Murren Paragliding: Lauterbrunnen’s Cliff & Waterfall Flight Review
So, you’re thinking about jumping off a mountain in Switzerland, are you? Well, I get it! A tandem paragliding flight in Murren, with a view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, it could be just the thing you are after. I went to experience it, and like your average person, I’m here to share all the details.
What Makes Murren Paragliding Unique?
Murren, a place without cars up in the Swiss Alps, it is in a position that makes it a spot that many would call perfect to take off on a paragliding adventure. I mean, very few places, it is true, can offer, really, what Murren does: unbelievable views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks, coupled with a birds-eye view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley which has what they say are 72 waterfalls. Plus, taking off from Murren it usually means you get some extra airtime because you start from a higher point than, perhaps, some of the neighboring launch spots.
Unlike places, say, where you just see urban scenery or plain old fields, the setting near Murren is quite dramatic. When you’re up there, what catches your eye, of course, is the mix of green fields that looks well cared for, super steep rock faces, and, honestly, those huge waterfalls. It’s an experience that touches more than just sight. Like, there’s this complete calm when you’re gliding, yet all your senses, well they’re super aware of the stunning views. Is that the kind of special you would enjoy?
Booking Your Paragliding Experience: What to Think About
Paragliding is really something that depends on weather conditions, it can’t be stressed enough, therefore, it’s pretty wise to think about this when you are setting it all up. What I mean is that, if possible, try to arrange your flight at the start of your visit to Murren. I mean, that way, if your flight should be, perhaps, cancelled due to poor weather, you might still have a chance to reschedule before you depart.
In general, there are quite a few different companies that provide paragliding flights in Murren, and like what you would do in any country, it would be useful to read reviews and compare costs. Do the costs cover things like equipment and transportation to the take-off point? It may be something worth looking into. And, like with any service, confirm what their cancellation policy is, in case, you know, stuff happens.
Furthermore, I do have to recommend that you book early, mostly during peak tourist season, so that you are certain to get a slot that suits your plan. If you are there with other people who really would love to go with you, well you should certainly all get booked. Oh! And be sure, too, it’s almost required, to verify that the paragliding company has a stellar safety record, and, for example, that they are fully certified and licensed to do tandem flights.
What to Expect: From Start to Finish
Your adventure probably begins at a rendezvous point in Murren. There you will be greeted by your tandem pilot, who will also fill you in on some basic safety protocol, explain to you what to do while taking off, in the air, and landing. Of course, he or she will, perhaps, answer any last-second question you have too, which is pretty calming.
After the briefing, they’ll give you all the gear—a harness and helmet that fits really good—then it’s time, anyway, to head to the take-off site. Typically, that just involves a short lift trip plus a little hike. You get strapped into the harness in that area, and your tandem pilot does a quick check on all the connections. Taking off? That’s the exciting part! It needs a little bit of running down a moderate slope, and before you know it, you’re just floating!
Is that really something for you, I hear you ask. While you are in the air, it’s very likely that your pilot will point out the landmarks: the majestic Jungfrau, that imposing Eiger, as well as the pretty Lauterbrunnen Valley right down below. In the end, depending on what flight you have, he might just execute some simple aerobatics, or maybe let you try controlling the paraglide. Landing can be super easy, more or less. Usually it only means walking or sliding slightly on your feet before gently coming down in a predetermined landing spot. Do you like the sound of all of this so far?
Photo and Video Options: Catching the Moment
So, most paragliding firms offer a photo and video service to capture your flight. It is important, still, to ask about it beforehand. If they do, the pilot probably makes use of a GoPro which is mounted either on their helmet or on the paraglider. These cameras, usually, capture not only amazing videos but pictures of your whole flight with those stunning views behind you. I would guess you might feel as if you should buy it, if you want to, afterwards.
Like your pictures, the value of having these videos and photos, it cannot be overstated, especially if you’re someone who values capturing events as they happen. These memories become physical items that allow you, later, to share your excitement with relatives, like your friends, or maybe on social media. Is that something you do usually?
What to Wear and Bring
Putting on the right gear can greatly increase how much fun you can have while you’re flying. Clothes should fit the weather, so take some warm layers, particularly if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you want, wearing moisture-wicking clothes might certainly help keep you comfortable because they keep sweat away from your skin.
Footwear needs extra thought. Choose strong walking or hiking boots that will support you, more or less, especially when taking off and landing. It should have support for the ankles. Other things to take with you? Gloves, just to protect the cold. When it comes to accessories, I would recommend you carry sunglasses because glare coming from ice, of course, or the sun, it might get extremely intense when up in the air. And naturally, apply some sunscreen, primarily on clear days. Do you think you will remember all this?
