Interlaken: Airplane Skydiving over the Swiss Alps

From 4,000 meters, Interlaken’s green valley, lakes, and high Alpine peaks become the view beneath your feet. You’ll make the jump attached to a professional instructor, fall for about 45 seconds at speeds up to 200 km/h, then slow down for a 5 to 7 minute parachute ride.

I like two things in particular: the scenic flight gives you a look at the Alps before the adrenaline takes over, and the included shuttle transfers make getting to the airfield simpler. The tandem setup also means your instructor takes care of the equipment and jump procedures while you focus on the view.

One thing to weigh is the cost beyond the ticket. Photo and video packages are optional, but add CHF140 to CHF230, and you cannot bring your own camera. Weather can also change or cancel the jump, so avoid building a tight schedule around it.

At a glance

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• The jump starts at 4,000 meters: Expect about 45 seconds of freefall at speeds up to 200 km/h.
• The parachute ride lasts 5 to 7 minutes: This is your calmer window to look around and take in the Alps.
• A 15-minute flight comes first: The plane ride offers Alpine views before the jump.
• Transfers are included: Allow about 30 minutes by bus each way between the Interlaken meeting point and the airfield.
• Photo and video packages cost extra: Prices range from CHF140 to CHF230, and personal cameras are not allowed.
• Weather is a real factor: The operator monitors conditions, but changes and cancellations are possible.

From Interlaken shop to the airfield

The meeting point is OUTDOOR – Interlaken Adventure Booking at Höheweg 95, in central Interlaken. Arrive 10 minutes before your selected departure. The offered start times are 08:30 and 12:00, with return times that depend on your chosen departure and the day’s schedule.

From there, a shuttle ride of about 30 minutes takes you to the airfield. That transfer is part of the package, which saves you from arranging a separate trip to the jump site. The airfield is outside Interlaken, so don’t expect to board the plane right in town.

Once there, you’ll get the necessary equipment and guidance from a professional tandem instructor. The maximum group size is eight, a relatively small cap that keeps the outing from feeling like a large bus tour. Still, there may be waiting time as the group prepares and flights proceed. Be ready to follow the staff’s instructions and allow the schedule some room.

The full outing involves more than the jump itself. The advertised steps include the shuttle ride, a 15-minute flight, the jump, and the return transfer. Although those listed travel and activity times add up to less than two hours, the departure and return slots show that you should set aside a broader part of your day for the operation and any waiting.

A short flight with a big view

The plane climbs for around 15 minutes before the jump. That’s brief, but it gives you time to look across the Alps and get a sense of the valley and mountains from above. On a clear day, views can include the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, though visibility depends on the weather.

The flight is more than a scenic extra: it’s part of the build-up. You’ll know the jump is coming, and the view changes as the plane gains height. If you’re nervous, that anticipation may be the hardest part. The staff provide safety guidance before the jump, and the instructor remains attached to you throughout the tandem experience.

Don’t expect the plane ride to be a long sightseeing circuit. At 15 minutes, it’s a quick look rather than an extended tour of the region. The main event is the jump, with the plane flight setting the scene.

The 45-second freefall

The jump begins at 4,000 meters, or about 13,000 feet. In freefall, you can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, with the ground and surrounding scenery rushing past. The freefall lasts around 45 seconds, a short stretch on the clock that can feel much longer when it’s happening.

Your tandem instructor manages the jump and equipment. That lets first-timers concentrate on the moment rather than the technical steps. People who have never tried an airplane jump, or who feel uneasy about heights, may find the anticipation intense. But the views and speed can also command your attention once you’re in the air.

The jump itself is described as lasting about 10 minutes in the overall schedule, including the freefall and parachute ride. That figure is not 10 minutes of freefall: the freefall is about 45 seconds, followed by the slower parachute descent.

The quieter parachute ride

After the fast part, the parachute opens and the pace changes. You’ll spend about 5 to 7 minutes gliding back toward the ground, with more time to look around and take in the Alpine scenery.

That contrast is part of the appeal. The freefall is brief and intense; the parachute ride gives you a chance to settle and enjoy the view. If you’re choosing this mainly for scenery, keep in mind that the slower portion is still only several minutes. The whole outing is an adrenaline activity with a scenic element, not a long aerial tour.

