About flying
Fly like a bird
We use the thermals (rising, warm air) that can usually be found from spring to autumn. To stay in the so-called „thermal bubble“, we turn circles like a bird or as we know it from gliders. You can climb up to 3000 metres and see nature from the perspective of a bird with a magnificent view of the surroundings.
Paragliding tandem flying is very diverse!
From a quiet „pleasure flight“ to a longer „thermal flight“ to a „cross-country flight“, there is something for everyone. If you need even more adrenalin, you can fly sporty wingovers or steep spirals over 3 Gs.
„Once you've experienced flying,
you will walk the earth forever,
with your eyes turned heavenwards.
Because that's where you were and that's where
you will be drawn back again and again.“
Leonardo da Vinci
Information on booking & procedure
Make an appointment:
- We fly daily on all good flying days. You can easily arrange your flight appointment with us via our contact form, by phone, e-mail, WhatsApp or SMS.
- The evening before your flight date, we will do a final weather check and, if necessary, consult with you again. If the weather is not suitable for flying, a new date must be arranged. Of course, vouchers remain valid.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know in good time. Otherwise your appointment remains binding. - You will receive a detailed briefing from your pilot at the launch site. You should allow a total of around 2 hours for your flight.
Transport to the landing/launch site:
- Our take-off and landing sites are directly accessible by car. Therefore, there are no additional charges, e.g. for mountain railways.
- In principle, transport from the landing site to the launch site takes place in our guests' vehicle. There should be enough space in the car for one pilot including equipment (larger rucksack). For a pair tandem flight, space for two pilots is required. It is therefore helpful to bring a companion who can drive the car back to the landing site during your flight. If this is not possible, please let us know in good time so that we can find another option.
For example, it is often possible to take a ride on a subsequent flight, we can organise a local transport company (additional costs €30) or you can round off your flight with a nice hike.
- The meeting point is always the car park at the landing site, see directions.
Flying areas / approach
Our flying sites are located in the greater Freiburg and Basel area and are easily accessible. The Hochblauen (1164 metres above sea level) near Badenweiler and the Kandel (1241 metres above sea level) near Waldkirch are among the most popular paragliding mountains in the Black Forest. Both flying sites offer wonderful views over the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest as well as first-class flying conditions.
We also have other flying sites nearby in Alsace and the Jura.
- Flying area Hochblauen
- Approach Hochblauen:
The landing site is located on the Lipberg at the foot of the Hochblauen.
The meeting point is the car park next to the Lipburg cemetery, Lipburger Straße 12, 79410 Badenweiler.
- By car:
The landing site is located on the Lipberg at the foot of the Hochblauen.
The meeting point is the car park next to the Lipburg cemetery, Lipburger Straße 12, 79410 Badenweiler.
- By train:
Get off the DB regional train at Müllheim. Bus route 111 to Badenweiler. Get off at the „René-Schickele Brunnen“ stop. From there it is approx. 15 minutes on foot to the meeting point/landing site.
- Flying area Kandel
- Directions Kandel:
The landing site is located near Waldkirch at the foot of the Kandel.
The meeting point is the car park directly at the landing site, Eichbühlweg, 79183 Waldkirch.
- By car:
Motorway exit A5 Freiburg-Nord, then direction Waldkirch. Take the Waldkirch exit after the tunnel, then after approx. 200 metres take the small exit on the right towards „Heimeck“.
- By train:
Regional railway to Elzach, exit Waldkirch-Kollnau. From there it is a 15-minute walk to the meeting point/landing site.
What do I need to fly?
Physical requirements:
- Body weight between approx. 30 kg - approx. 100 kg.
- Light basic fitness is an advantage, so if you can run a few steps, you can already paraglide tandem flights
- You don't have to be free from vertigo, e.g. fear of heights is usually not a problem
Transport to the landing/launch site:
- You need sensible shoes, preferably hiking boots or shoes that go over your ankles. In addition, a jacket and, if necessary, ski trousers or long pants in the cold season. Gloves are also a great advantage.
- Remember, it's still a few degrees colder on the mountain and in the air than in the valley!
How safe is tandem flying?
Paragliding is comparable to other aviation sports and has long since ceased to be a „risk sport“ in Germany.
Paragliding is an outdoor sport and therefore harbours fundamental risks that can generally be associated with movement in nature. During a paragliding flight, for example, we take off and land on a suitable natural meadow, which requires a certain degree of surefootedness.
Nowadays, paragliders are highly sophisticated flying devices that are subject to regular checks. The gliders are thoroughly checked at regular intervals during a check operation and also undergo a visual inspection before each flight. All gliders also have an additional reserve system (reserve parachute).
Secondly, the pilots have special flight training (pilot's licence). Pilots with a tandem flight licence (for passenger flights) must also undergo a special aptitude test and have also completed special passenger flight training. Furthermore, a high level of flying experience, regular practice and a follow-up examination every 3 years are basic requirements.