If you love the feeling of taking to the skies, a plane may not be enough, and skydiving takes more time to master and happens to fast. For a real feeling of flying, try paragliding. No engine noise and no fuel consumption included.

What is Paragliding? 
When paragliding, the pilot hangs in a harness under the canopy. They swing themselves into the air from a mountain or with the help of a wind. Unlike parachuting, however, the aim is to stay in the air as long as possible by using the thermal updrafts.

The paraglider was invented by the former NASA engineer Francis Melvin Rogallo, who registered the patent for a construction made of rope and fabric as early as 1948. However, he rarely flew with his paragliders. This is why David Barish is often referred to as the true “father” of paragliding. He developed a similar construction and tested it extensively in countless flights.

Requirements for Paragliding
In short: Anyone who wants to fly, can fly. However, the ability to react and act should not be impaired, and if you have a limiting illness, e.g. epilepsy, you should consult an aviation doctor and have your own fitness assessed. A healthy physical condition and a reasonable level of fitness are also advantageous.

Equipment or How does Paragliding work?
The paragliding equipment fits into a backpack and weighs about 30 to 45 pounds. Most airlines even transport it free of charge as sports luggage. The main component is, of course, the two-layer paraglider made of coated nylon. This is divided into various chambers open in the direction of flight, which fill with air during flight and thus keep their shape. The harness, in which the pilot sits, is attached to the lines underneath.

The paraglider is steered either by shifting weight or by pulling the steering lines. This allows the pilot to take advantage of thermal currents and stay in the air for up to an hour or more while enjoying the view.

The most beautiful destinations for Paragliding

Neuschwanstein Castle from above
Only a five-minute drive from Hotel Das Rübezahl is the Tegelberg, which offers ideal paragliding conditions. Even the world championships have been held here. But that’s not the only reason you should consider this location for a flight. When else can you claim to have flown over a fairytale castle?

While the rest of the tourists stand below with countless others trying to catch a glimpse of Neuschwanstein Castle, paraglider pilots can view it from the air in complete comfort and thus experience the splendor of the castle from a whole new perspective. By the way: You can book the paragliding flight comfortably from the hotel, since Das Rübezahl cooperates with the flight school Fly Royal.

You also experience this new perspective when you return to Hotel Das Rübezahl after your paragliding flight. There you can simply admire the castle from the pool or the terrace.

Paragliding in East Tyrol
The Alps are always worth a flight. In addition to great take-off conditions, it is a unique feeling to view the high mountains from the air. If you like, you can also combine such a gliding flight with a hike, 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 will find all the amenities you could wish for after your flight. Be it 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 is the ideal starting point for further exploratory tours on foot.

Paragliding in Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands is a destination that some might not immediately associate with paragliding. Yet sometimes it’s the most unassuming destinations that make a paraglider’s heart beat faster. Tenerife is no exception.

With stable air currents and magnificent views, the island offers perfect conditions for beginners, advanced pilots and professionals alike. Numerous flying schools offer tandem flights, taster courses and flying lessons.

Besides paragliding, you can also do something for your health and well-being. Not far from the capital Santa Cruz is the sustainable health hotel OCÉANO Health Spa. Besides the relaxing and beneficial treatments and courses, you can also work out in the new fitness centre (or prepare for the paragliding course). A pool, sea view and rooftop bar complete the Tenerife holiday experience.

The Val di Fiemme from the air
Located in the beautiful Val di Fiemme, the Eco Park Hotel Azalea welcomes its guests with delicious, plant-based cuisine and a feel-good atmosphere. All around, the mountains of the Dolomites tower high and attract hikers as well as paragliders.

After all, what better way to discover a valley than from above? The beautiful forests, the green valley and the rugged mountain slopes form captivating contrasts that are even more impressive when suspended under a paraglider. Definitely a paragliding destination that you should put on your bucket list.

View Bali from above
Paragliding is an indescribable experience, no matter where you take to the skies. But of course, a flight in undiscovered locations is even more special. So if you’re travelling through Bali and staying at Puri Dajuma, for example, you shouldn’t miss out on a paragliding flight over the island. Taking in the tropical beaches and jungle from above, you suddenly realise how vast nature is compared to 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 stories to tell.