Flying high while paragliding in Germany, Europe, and the world

We have made the dream of flying come true with airplanes and the like. But it does not really feel like it. The sun is missing in our faces, the wind on our skin, and the unrestricted view of the small world beneath our feet.
The true feeling of being airborne is experienced when paragliding or paragliding. The colorful nylon canopy overhead and the world beneath you, the wind on your skin and sun in your face. This is how real flying feels. No engine noise and no fuel consumption.

To find out where you can best try out paragliding and discover what you can see from up there, we will take a brief look at the sport of paragliding itself.

What is paragliding?

Paragliding means a sport where the pilot is suspended in a harness under a paraglider. Launching is done from a mountain or via winch. Unlike parachuting, the goal is to stay in the air as long as possible using the thermal updra!s and not to “fall” to the ground.
Often the comparison is drawn to hang gliding. The latter, however, works quite differently and, because of its rigid, polygonal wing construction, it is faster but also less maneuverable than a paraglider.

By the way, the former NASA engineer Francis Melvin Rogallo is considered to be the inventor of the paraglider. As early as 1948, he patented a construction technique made of strings and fabric, with which gliders can be manufactured. However, he did not actually fly himself with his constructions. For this reason, David Barish has been called the true “father” of paragliding. Barish developed a similar construction and tested it extensively during countless flights. Finally, the construction was improved with an invention from the advertising industry: The flying advertising banners of Domina Jalbert were used to create a paraglider that is very similar to today’s gliders.

As a side note: Even for your first flight, you don’t need a tandem partner. You will learn the most important rules as well as how to take o” and land during an introductory course, and then you can start your first flight. However, if you want to fly on your own, i.e., unsupervised by an instructor, you require a pilot’s license.

Requirements for paragliding

There are no real requirements. You can fly if you want to fly. You should, however, not be impaired in your ability to react and act, or if you have a limiting illness, e.g., epilepsy, consult a flight physician and have your fitness clarified. Stable circulation is also an advantage, and a basic level of fitness definitely helps when training on the training slope.

If you have a fear of heights or are not free from vertigo, this is not a criterion for exclusion. Since you will slowly approach the heights during a trial training, you may get used to it over time and gain increasing confidence in the paraglider and the harness. Simply indicate when booking the course that you have problems with heights, and the instructors will take this into consideration and support you.

Even teenagers from the age of 14 are allowed to fly with the consent of their parents. Sometimes even children’s flights are offered. There are flight schools, at least in Germany, in many places, especially of course in the low mountain ranges and mountains. In the lowlands, you have to rely on winches or motorized hang gliders to pull the glider into the air.

Gear or how does paragliding work?

The good thing about paragliding is that the equipment fits into a backpack. The equipment weighs just under 15 to 20 kilograms and is even transported free of charge as sports luggage by most airlines.
Of course, the main component is the two-layer paraglider made of coated nylon. It is divided into different chambers that are open in the direction of flight. These chambers fill with air during the flight and thus keep their shape. The harness, in which the pilot sits, is attached to the lines underneath.
The glider is controlled by either shi!ing weight or pulling the control lines. In this way, you can take advantage of thermal currents and stay in the air for up to an hour or more, enjoying the view.

The most beautiful places for paragliding

Neuschwanstein Castle from above

Only five minutes drive from Hotel Das Rübezahl is the Tegelberg, which o”ers ideal paragliding conditions. The world championships have even been held here. But this is not the only reason why you should consider a flight here. When else can you claim to have flown over a fairy tale castl

While the rest of the tourists stand below with numerous others and want to take a look at Neuschwanstein Castle, you can comfortably view it from the air and thus perceive the splendor from a whole new perspective.

This new perspective can also be experienced when you return to Hotel Das Rübezahl after a paragliding flight. You can admire the castle once again—from the pool or from the terrace.

Paragliding in East Tyrol

Always worth a flight are the Alps. Beside great starting conditions (mostly even without climbing 😉 ) it is a unique feeling to look at the high mountains from the air. If you like, you can also combine such a gliding flight with a hike and, for example, to the Äußere Steineralm, and then fly back to Matrei in East Tyrol.
Our hotel recommendation: The Naturhotel Outside directly in Matrei. There you’ll find all the amenities you want to have a!er your flight. Whether it’s a visit to the nature spa and the pine wood sauna or a delicious dinner in the gourmet restaurant Inside. By the way, the Outside is also a certified hiking hotel and therefore the ideal starting point for further exploration tours on foot.

Val di Fiemme from the air

Located in the beautiful Val di Fiemme or Fliemsertal, Eco Park Hotel Azalea welcomes you with delicious, plant-based cuisine and a feel-good atmosphere. Around it, the mountains of the Dolomites soar high, attracting hikers as well as paragliders.
What better way to discover a valley than from above? The beautiful forests, the green valley and the rugged mountain slopes form delightful contrasts that are even more impressive when hanging under a paraglider. Definitely a paragliding destination you should put on your list!

Paragliding on Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands is a destination that some of you might not immediately associate with paragliding. However, sometimes it’s the inconspicuous destinations that make a paraglider’s heart beat faster.
Tenerife is no exception.
The island o”ers perfect conditions for beginners, advanced pilots and professionals alike with stable air currents and magnificent views. Numerous flight schools o”er tandem flights, trial courses and flight lessons.
In addition to paragliding, you can also do something for your health and well-being. The sustainable health hotel OCÉANO Health Spa is located not far from the capital Santa Cruz. In addition to the relaxing and health-promoting treatments and courses, you can also work out (or prepare for your paragliding course) in the new fitness center. Pool, ocean views, and a roo!op bar complete your Tenerife vacation experience.

Bali from above

Paragliding, wherever you take to the skies, is an indescribable experience. But of course, a flight in unknown places is even more special. So if you’re traveling in Bali and staying at Puri Dajuma, for example, don’t miss out on a paragliding flight over the island. Look at the tropical beaches and the jungle from above and realize how big nature is compared to us humans.

Then, when you’re back on the ground, roaming the gardens of Puri Dajuma or lying on the beach, you’re guaranteed to have plenty to think about. And to talk about.

Why you should definitely try paragliding

If we still haven’t convinced you that you should definitely give paragliding a try, here are seven more reasons:

1. You will change perspective and get to see a new view of the world.
2. Experienced flyers will agree with us: Paragliding teaches you to pay attention to the tiniest details to catch the perfect flying conditions: a breeze here, a rustle of leaves there. Things you might not have noticed before.
3. Paragliding is a wonderful hobby, and a tandem flight on vacation is the ideal way to get started. Once you’re in, you’ll meet like-minded people all over the world.
4. “I can fly” is a pretty good conversation starter.
5. Paragliding is a big step out of your comfort zone.
6. Paragliding is relatively environmentally friendly, especially if you’re running up the mountain.
7. Paragliding is pure happiness.