Visiting Switzerland
Where to find out how flying works in Switzerland, who helps visiting pilots on the ground, and who runs tours here. The sources hold the details, so it's worth checking with them before you fly.
Sites on the map
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Before you fly
National body: Swiss Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SHV/FSVL) (opens in a new tab)
- Pilots living abroad may fly occasionally with an IPPI card at level IV or V. Commercial tandem flying and instructing need Swiss licences.
- Liability insurance is compulsory, and every glider needs a registration number, which the SHV issues free.
A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with Swiss Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SHV/FSVL) before you fly. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.
Swiss Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SHV/FSVL): current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)Checked 13 Oct 2026. Sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab) · source 4 (opens in a new tab) · source 5 (opens in a new tab) · source 6 (opens in a new tab) · source 7 (opens in a new tab) · source 8 (opens in a new tab)
Europe
- Rules for visiting pilots are set by each country, so licence and insurance requirements differ from one country to the next.
- Many countries let visitors fly with an IPPI card plus a current national licence. The IPPI card gives no insurance cover.
A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with the national body of the country you're visiting. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.
Current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)Checked 13 Oct 2026. Sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab) · source 4 (opens in a new tab) · source 5 (opens in a new tab) · source 6 (opens in a new tab)
Help on the ground
Businesses whose own websites say they help visiting pilots. It's worth contacting them before you go. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.
On offer here: Guiding (1) · Accommodation (1) · Tandem flights (5) · Courses (5)
Verbier Summits (opens in a new tab)
Verbier / Le Châble (Valais)
- Guiding
- Accommodation
- Tandem flights
- Courses
Runs fly-guide weeks for qualified pilots, with guides flying alongside them, plus thermal and cross-country clinics. Accommodation is available with its holidays.
Source: Verbier Summits website · checked 16 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Flyingcenter Oberwallis (opens in a new tab)
Fieschertal (Fiesch, Aletsch Arena)
- Tandem flights
- Courses
Its yearly programme lists a thermal and cross-country course and flying trips to the Piedmont, Stubai, Slovenia and the Dolomites.
Source: Flyingcenter Oberwallis website · checked 16 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Paramania Flying School (opens in a new tab)
S. Antonino (Ticino)
- Tandem flights
- Courses
Runs a two-day SIV course at Monte Generoso; the lift up to launch is not included.
Source: Paramania Flying School website · checked 16 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Swissgliders (opens in a new tab)
Thun, Bern and Interlaken (Bernese Oberland)
- Tandem flights
- Courses
Runs SIV over water, tandem-pilot training and flying trips (northern Italy, Castelluccio).
Source: Swissgliders website · checked 16 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Time to fly (opens in a new tab)
Bernese Oberland
- Tandem flights
- Courses
Source: Time to fly website · checked 16 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Flying tours here
Organised trips for qualified pilots, as each operator describes them. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.
We haven't found tour operators with trips here yet.
Sites and contacts
- Sites in Switzerland on a map
- SHV/FSVL (national federation) (opens in a new tab)
- SHV rules for foreign guest pilots (opens in a new tab)
- SHV flight school finder (opens in a new tab)
- SHV club finder (opens in a new tab)
- SHV flying area info boards (opens in a new tab)
- SHV airspace, DABS and NOTAM links (opens in a new tab)
- SHV airspace map (opens in a new tab)
- burnair map (opens in a new tab)
- ParaglidingEarth: Switzerland (opens in a new tab)
Information only. Forecast direction is compared with each site's published wind range; speeds are shown but not judged. Always check the official site guide, the administering club and conditions on the day. You are responsible for your decision to fly.