I was looking at paragliding in Lauterbrunnen and it was recommended that we do it in Interlaken because you start off higher. Interlaken is more expensive. Is there a big difference and is one worth it more than the other? Thanks in advance for your insights!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
That’s incorrect information. The paragliding from Lauterbrunnen starts up at Murren and lands in Lauterbrunnen (Stechelberg) - It’s Must more scenic in my opinion than Interlaken. — AirTime Paragliding
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Your choice of course, but I would also recommend Paragliding from Mürren rather than Interlaken. Be sure to check your travel medical insurance to determine whether "extreme sports" are covered. If not, the Paragliding company may be able to offer a policy to cover the flight.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Travel medical insurance? Is this a dangerous activity to require that?
Posted by
Wengen
2494 posts
Well, something as simple as spraining an ankle may end up rather expensive if your insurance does not cover it...
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
Everyone has different risk meters - I’ve done it multiple times and don’t have travel medical insurance and don’t find it personally a super risky activity any more than a mountain hike, but to each their own.
Posted by
299 posts
Anytime we play with gravity it is a risky activity. I knew a former world champion distance hanglider who was a paraplegic. Ironically, he ended up in the wheelchair from cleaning his gutters.
Posted by
East Coast USA
65 posts
Any "extreme" activity can be dangerous.
I am married to a nonstop athletic husband--he skis (which is why we mainly go to Switzerland and other cold mountainous places), he scuba dives whenever we go on water vacations, kayaks around here on the rivers, rides a road bike, played ice hockey in high school and college, and climbs up the ladder to our tall roof without even blinking. He has made me go zip-lining multiple times, and I have tried rappelling, but I have not yet done any rock climbing.
One time for his birthday I bought him an air combat fighter jet experience (he went more than 5 Gs), because what could be better for an active person!
We have gone parasailing from a boat (you feel like you are peacefully floating), and we really wanted to try paragliding in Switzerland, but the days are often too windy in the Winter. Since the tourist version is tandem, and not really that complex, I am sure it will be secure and quite enjoyable.
However, I always buy the extra insurance, because it is always better to be safe rather than sorry!
Posted by
Pennsylvania
258 posts
I was thinking about paragliding also, but someone told me the price of paragliding is around $250 USD..
Is this true??
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Gene,
This will give you an idea of the prices - https://airtime-paragliding.com/ . As of today, CHF190 is about US$207. When I went paragliding from Mürren, I wasn't too concerned with the price as I budgeted for it in the trip. It's such a unique experience and location, I would have taken the flight even if it was more expensive.