Alpine Paragliding Adventures: Flying Over Bavaria
There's a moment during every tandem paragliding flight when the running stops, your feet leave the ground, and suddenly you're floating. The world transforms beneath you—villages become miniatures, hiking trails turn to thin brown lines, and the mountains you struggled to climb yesterday now sit at eye level. This is why people come to the Bavarian Alps to fly.
Why the Allgäu?
The Allgäu region, stretching from Füssen to Oberstdorf, has developed into one of Central Europe's premier paragliding destinations. Several factors combine to make this corner of Bavaria exceptional for aerial adventures:
- Reliable thermals – The mix of valley floors, forested slopes, and rocky peaks creates consistent thermal activity from late spring through early autumn.
- Multiple launch sites – With cable cars like Tegelbergbahn and Breitenbergbahn, and accessible peaks throughout the region, pilots can choose sites based on wind direction and conditions.
- Stunning scenery – Flying over the Allgäu Alps means views spanning from Neuschwanstein Castle to the Austrian border, with Lake Forggensee glittering below.
- Established infrastructure – The region has a long paragliding tradition, with experienced operators, trained pilots, and well-maintained equipment.
The Tandem Experience
For most visitors, tandem paragliding offers the perfect introduction to flight. You don't need any training or experience—your certified pilot handles all technical aspects while you focus entirely on the experience.
A typical tandem flight begins with a brief safety briefing at the launch site. You'll be fitted with a harness and helmet, then positioned in front of your pilot. When conditions are right, you'll jog downhill together for a short distance until the wing inflates overhead and lifts you both into the air.
First-time flyers often worry about the takeoff, but most describe it as surprisingly gentle— one moment you're running, the next you're gliding smoothly through mountain air.
Flight duration varies with conditions, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes. On good thermal days, experienced pilots can extend flights by catching rising air currents, sometimes gaining enough altitude to fly for an hour or more.
Choosing a Tandem Flight Provider
Not all paragliding experiences are equal. When selecting a tandem flight in the Allgäu, look for:
- Certified pilots with current tandem ratings from German or Austrian associations
- Modern equipment that's regularly inspected and maintained
- Weather flexibility – reputable operators won't fly in marginal conditions
- Local knowledge – pilots who know the specific sites, wind patterns, and thermal sources
For those planning a tandem flight in the Allgäu, researching operators in advance ensures you book with professionals who prioritize both safety and memorable experiences.
Best Time to Fly
The paragliding season in the Bavarian Alps runs from approximately May through October. Within each day, conditions typically improve through the morning as the sun heats valley floors and creates thermal lift. Most operators schedule tandem flights in the mid-morning or early afternoon when thermals are most reliable.
Weather plays a crucial role—clouds, precipitation, and strong winds can cancel flights. Experienced operators monitor conditions closely and will reschedule rather than fly in anything questionable. If your schedule is tight, book earlier in your trip to allow for weather delays.
What to Expect Afterward
First-time flyers often describe the post-flight experience as euphoric. There's a unique satisfaction in having flown—really flown—with nothing between you and the sky. Many people cannot stop smiling for hours afterward. Some book a second flight before leaving the landing zone.
For photographers, most tandem operators offer video and photo packages captured during the flight. These make exceptional souvenirs and help share the experience with friends and family who might otherwise struggle to imagine what it felt like.
The Allgäu Alps have produced some of the world's most accomplished paragliding pilots. When you fly here, you're experiencing the same mountains that shaped generations of aviators.
Popular Launch Sites
- Breitenberg Engerle Launch – Beginner-friendly with excellent thermals and easy access via cable car.
- Breitenberg Stütze 9 Launch – Advanced site for experienced pilots seeking challenging conditions.
- Tegelberg – Classic launch with stunning Neuschwanstein views, accessible via cable car.