What It’s Like to Paraglide in Austria: The Alps from a Bird’s Eye View
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The Austrian Alps aren't just for skiing and hiking. They're for flying. Tandem paragliding in Austria offers one of the most unforgettable ways to experience this mountain-rich country, combining crisp alpine air, breathtaking views, and the kind of silent glide that makes you feel like you’ve borrowed a set of wings. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to soar over places like Innsbruck or Salzburg, here's what you need to know before taking the leap.
Innsbruck: Paragliding from the Heart of the Alps
Innsbruck is one of the few cities in the world where you can step off a tram and take off from a 1,900 meter mountain just minutes later. Most tandem flights here launch from Nordkette, the jagged peak towering directly over the city. The ride up on the Hafelekar cable car is an experience in itself, but the real thrill comes when you step into the air with the Alps unfolding below.
Flights from Nordkette typically glide above the Inn Valley and the city skyline, with views stretching to the Stubai Alps and Karwendel range. The scenery changes with the seasons. In winter, snow blankets everything below. In summer, it’s lush green meadows and blue skies.
Curious about taking off in Innsbruck?
Check out our Paragliding in Innsbruck guide for everything you need to know.
Flights from Nordkette typically glide above the Inn Valley and the city skyline, with views stretching to the Stubai Alps and Karwendel range. The scenery changes with the seasons. In winter, snow blankets everything below. In summer, it’s lush green meadows and blue skies.
Curious about taking off in Innsbruck?
Check out our Paragliding in Innsbruck guide for everything you need to know.
Salzburg: Gliding Above Mozart’s Hometown
Salzburg might be known for baroque buildings and classical music, but it’s also a paragliding paradise. Most flights near Salzburg depart from Gaisberg, a 1,288 meter mountain just east of the city center. From the launch point, you get sweeping views of the Salzach River, the old town, and the fortress-capped skyline, all while floating on thermals rising from the forested hills below.
Gaisberg’s accessibility makes it one of Austria’s most beginner-friendly tandem sites. It’s also a favorite with local pilots due to its smooth launch areas and consistent conditions.
Want to experience it for yourself?
Our Paragliding Salzburg page has all the details.
Gaisberg’s accessibility makes it one of Austria’s most beginner-friendly tandem sites. It’s also a favorite with local pilots due to its smooth launch areas and consistent conditions.
Want to experience it for yourself?
Our Paragliding Salzburg page has all the details.
Other Alpine Launchpads Worth Mentioning
Austria has no shortage of scenic spots to fly. If you’re staying longer or want to explore more flight zones, here are a few other gems:
- Zell am See – Fly over the lake with a panoramic view of the Hohe Tauern mountains.
Paragliding Zell am See - Wolfgangsee (St. Gilgen) – Launch from Zwölferhorn for stunning views of the lake and valley.
Paragliding Wolfgangsee - Werfenweng – Just south of Salzburg, this site gives you big mountain views without the crowds.
Paragliding Werfenweng - Stubai Valley (Near Innsbruck) – A high altitude site offering dramatic backdrops and longer flight times.
Paragliding Stubai Valley - Schönau am Königssee (Austria Germany Border) – Launch near Berchtesgaden for views of one of the deepest, bluest lakes in the region.
Paragliding Königssee
When’s the Best Time to Fly?
Tandem flights in Austria are available all year long, but the experience changes with the seasons:
- Summer (May to September): Best for thermals and long glides
- Winter (December to March): Stunning snow-covered views, often smoother air but colder conditions
- Autumn and Spring: Great for calmer conditions, fewer crowds, and beautiful colors
Do You Need Experience?
Not at all. All flights are tandem and operated by licensed pilots. You'll get a safety briefing, be securely strapped in, and then take off with your pilot handling everything. Your only job is to enjoy the view and maybe let out a few shouts of joy.
Final Thoughts
Paragliding in Austria gives you something few experiences can: a silent, soaring view of the Alps that’s hard to forget. Whether you launch from the city peaks of Innsbruck or the wooded hills near Salzburg, the feeling is always the same — absolute freedom.
Explore all our flying sites at
www.paraglidinginaustria.com
Explore all our flying sites at
www.paraglidinginaustria.com
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Sofia Greer
Trail runner, weather nerd, and self-taught airspace geek. Sofia fell for the Austrian Alps while chasing thermals around Zell am See and now writes to help others discover their own flight paths. She balances her time between writing, hiking, and planning her next tandem jump. Fly to the Sky contributor |
