A globally unique event is the annual flying shooting on the Axalp in the Bernese Oberland. This is a 2-day show during which the Swiss Air Force shows its skills.
The Axalp firing range was opened in 1942 on the orders of General Henri Guisan. The targets are designed so that attacks can be flown from four different directions. As a rule, the shooting takes place in the beginning / middle of October, whereby the first two days (Monday and Tuesday) are for the training sessions and the actual show is delivered on Wednesday and Thursday. While VIPs are transported to Axalp by helicopter or the army's own cable car, normal visitors have to hike from Brienz by bus to Axalp and then on foot to Axalp in about 2.5 hours, with a chair lift increasing the walking time by approx. 1:15 hours shortened. The final ascent is quite steep and, especially in damp weather, requires firm footing and safe walking in difficult terrain. It is definitely unsuitable for families with children under the age of 8, especially since around 7,000 visitors come to the Axalp on the two show days.
In order to be able to experience the flight shooting live, you need a lot of flexibility and patience, because the event can also be canceled at very short notice. In 2018 the event took place under the best of conditions, while 2019 was canceled due to bad weather and sudden cracks on the tail unit of the F / A-18 and 2020 due to Covid-19.

While the vast majority of visitors simply experience the show and occasionally take photos or film with their mobile phones, there is always a number of professional and amateur photographers who are passionate about their jobs. Pursue a hobby. Due to the four different approach lanes and the mountains, some of which the pilots fly around very closely, there are unique photo opportunities. Some of the jets thunder only 150 meters over the heads of the audience, guaranteeing great photo and video opportunities.

In order to get the highest possible yield of photos and videos, a few important points must be observed. Join one of my tours to the Axalp and benefit from my on-site experience so that you can fully concentrate on taking photos.