adventure activities in the Berner Oberland

Melissa, I can comment on Paragliding in the Berner Oberland, as that's something I've done. Yes, it is a bit pricey but also a very unique travel experience, so I felt the cost was worthwhile. The view of Gimmelwald and other towns from 3000 feet while hanging under a nylon sail were a "once in a lifetime" experience for me. I haven't checked lately, but I believe Tandem Paragliding flights are offered out of both Interlaken and the Mürren area. The flights from Mürren to Stechelberg last about 20 minutes, but I've also seen flights departing from the Schilthorn (10,000 feet). Those last about an hour, and of course are more expensive. I believe some of the Pilots offer optional photos taken during the flight (that was the case with mine). When I was in Lauterbrunnen in September, I noticed that Skydiving from a Helicopter was also being offered. I considered it, but the cost was about CHF 400 which I wasn't prepared to pay at the time. If you're staying in Lauterbrunnen, stop by the Horner Pub for a cool brew, and have a chat with some of the Base Jumpers. They're often showing videos of their latest jumps on Laptops. All of them seemed to have Helmet Cams. I believe canoeing and white water rafting is also offered there, but I've never really looked into that. There are also MANY hiking opportunities in that area for the "outdoor types". In any case, you shouldn't have any trouble finding adventure activities in the Berner Oberland. Happy travels!

Ken, I'm so impressed that you paraglided and wanted to skydive! My son paraglided from Murren and absolutely loved it. Can't remember name of company, sorry. But you'll have no trouble finding one in the area. He loved it so much he came home and took paragliding lessons and bought a paraglide so he could do it on his own here. Although nothing beats paragliding in the Alps. Like Ken said, paragliding in the Alps is a spectacular setting and (possibly) a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Hey fellow Texan, have you considered doing the "Via Faretta", if I'm spelling it correctly. I'm considering it when we go this July. Rick Steves did it, and if you u tube the word, you should be able to see what it's all about and it will direct you to a site as far as cost goes. Ken, I haven't gotten to know you yet, but I didn't see you doing something like that. I'm concerned I will "chicken" out when I get there, but we will see. I posed a question on this same message board several weeks ago to see if any of our " trip advisors" had done the Via Feretta, but received o responses. Good Luck!! Go Rangers and Mavs!!

@Susan and Jim, I suppose it's just my personality, but even though I'm now a "senior" I'd far rather do something like that than many other activities. I'm sure Golf would bore me to tears! Cheers!

Ken, any "senior" that paraglides is way cool.

Whoa! Don't knock us old farts. I won a pick-up sky diving contest one morning in the Orks back in October and got free beer all afternoon from the whipper snappers. And , the reason it took me all afternoon to suck down two beers was........that I had trouble getting my walker through the bathroom door.

You are so funny Ed! You're way cool too :)