Fairytale beauty – that’s what makes Pilatus special
Lucerne’s mountain is a legend in many respects: There is no other place with a more stunning view over Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. And no other mountain is surrounded by so many myths and tales. Above all, Mount Pilatus is still very well known today as the Dragon Mountain. Would you like to slip into the role of a dragon yourself? You can experience the best dragon feeling from the air. We will fly with you along rocky ridges, cross spectacular cliffs and once in a while discover ibexes in the steep terrain. There is only one thing you will not be able to do with us: Fire spitting.
What you need to bring
- Hiking shoes or sport shoes
- Windbreaker, long pants and gloves
- Glasses / sunglasses
- Cash or credit card to pay for your additional services
You are not equipped with hiking boots and windbreaker? On request we will gladly provide you with these for free.
You can book the flight directly if you…
- weigh less than 220 lbs
- are between 6 and 99 years old
- have no physical limitations
You do not meet all the requirements and still want to fly? We fulfill flight dreams also for people with limitations (e.g. persons with reduced mobility, wheelchair users etc.) and people up to a maximum of 260 lbs on request. Feel free to write us an email to fly@paragliding-switzerland.ch.
Photo and video service
Take your flight experience with you. Your pilot takes photos and videos during the flight with a special camera. After landing, you can view the recordings and decide on the spot if you want to buy them. You will receive about 10 to 15 photos and 1 to 2 videos (HD).
Cable car ticket
You don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare Card? Then you can buy a reduced cable car ticket and pay with your pilot (Engelberg CHF 20 / Pilatus CHF 30).
*Double air time
Enjoy the view and double your flight time. If the thermals allow, we’ll be happy to take you for a few extra rounds. You pay the extra fee directly to your pilot after the flight.
Adrenalin kick
You like to go fast like on a roller coaster or you want to steer yourself for a little while? You can have that for free. Let your pilot know before the start that you like some action.
This is where we meet you and this is where we land
From Lucerne train station, bus no. 1 will take you to the stop “Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus” in 11 minutes. Follow the red signposts of the Pilatusbahn passing the St. Gallus church. After a 10 minute walk we will welcome you at the cable car station.
Meeting point
Landing area
Is a paragliding tandem flight safe?
On behalf of the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), the Swiss Hanggliding Association (SHV) regulates the safe conduct of paragliding in Switzerland. All our tandem pilots have a lot of flying experience and have successfully completed the SHV’s solid training and demanding examinations. The material is regularly and closely checked by experts.
Do I need special know-how or any experience?
No! No previous experience is necessary. Your qualified pilot will instruct you in detail and take care of your safety.
What is my paragliding experience like and how does it work step by step?
Reservation
Book your paragliding tandem flight as early as possible.
The day before
Paragliding is weather dependent. We have 25 years of experience in weather forecasting for our flight areas. We therefore arrange the best time and meeting point individually the day before. In case of bad conditions we will postpone the flight or refund the full price.
Please bring along
- Sturdy shoes (preferably hiking boots)
- Clothes suitable for the weather
- Glasses / sunglasses
- Gloves from autumn to spring
- Cash or credit card to buy your photo package
Meeting point
Allow enough time for the journey and be on time at the agreed meeting point – the cable cars don’t wait!
At the take-off site
The pilot prepares your paragliding equipment, equips you with helmet and harness and explains the take-off procedure.
In the air
Sit back and enjoy the great experience! You can communicate normally with the pilot during the flight and express your wishes. For your adrenaline kick, we’ll be happy to fly a few manoeuvres or, if the conditions are right, you can even take over the controls.
Landing
After the soft landing, you can view the pictures from our special camera and have the memories copied directly to your mobile phone (CHF 30). Our landing sites are only a few minutes’ walk from the meeting point.
What clothes do I need to wear?
Dress according to the weather conditions. Wear good shoes with sturdy soles (hiking shoes or trainers). Even in summer, a jumper or jacket will protect you from the wind. Glasses or sunglasses are also recommended for the flight and you will not lose them.
How much may I weigh as a passenger?
To ensure a safe flight for passenger and pilot, the total weight is limited and depends on the take-off area and the wind conditions. Therefore we have different weight limits for the different tandem flights.
Up to 80kg/180lbs all launch sites / flights.
Up to 90kg/200lbs flights are possible from the Rigi, Pilatus and Engelberg
Flights Pilatus are possible up to 100kg/220lbs
Are you heavier than 100kg/220lbs? Ask us about possibilities. Individual pilots can take off with passengers up to 120kg/260lbs.
Is there any age restriction?
Our flights are suitable for anyone between the ages of 6 and 99. However, you must be able to walk a few quick steps for take-off. You are younger/older? Email us, maybe we can fulfil your dream too.
How do I order photos and videos?
You don’t have to book the photo/video service in advance. Your pilot will take pictures and videos in HD quality for you during the flight. You can view these after landing and buy them for CHF 30. The data will be downloaded directly to your mobile phone or made available to you via a download link.
Can I have my cell phone or a small camera with me?
Yes, you may use all equipment at the launch site. For safety reasons, the devices may not be used during the flight. An exception are small compact cameras, which can be secured.
What happens when the weather is bad?
If our experienced pilots deem the weather conditions unsafe, we will not fly. There are situations where this decision is only made on the spot, because weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. Postponed is not abandoned. Of course, you may rebook for a new flight date or receive a full refund.
Is it possible to fly all year?
Yes, we fly daily in good flying conditions. In bad weather we reserve the right to cancel the flight.
How do we take off and land?
Your pilot will explain the procedure to you at the launch site and after a few quick steps you are already in the air. After your spectacular flight, you land gently at the designated landing site and are back at the meeting point in a few minutes.
Where can my company observe the flight?
It doesn’t matter to us whether the spectators come along to the launch site or watch from the landing site. You often see more from the landing site than from the take-off site.
Can I take any bags with me?
Only take what you need for the flight (mobile phone, clothes, purse, etc.). You can safely leave backpacks, handbags and other small items with us in the car or at the valley stations and pick them up again after landing. Daypacks can only be flown after consultation (size / weight).
Can I choose to fly with a woman or a man?
Yes, we will be happy to book a male or female pilot for you on your request. Especially female pilots are quite booked, so book as early as possible.
How do I get to the take-off site?
Nature is close to our hearts! We only use cable cars to get to our launch sites. On most sites we can offer you cable car tickets at reduced price.
