Powered Paragliding Bled – 25 Minutes of My Life I’ll Never Forget
Vinko Lah
Head of Office
Slovenia activities | Slovenia active holidays | Altitude ActivitiesIf you’ve ever dreamed of flying like a bird, paragliding Bled Slovenia is hands-down one of the best ways to make it happen.
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to join the powered paragliding experience with Altitude Activities as part of my work at the Altitude Activities office — and I still can’t stop thinking about it. This wasn’t your typical adrenaline-charged skydive – it was smooth, peaceful, and honestly… kind of magical.
From Bled to Vrba – Pre-Flight Moments That Set the Tone
We started our journey from Bled early in the morning. The team picked us up and drove us to the take-off field near a quiet little village called Vrba – just far enough away from the tourist buzz to feel like we were stepping into a secret corner of Slovenia.
Before we got into the gear, our pilot gave us a clear and calm safety briefing. He explained the take-off process, what to expect during the flight, and how we’d land. I was a complete beginner, and I appreciated how relaxed yet professional everything felt. No rushing, no pressure – just good vibes and good preparation.
From forested hills to glacial lakes, this is Slovenia from the sky
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: take-off.
And wow – paragliding Lake Bled is something else entirely. As soon as we lifted off, the ground started shrinking below us, and the view opened up into something straight out of a postcard. We climbed steadily over the rolling hills, with forests and tiny villages tucked between them, and slowly headed toward Lake Bled.
From above, the lake looked unreal – deep blue water, Bled Island perfectly centred like a jewel, the castle perched dramatically on its cliff, and all of it surrounded by the Julian Alps. No drone footage, no lookout point, no photo I’ve ever seen comes close to what it feels like to see it all from the sky.
We floated silently above Mala Osojnica and then passed over Mlino and Selo pri Bledu. Below us, the Sava Bohinjka river wound its way through the valley, calm and green, eventually joining the Sava Dolinka near Radovljica. Every bend in the river, every patch of forest, every meadow seemed alive and vivid from above.
A gentle adventure with just the right touch of thrill
What surprised me most was how peaceful the whole thing was. There was no engine noise in my ears – just a soft breeze and the occasional laugh from the pilot. And toward the end of the flight, just when I thought we’d start descending, he asked if I was up for a bit of fun. Of course, I said yes.
So we did a few gentle wingovers, low swoops, and turns – just enough to wake up the butterflies in my stomach. Not extreme, just playful. Like dancing with the wind.
The entire flight lasted about 25 minutes, and every second felt like a gift. I had enough time to snap a few photos, take it all in, and realise – this is something I want to do again.
Paragliding vs. Powered Paragliding – A Pilot’s Perspective on the Difference
As someone who’s already spent a fair share of time paragliding, I wasn’t sure what to expect from powered paragliding. I mean, I’m used to running down a slope, catching the wind, and relying completely on thermals and nature to stay in the air. That’s the magic of traditional paragliding – you’re dancing with the elements, reading the sky.
But powered paragliding? It’s a different kind of freedom.
The main difference is that you’re flying with a lightweight motor strapped to your back, which gives you independent take-off power – no hills, no waiting for the perfect gust of wind. You don’t need a mountain launch site. We took off from a flat meadow near Vrba, which would be impossible with regular gear.
Once in the air, the feeling is similar – the wing, the harness, the sensation of floating. But with the motor, you can control your direction, altitude, and duration much more precisely. Want to climb a little higher? Just throttle up. Want to cruise low over the river? Ease off. You’re not chasing the wind – you’re steering the ride.
It’s less technical, more accessible, and for me, it felt like a perfect blend between flying and sightseeing. Powered paragliding doesn’t replace traditional paragliding – it expands it.
A Perfect Activity for Couples – Fly Side by Side
Powered paragliding is an ideal adventure for couples. While each person flies with their own experienced pilot in a separate paraglider, you take off one after the other and soar through the skies side by side.
It’s a shared experience from start to finish – from getting ready on the field, to floating high above Lake Bled with the same views, and waving to each other mid-air. You can even snap a few photos of your partner flying nearby!
Peaceful, romantic, and thrilling all at once – it’s a unique way to experience Slovenia together from the sky.
Is Bled Paragliding Worth It? Without a Doubt.
If you’re wondering whether Bled paragliding is worth it – let me save you the doubt: it absolutely is. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a nature lover curious about Slovenia’s landscapes, or just someone who wants to feel what it’s like to fly, this experience is unforgettable.
Next time someone asks me what the best way to see Slovenia is, I’ll say: from the sky.
No drone footage, no lookout point, no photo I’ve ever seen comes close to what it feels like to see it all from the sky.
Want to try it yourself?
✔ Safe for beginners
✔ Amazing views
✔ Smooth and scenic flight
✔ Optional adrenaline twists at the end
This isn’t just another tour. It’s a memory in the making.
Altitude Activities is a proud recipient of a TripAdvisor 2024 Certificate of Excellence. Thank you all for the great reviews!
The best thing ever. I took my old boss to experience Slovenia in one day. And boy I am happy I chose Altitude Activities to do so. Our tour guide Jerry was awesome, funny and you could just see he knows what he is doing. We went to the canyon of Jermanka and even though there is a drop almost 45m high we felt extremely safe. Overall highly suggest going canyoning with Altitude Activities
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