THE
AXALP
GUIDE

SUMMARY

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information about Axalp 2022

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When was the Axalp Airshow 2022?

Axalp Fliegerschiessen 2022 took place on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 October. The training Day was on Tuesday 18 October 2022.

When is the Axalp Airshow 2023?

Axalp Fliegerschiessen 2023 will take place in the third week of October 2023. Meaning on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 October. The training Day is on Tuesday 17 October 2023.

When is the Axalp Airshow 2024?

In 2024 there will be no Axalp Fliegerschiessen. Instead the Swiss Ari Force will organise an airshow at Emmen Air Force Base on 30 and 31 August. 

When is the Axalp Airshow 2025?

Axalp Airshow 2025 will not take place. The Swiss Air Force has decide to cancel Axalp Fliegerschiessen 2025, due to budget constraints. it was originally planned in the third week of October 2023. Meaning on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025. The training Day would then be on Tuesday 14 October 2025. 

You can find more detailed info on Axalp 2025 dates and Axalp 2025 tickets here.

How do I buy tickets for the Axalp Airshow 2025?

In previous years tickets could be bought at the parking and at Brienz railway station. Since COVID however tickets are available online only through Ticketino.ch. Tickets for Axalp 2025 will probably go on sales early September 2025.

A day ticket for parking, bus and chairlift up to Windegg will cost CHF 60.- Children under 16 pay CHF20,-

What is the programm for the Axalp Airshow?

The normal program for the Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow is:

  • Target shooting with board cannons (Boeing F/A-18 Hornet)

  • Firefighting demo (2* Aerospatiale  As532 Cougar)

  • Helicopter Flying demo (Aerospatiale  As532 Cougar)

  • Air policing (Pilatus PC-24 & 2* F/A-18)

  • Special forces operations

  • Swiss Hornet Display team (Boeing F/A-18 Hornet)

  • PC-21 Demo (Pilatus PC-21)

  • Patrouille Suisse (Northrop F-5E Tiger)




How do I get to the Axalp Airshow?

If you arrive by car, coming from the A8 highway,  take exit 29 towards Brienz/Axalp. The way to the P+R parking is well indicated with temporary signs. After that the parking you take the shuttle bus towards Axalp. In the village of Axalp you can take the chairlift up to Axalp and walk on the well indicated path to the top of the mountain and the shooting range. The walk takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively you can walk the entire way up. This will take you 2 to 3 hours.

You can find more info on getting to Axalp and how to climb here.

From where can I watch the Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow?

You can watch the action from three hills: KP Ebenflüh, Tschingel and Brau. For photographers, Brau is less suitable. Both Ebenflüh and Tschingel provide excellent opportunities for pictures. I personally have no preference over staying at the KP or at Tschingel. They both have their pros and cons. On all three hills there are mobile toilets and food and drink stands. 

You can find more info on the official Axalp locations here.




What other spots can I watch from?

You can watch the action from four alternative locations:

Wildgärst and Faulhorn

Wildgärst and Faulhorn require good condition and alpine experience and should only be accessed in good weather. In return you get unique photo opportunities. But since these spots are so distant from the action, they do not beat the official spots in variety and ability to see things from up close. Changes in the flying patterns have made the most exciting shots from these locations a thing oif the past. 

Hilten And Bielen

Two places that do not require much climbing and can be used as a spot with view small parts of the show. If you can’t go up but want to get some of the action, you might want to check them out Keep in mind that wherever you go, always stay outside of the danger zone that the Swiss Air Force have defined for Fliegerschiessen. You can watch the exact boundaries here.

You can find more info on the Alternative Axalp locations here.

What lenses and photo gear should I take to Axalp?

It may be tempting to bring all your gear. But try to pack as lightly as possible. You will thank yourself for every kilogram you do not have to carry up the hill.

If you bring a lens that covers (the best part of) 100-600mm you are more than fine to cover all the action. Try to at least bring a lens that has a focal length of 400mm at the long end. In addition to this combine this with a a small zoom lens (24-70mm or 24-105mm for example) to capture the views and take some pictures of the lovely atmosphere up on the mountain. 

For other equipment, think of bringing spare batteries and maybe a GoPro if you like to make movies as well. I would leave tripods at home. Mainly for weight reduction while climbing. But I think the fast jet action at Axalp actually also limits you if you have a tripod.

You can find more info on what to bring and photography at Axalp here.




How do I book accomodation for the Axalp Airshow?

Since a few years the village of Axalp has no hotels anymore. THe only things you can rent here are appartments and chalets. HOwever they are very popular and usually booked well in advance of Axalp Fligerschiessen. Luckily the Haslital has more than enough hotels to offer to suit any need. You can find my personal reviews and booking options here

Useful links for the Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow

  • Armee.ch  – Daily update if the flying display is taking place

  • Swisstopo – On this page you will find the exact boundaries of the danger zone that is in place during Fliegerschiessen

  • Boschh.com – My Axalp photo report

  • Jungfrauregion.ch – good starting place when looking for accommodation in the region

  • Booking.com with the biggest choice of hotels, appartments and chalets in the region

  • SBB.ch – Swiss railways. great for planning your trip if you are not coming by car

  • Meteoschweiz – Fairly reliable weather forecasts (for the entire country)




Final Thoughts

There it is: almost anything you wanted to know about Axalp but were afraid to ask. Please reach out to me if you feel you can add something or if you think I can improve the information on these pages. While these tips are based on my own best practices of dozens of hikes up the mountain, feel free to ignore all of them and choose your own path! Do remember though at all times to:

  • Follow instructions from the organizers and/or army officials.

  • Stick to the indicated paths when walking.

  • Be risk averse, especially when you go the alternative locations, where you might walk alone for a long time.

  • Never venture out into the indicated danger zone that is laid out by the Swiss Army.

  • Throw your garbage in the dustbins on top of the mountain, or -when underway- keep your waste with you until you are back home.

In short: In the mountains and on the base, use your common sense. If not for your own good, then at least to preserve the privilege we have as public to visit this amazing event. But most of all: Enjoy your time, make new friends and do not forget to soak up the amazing alpine panoramas.
Enjoy Switzerland, Enjoy Fliegerschiessen!

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