Safety First: Trusting Your Pilot and Gear
Safety really should be always the first worry whenever you go paragliding. Reliable paragliding companies make safety very serious; they regularly keep their equipment updated and have skilled pilots. Ahead of the flight the pilots run extensive pre-flight checks and take time to fill the passenger in so that they know the procedures to follow. How would you feel, really, if you could go and be so at peace?
While preparing for paragliding it may give you the warm and fuzzies to confirm your pilot is trained to a very high standard and, too it’s almost compulsory, has all the official certifications needed. You should not forget that it’s normal for a pilot to turn down a flight if weather conditions are not great because safety, without a shadow of a doubt, comes first. Doing things this way minimizes risks involved and lets everyone have fun without worries.
Also, what might boost the sense that everything is ok is if you check out the pilot and the firm’s reputation ahead of time. Look through customer reviews and testimonials and, like most places that are pretty above board, should give confidence that people went away satisfied, also it will reassure those worried feelings we tend to get before anything exciting. Do you find other’s words helpful and assuring too?
The View from Above: What You’ll See
Floating above Lauterbrunnen gives views you might just hold on to forever. While suspended, I saw that the Swiss Alps and particularly the famed peaks like the Jungfrau and the Eiger were stunning. Like most folk who fly there, the views can simply seem to etch into your memory in ways unseen or touched.
The valley has green spaces sprinkled with farmhouses; little Swiss chalets sitting below created some very interesting eye candy while you cruise overhead. Additionally, there are a vast number of waterfalls across the cliffs. Water comes off in delicate plumes when it comes cascading down to fill the Lauterbrunnen below, is that what you might call awe inspiring?
Looking down it made you realize exactly how little all us folk are when viewed through the scale nature has here; just experiencing such a perspective can often cause you to assess many facets of your life while in the skies. Do you feel, in a way, you can detach yourself and look back at everything you love to look at? Paragliding over Murren goes above plain recreation, and does things to make you be glad you participated as you behold it.
Extending Your Stay: Activities Around Murren
Murren serves as some great base from where a lot more can happen than simply flying over on paragliding outings; in many instances folk plan to spend several days up in this district just because they get pulled to the setting it has plus many other possible experiences it throws at you.
A trek which many attempt runs up to the Schilthorn summit. This spot came into movie goers minds due to featuring as ‘Piz Gloria’ while shooting “James Bond”. Along its paths you can view Alpine panoramas to catch in picture stills that are remarkable. Do you consider walking some ground where something unforgettable happened, and can share in this for just a few seconds or minutes?
Close by are the Allmendhubel Flower Park, to possibly do walking softly when seeing pretty floral views, plus the Thrill Walk up at Birg— a spot including paths and walkways on cliffside settings, designed only, arguably, for people that dig thrills when checking sites. I mean, these give folk differing ways to be with our natural side. Are you pulled by pretty sights from gardens or prefer pushing up to places and heights while adrenaline fills you? In a sense there are selections to suit any nature fan visiting Murren for an amount of days, perhaps weeks.
Is Murren Paragliding Right for You? A Quick Self-Check
When wondering when paragliding around Murren suits who, think about a few of what goes on, this way; what are the comfortability marks in relation when tackling big height experiences plus whether, maybe, a love in seeing vast Alpine expanses fills you. To feel thrilled seeing green meadows from above with falls crashing against steep mountain flanks then odds suggest, you might appreciate something this has going. That said, really it’s worth bringing into account any trepidation of going out, if you do, while preparing well beforehand. Like most adrenaline filled trips they, probably, involve risks. Can you process things while realizing it should occur while they all have to check points and ways things are done with?
Additionally, gauge what financial restraints may involve to all events planned. The expense may not seem appropriate or match personal travel resources or aims. Really look on the expenses covering flight fares with what’s there to catch it on stills or tapes and all costs associated there might be added activities local to Murren if all come, probably, to sit good and well.
- Stunning views: Perfect for sight-seers loving mountain and waterfall eye-candy.
- Physical Requirements: Acceptable should be moderate wellness degree is reached as you just walk, maybe sliding on steep terrain if starting/ touchdown phases happen quickly though.
- Budget Considerations: Weigh associated outlays versus personal outlay allowances including what extras exist round paragliding events there at Murren to gauge how it suits vacation arrangements with your style and needs.
I went paragliding above Murren and looked over the Lauterbrunnen’s wonderful valley there – and had amazing sensations through it all that now just can now hopefully cause other folk that seek striking vacation journeys some help should they decide getting ready, possibly preparing here really quite close where Switzerland puts so much into full vision from altitudes high that could give unforgettable images or occasions they treasure fondly later too it’s almost expected when seeing nature in full light at elevations beyond words and meaning to share.
#Murren #Paragliding #Lauterbrunnen #Switzerland #AdventureTravel #SwissAlps