What the price includes, and what it doesn’t

The supplied prices are not identical: the package is shown from US$515.15, while the headline price is US$566.65. Check the price shown for your date and booking before you pay. Either way, this is a major expense for a short activity, so value depends on what you want from it.

The price includes round-trip transfers from the Interlaken meeting point, necessary equipment, a professional tandem instructor, the scenic flight, freefall, and parachute ride. The group is limited to eight. Taken together, those inclusions cover the key pieces of the operation, rather than leaving you to arrange transport or rent gear separately.

Photos and video are not included. Handcam photos cost CHF140, and handcam photos and video cost CHF170. An outside camera operator’s photos cost CHF200, while photos and video cost CHF230. The outside camera option depends on availability. Handcam footage is filmed from the tandem instructor’s wrist; the outside camera is operated by a second instructor.

You cannot bring a personal camera, including a GoPro, for safety reasons. That means you’ll need to decide in advance whether keeping a record is worth the extra cost. One person who bought the handcam package said the footage was edited and delivered three days later, but timing may vary. If you’d rather keep the budget down, you can skip the add-on and take home the memory without paying a second large fee.

Meals, drinks, tips, and other personal expenses are also not included. Bring cash or a card if you plan to buy a photo package, snacks, or drinks.

Weather, clothing, and eligibility

Weather can affect the activity, and the operator monitors conditions to stay within safety limits. A jump may be changed or canceled when conditions are poor. This can complicate a tightly planned day, so leave some flexibility if the activity is a must-do. Provide accurate contact details so the operator can reach you if plans change.

Wear comfortable clothing suited to the weather, and bring closed shoes that won’t come off during the freefall. Gloves are strongly recommended in winter. These are practical choices for an activity where you’ll be exposed to the air at altitude, not a place for sandals or loose footwear.

Participants must be at least 12 years old, at least 140 cm tall, and weigh between 40 kg and 105 kg. Children aged 12 to 15 need a paying adult with them. Participants aged 16 or 17 need written parental consent in advance. The dropzone manager can refuse a jump if someone does not meet the requirements on the day.

Who will enjoy this most?

This is a good fit if you’re looking for a high-adrenaline activity and want the Swiss Alps as your backdrop. The tandem format makes it accessible to first-timers who are prepared to follow instructions and meet the age, height, and weight requirements. It can also appeal to people who are nervous about heights but want to try something outside their usual comfort zone.

It’s less suited to anyone hoping for a long scenic flight, a low-cost activity, or a guaranteed schedule. The flight and parachute ride are short, photos cost extra, and weather can disrupt plans. If you’re mainly after an aerial view without a jump, compare it with a paragliding trip instead. If the rush is the point, the freefall is what justifies the price.

Is the Interlaken airplane jump worth booking?

Book it if a tandem jump over the Alps is a genuine priority and you’re comfortable paying for a short, intense activity with optional media costs. The combination of a scenic flight, fast freefall, parachute ride, instructor, and shuttle transfers makes the outing straightforward to arrange.

Think twice if the price stretches your budget, you need a fixed end time, or you’d be disappointed without photos. Keep your day flexible, check the final price carefully, and decide before arrival whether you want the CHF140 to CHF230 media package. If those trade-offs work for you, this can be a memorable way to see Interlaken from an entirely different angle.

FAQ

How high is the jump?

The jump is from 4,000 meters, or about 13,000 feet.

How long does the freefall last?

The freefall lasts about 45 seconds, at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

How long is the parachute ride?

The parachute ride back to the ground lasts about 5 to 7 minutes.

Are transfers included?

Yes. Round-trip bus transfers between the Interlaken meeting point and the airfield are included. Each bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

Can I bring my own camera?

No. Personal cameras are not allowed for safety reasons. Photo and video packages are available for an additional CHF140 to CHF230.

What are the age, height, and weight requirements?

Participants must be at least 12 years old, at least 140 cm tall, and weigh between 40 kg and 105 kg. Children aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and participants aged 16 or 17 need written parental consent.