingly short: there’s no licence, no course, and no experience needed. What the operators do check comes down to weight, age, basic mobility, and a few health conditions. This guide lays out each one so you can book the right slot with confidence. For what happens on the day itself, see how tandem paragliding works.

The One Number That Matters Most: Weight

Weight is the single requirement that decides whether — and when — you can fly, because the wing and harness are rated for a combined pilot-plus-passenger load. As a working guide across Interlaken operators:

The important nuance is that the maximum often changes with the time of day. Calm early-morning and late-afternoon slots can carry a little less (some operators cap those at around 80 kg), while the busier mid-day departures may allow up to 90 kg or so, because the lighter winds at the edges of the day need a lighter load. Passengers above the standard ceiling can frequently still fly — it just has to be cleared in advance based on the day’s wind, so flag your weight when you book rather than turning up and hoping.

This is exactly why the booking form asks for each passenger’s weight. It isn’t bureaucracy; it’s how the crew assigns you to a wing and a slot that will fly safely.

Age: Younger and Older Than You’d Think

There’s no need to be a thrill-seeking twenty-something. Most Interlaken operators take passengers from about age 6 or 7, provided the child meets the minimum weight, and anyone under 16 needs a parent or guardian’s consent (often a signature on the day).

At the other end, there is effectively no upper age limit as long as you’re reasonably fit and mobile — operators routinely fly passengers in their seventies and eighties, and the oldest guests on record are well into their nineties. A handful of flights apply a soft upper-age guideline on their lightest weight slots, but for most people age simply isn’t the deciding factor. Fitness is.

Mobility and Fitness: Can You Run a Few Steps?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to manage two short bursts of movement:

• At launch, you and the pilot jog a few steps down a sloping grass field until the wing lifts you off.
• At landing, you lift your legs out, then stand and take a step or two as you touch down.

If you can walk on uneven ground and trot a few paces, you can almost certainly fly. The launch field at Beatenberg is grassy and sloped, so sturdy closed shoes (trainers or light boots) are the right footwear. Passengers with limited mobility shouldn’t rule it out — some pilots can adapt the launch and landing — but you should contact the operator beforehand to confirm.

Health Conditions That Can Ground You

A tandem flight is gentle, but it’s still an aerial activity, and a few conditions warrant caution or a doctor’s clearance. Operators commonly ask you to disclose, and may decline to fly you, if you have:

• Pregnancy — most operators will not fly pregnant passengers.
• Recent surgery, or back, neck, hip or joint injuries — the harness and the running launch/landing put load on these.
• Serious heart conditions — the excitement and altitude change matter here.
• Conditions affecting balance or seizures — disclose and seek medical advice first.

None of these is a blanket ban in every case, but honesty on the booking form protects you. If in doubt, ask the operator before you pay, and check with your doctor.

A Quick Pre-Booking Checklist

• Weigh yourself honestly and check you’re inside (or near) the ~25–100 kg window.
• Booking for a child? Confirm the minimum age and bring guardian consent.
• Any back/neck/heart issues, or pregnant? Contact the operator first.
• Wear closed, flat shoes and dress for the temperature up at 1,300 m.
• Tell the truth on the form about weight and health — it sets you up for a safe, smooth flight.

Cleared to Fly? Book Your Slot

A top-rated Interlaken tandem paragliding flight takes first-timers of (almost) every age, with an SHV-certified pilot, free transfers, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Check availability and enter your details to lock in the right slot.