10 Best Places For Paragliding in Austria: A Paradise for Paragliders!

Do you know all the “10 best places for paragliding in Austria”? Austria is a paragliding paradise for those who are seeking an adrenaline rush. Tourists are charmed by its architecture and cultural histories in the form of Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Hofburg, and Salzburg Altstadt. Its greenscape is naturally bound with hills, alps and lakes to attract adventure seekers from all around the world. This image makes Austria one of the most popular destinations among Indian travellers who seek to fly high by paragliding and explore the country in bird’s eye view.

According to Austria Tourism, in 2018 Austria received almost 1.9 lakhs tourists from India.

10 Best Places to Paraglide in Austria

Austrian alps will give you chances to create mind-blowing memories! The best seasons for you to go paragliding across the Austrian meadows and lakes are spring and summer. So, here are some “10 best paragliding places in Austria” for your coming vacation and your bucket list. While most of the following places are part of Tirol, others allow you to see the exhilarating side of the country.

1. Salzburg
2. Innsbruck
3. Zillertal Valley
4. Wild Kaiser Mountains
5. Stubai Valley
6. Achensee Lake
7. Hallstatt
8. Vorarlberg
9. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
10. Alpbachtal

Apart from these, planning your trip at the right time will also enable you to participate and witness the most famous paragliding sports festivals which happen in the country. Super Paragliding Testival in June, Stubai Cup in March, Red Bull X-Alps, Alpenrosen Cup are some of its iconic festivals.

1. Salzburg

The City of Salzburg is the junction of art and its exquisite cultural attraction. For the paragliders, it is the centre for a gliding adventure that makes their hearts race. Salzburg, the UNESCO site is surrounded by a majority of the mountains which are suitable starting points for paragliding like no other. Paragliding from either aircraft or from Mt Gaisberg(1280m), the view of Salzburg’s medieval aura is a sight that can’t be forgotten.

As you fly through the sky, the entire landscape of the city, mountains and forests come together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. Are you a professional paraglider? If yes. Salzburg also got something for you! Every year during spring, the Red Bull X-Alps paragliding race happens. Keep an eye on it and participate to experience the fantasy of adventure.

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Salzburg

2. Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital of Tirol(Tyrol) which has overflowing yet unique sites for the paragliders. In and around Innsbruck you can find a large number of centres where licenced paragliders will join you. If you are a first-timer, it is the best place where you can start. The amazing view of the summer sky and the wide-angle view of the valleys is the best you can ask for. You can choose the start from Seegrube(1905m) or Hafelekar Peak(2,300m). Nothing will come short of your expectation.

Something special about Innsbruck is that it will also be a best ride for couples who seek adventure. Sit on the special paraglider with a two-seater and enjoy the enchanting view while you float across the sky. Makes sure to enjoy the rest of the day around Altstadt and Hofburg District.

Also Read: 10 Best Things to do in Innsbruck

3. Zillertal Valley

Zillertal Valley in Mayhofner would be the safest paragliding site a beginner could get. This valley in Tirol is where the world championship of paragliding competition takes place. Gliding through snowscapes under the sun as you pass by feels like you are in Disney World. You will get a breathtaking view of the surrounding green meadow as you fly over Gallenkirchen village

Your starting point can be either from the Knorren or Kombibahn mountain station on Mount Penken. Also, you can enjoy more by accessing the ski lifts and hanging bridge once you finish your paragliding adventure.

4. Wild Kaiser Mountains

Paragliding sport has become the most attractive activity for the visitors of the Wild Kaiser Mountains. You either launch from Hartkaiser or Brandstadl, the scenery is going to be something you can’t be express by words. That is why it is known as the paragliding heaven.

The tandem flight centres here are known for the best experience as they provide to paragliding enthusiasts. On-air you could enjoy the majestic sight of the Kaiser mountains when there is a perfect thermal condition.

5. Stubai Valley

Stubai Valley in the Tirol region has the best thermal condition for a fast and smooth ride under the azure Austrian summer sky. This destination is also quite popular as it is one of the regions with more mountains with a height ranging up to 3,000 metres! Apart from that, this destination is quite prominent for various other adventures like hang-gliding, skiing, hiking in Telfer Wisen, and enjoy a 360-degree view from the top of Tyrol.

Spend your time by visiting Ice Grotto and Adventure park in Fulpmes. Visit in March to take part in the paragliding race for Stubai Cup.

Also Read: Austria in March

6. Achensee Lake

The dramatic presence of the bluest Achensee lake surrounded by the green slopes of the mountains like a castle makes this the most popular of all destinations for paragliders. This destination is also a foreground for training beginners as the mountains stand like the closure to the lake. This quality makes the paragliders get hang of the wind to practice and fly than anywhere else. It is a natural advantage that attracts beginners and professionals to experience the ecstasy of flying a bit longer.

Your starting point will be close to the Karwendelbahn Gondola at the height of 1,500 metres. Make sure to visit the Rofan range if you want to take the elevation of your flight to the next level. Don’t forget to get the taste of fun at the hang gliders on the Karwendel range side.

Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria

7. Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a famous UNESCO site which you should never miss visiting. Its popularity for archaeological culture is well known. At present, it is also one of the best paragliding destinations by Krippenstein mountain. The terrain is spacious and well maintained and has an incredible view which is quite buzzing worthy. Even before you start your adventure, the starting point at 2,100 metres sea level gives you a panoramic view. You can also stay in this countryside for a week and enjoy the weather by going cycling.

Why cycling? Hallstatt also has 105 cycling routes. I hope that explains why one week.

8. Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg is close to the border of Germany in the north and Switzerland in the west. It is in between the Alps and Lake Constance. It is not only a paragliding ground with stardom but also has wonderful accommodations, museums, theatres to enjoy post an adventure ride in the sky. Andelsbuch in Bregenzerwald region is an ideal destination for flexible paragliding. How? If you begin at Niedere, you can steer through the wind in any direction without turbulence.

If you start from Diedamskopf Mountain glide through the steepest valleys in the southeastern direction. A few hour flight is enough for holistic healing of your mind and soul.

9. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Serfaus is a popular place for adventure seekers who visit Tyrol solely for sporting through ski trails and paragliding terrains. Out of all the 10 best places for paragliding in Austria, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is also known as the most popular family-friendly region. When you start from Schönjoch ridge you will have top-notch thermals on both north and south where even the children can paraglide safely.

As the destination is popular for ski resorts, you could enjoy paragliding and skiing together as a combo during winter.

10. Alpbachtal

Alpbachtal is the most preferred destination in Tyrol by the tourist during summer. A town with fresh colours has a separate individuality. This paragliding destination is different compared to other sites in Austria. You can glide throughout the year, thanks to its slopes which are less rugged. No matter which level of paraglider you are, starting at the Markbachjoch ridge(1450m) will help you to develop your skills in no time. You are safe from strong winds that could sweep you off track.

During your stay, complete your training and get your licence from Tandem flying schools to showcase your experience of the lifetime and to participate in future races.

Also Read: 12 Most Exotic and Instagrammable Places in Austria

Austria’s breathtaking views and natural landscape is an added advantage to its historic marvels. Now that you got the list of the 10 best places for paragliding in Austria, add it to your to-do list before booking your next trip to Austria. You can either chose your pre-designed Austria tour package at Pickyourtrail or if you are a free-spirited adventurer, start customizing your Austrian itinerary so that you could enjoy your days in Austria at your pace.