Paragliding Iceland Canyon Aerial View

Remote Adventure

The Icelandic countryside, geysers, waterfalls, cold sea air. For some, it is a destination reached by plane and car. But for paragliders, it gives stunning aerial views of Iceland. It is a well-known fact that Iceland is a dramatic place on the ground, but when viewed from the air, it becomes a whole different type of stunning.

Wings and the Wind

The high-altitude adventure of paragliding delivers a unique combination of landscape, adrenaline, and a sense of solitude in the sky. Known for its dramatic landscapes carved by glaciers and volcanic activity. Iceland is a prominent destination for paragliding. Described as "flying like a bird." It's an extreme sport where individuals rely on a small canopy wing called a paraglider and the natural force of wind. Paragliders launch from high points, like cliffs or hills, and glide from wind currents. Iceland offers a marriage of natural wonders and soaring altitudes. The country's unique landscape, characterized by volcanic fields, glaciers, and dramatic canyons, provides a backdrop unlike any other. The country's winds and weather patterns create ideal conditions for launching and flying. The paraglider's canopy design resembles a wing with no rigid structure and maintains its shape through air pressure. Paragliders are relatively simple, consisting of a wing, harness, and control lines. They weigh only 25 pounds, and are quickly assembled. Hauled by car or on foot to the top of a hill. It can be launched and flown in relatively low wind conditions, the paraglider can offer more than an hour's worth of flight. Pilots experience a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural elements.

Tourism in the Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland's tourism industry has seen rapid growth. The tourism industry doubled within 8 years. Over 2 million tourists visit annually. Adventure activities specializing in remote exploration such as glacier climbing, diving in lava caves, and river rafting have expanded with the experiences. From the air, colorful, rugged landscapes transform into a patchwork quilt of greens, browns, and blues framed by the dramatic canyons that populate the country's interior. Paragliding over Iceland enables travelers to experience the country’s unique beauty from the perspective of a legendary Icelandic myth — the creature, or bird, who glides through these remote landscapes. Paragliding over Iceland is not just an experience. It's a way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of one of the world's most vibrant, adventure tourism destinations. Tourism in the years has promoted with incentive of trekking, fly fishing, air, golf and horse riding, rowing competition and swimming.

A New Generation of Adventurers

Gear Up: Choosing the Right Equipment

Paragliding in Iceland requires specialized gear, particularly for those new to the sport. The right equipment can mean the difference between a exhilarating experience and a disappointment. The canopy is the engine of the paraglider. Smaller wings are less comfortable, and larger wings are easier to learn on. Helmet, harness, combined with a reserve parachute, and GPS devices are recommended. The reserve parachute is designed to slow a paraglider's fall.

Staying Safe

First-aid kits are essential to help prevent and manage injuries. Often, accidents in the sport are not from the paragliding equipment, but instead from losing focus and trying to land. The best way to avoid these accidents is to focus on your craft. Physical and mental stamina is necessary to carefully evaluate takeoff and landing sites. Anyone can learn to fly, but it is a process. Along with fitness, comes the physical endurance. Gliding across the skies depends on the nature of the wind and the wind is always unpredictable. Special skills are required to fly in these conditions and even then it is no guarantee.

Becoming a Glider

Adventure skiing along with paragliding has always been popular. The sport has always had a distinct appeal. The sightseeing flights over Iceland allow the unique experience of seeing the landscape and its beauty. Cameras are commonly attached to paragliders to capture the aerial beauty. Paragliding in Iceland is an ultimate experience. It provides the thrilling adventure for willing participants. Icelandic tourism is heavily reliant on adventure tourism and ensuring that these activities are safe and well-managed is critical.

Find your Flight

Don’t wait to start your journey, Iceland offers many paragliding tours. Before heading out, know your equipment and inspect it. Know your skills and what kind of terrain you can handle as both can be a matter of life or death. Research where the sport can be practiced and what areas are best. Join a club and learn from their tutelage and experience.

• Sites: Go to Iceland to experience the most memorable and adventurous activities.
• Plan: Plan accordingly as conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly.
• Equipment: Take your own precautions. If you don’t have experience, don’t try it for the first time with only an instructor — choose a guided tour.
• Learn: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone wants to be safe. Take lessons. Paragliding can be an addictive sport and is a great way to get into a community of people with the same interests.