I’ve put together this guide to answer all the Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, from where to go to what you’ll experience when you land on a giant glacier.
The Crown Jewels of the Alps
The tour you take will depend on which iconic peaks you want to see. The two main hubs offer access to different alpine superstars:
- From Zermatt: This is all about one mountain: the Matterhorn. There is no other peak in the world with such a unique and recognizable shape. A flight from Zermatt will circle this pyramid of rock and ice, giving you an unforgettable view of all its faces.
- From Interlaken / Lauterbrunnen: This area is home to the legendary trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. A tour here flies you right into the heart of the Bernese Oberland, showcasing these massive peaks and the Great Aletsch Glacier—the largest in the Alps—flowing behind them.
The Glacier Landing Experience
One of the absolute highlights of a Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour is the chance to land on a glacier. The pilot will set the helicopter down on a high-altitude plateau of snow and ice. Stepping out into that silent, crisp air, surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of mountain peaks, is a truly magical moment. It’s a uniquely Swiss experience you won’t find just anywhere.
Summer Greens vs. Winter Whites
The Alps are stunning year-round, and the view from the air is dramatically different depending on the season.
- Summer (Jun – Sep): This is a time of incredible contrast. You’ll see lush, green valleys and bright blue alpine lakes set against the brilliant white of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
- Winter (Dec – Apr): The landscape transforms into a magical wonderland of pure white. The snow cover extends far down the mountains, creating a pristine and serene view that feels like you’re flying over a completely different planet.
40 Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour FAQ’s
1. Question: What makes a Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour a unique experience?
Answer: A Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour offers a perspective on Europe’s most dramatic mountain range that is simply impossible from the ground. It allows you to get eye-level with iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and the Eiger, fly over vast glaciers, and land in remote, pristine locations, all within a short, thrilling flight.
2. Question: What are the most famous mountains I will see?
Answer: The specific peaks depend on your departure location. From Zermatt, the undisputed star is the pyramidal Matterhorn. From the Interlaken or Bernese Oberland region, you’ll see the iconic trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, along with the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps.
3. Question: Can you land on a glacier during the tour?
Answer: Yes, a glacier landing is a highlight of many Swiss Alps Helicopter Tours. Pilots are specially trained to land on designated high-altitude glacial plateaus. Stepping out onto a vast, silent river of ice surrounded by soaring peaks is an unforgettable, quintessentially Swiss experience.
4. Question: Where do most helicopter tours in the Swiss Alps depart from?
Answer: Major departure hubs are located near the most famous mountain regions. These include heliports in or near Zermatt (for the Matterhorn), Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen (for the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau), and St. Moritz in the Engadin region.
5. Question: What is the best time of year to take a Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour?
Answer: The experience is incredible year-round. Summer (June-September) offers lush green valleys contrasting with the white peaks and blue alpine lakes. Winter (December-April) provides a stunning wonderland of pure snow and ice, with the mountains draped in a pristine white blanket.
6. Question: What should I wear for the flight, especially with a glacier landing?
Answer: Dress in layers, regardless of the season. Even in summer, it is cold at high altitudes. You will need a warm, windproof jacket, sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, sunglasses, a hat, and gloves. In winter, full snow gear (ski jacket and pants, winter boots) is essential.
7. Question: How long are typical flights?
Answer: Scenic flights without landings can be as short as 20 minutes. Tours that include a glacier landing typically last from 45 to 60 minutes, which includes about 15-20 minutes of ground time on the ice. Longer, more extensive tours are also available.
8. Question: What happens if the weather is bad in the mountains?
Answer: Alpine weather is highly unpredictable and can change in minutes. Safety is the absolute top priority. Pilots will not fly in unsafe conditions (high winds, fog, heavy precipitation). It’s crucial to have a flexible schedule. If the operator cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
9. Question: Is a flight around the Matterhorn a special tour?
Answer: Yes, a flight around the iconic Matterhorn is one of the most sought-after helicopter experiences in the world. Departing from Zermatt, the pilot will circle the uniquely shaped peak, giving you close-up views of all four of its dramatic faces.
10. Question: How far in advance should I book my tour?
Answer: Book as far in advance as possible, particularly for flights during the peak summer (July-August) and winter (Christmas/New Year) seasons. Helicopters have very limited seating, and these once-in-a-lifetime tours are in high demand.
11. Question: Are these helicopter flights safe?
Answer: Yes, the Swiss helicopter industry is one of the most highly regulated and professional in the world. Pilots have extensive training and experience in alpine flying, which requires a very high level of skill. The aircraft are modern and meticulously maintained.
12. Question: Are there weight and age restrictions?
Answer: Yes, there are strict passenger weight limits for safety and aircraft performance at high altitudes. You will need to provide your weight when booking. While there is usually no upper age limit, passengers should be in good health. Most companies welcome children, but you should confirm their specific policy.
13. Question: Can I book a private tour?
Answer: Absolutely. Private charters are very popular for special occasions like marriage proposals, anniversaries, or for professional photographers and filmmakers who require specific routes and timings.
14. Question: What is ‘Heli-Dining’ or a ‘Heli-Lunch’?
Answer: This is a premium Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour experience. The tour includes a spectacular scenic flight and a landing at a remote, high-altitude mountain restaurant, many of which are only accessible by air or ski lift, for a gourmet lunch with incredible views.
15. Question: Will I get a window seat?
Answer: Seating is assigned by the pilot based on the weight distribution of all passengers for safety. You cannot request a specific seat. However, the helicopters are designed with large panoramic windows to ensure every passenger has an outstanding view.
16. Question: What should I bring with me on the helicopter?
Answer: Bring only the essentials: your camera or phone (fully charged), and sunglasses. All bags, backpacks, and loose items are not permitted in the cabin and must be left at the heliport.
17. Question: Is the flight narrated by the pilot?
Answer: Yes, all passengers are provided with headsets. This allows you to communicate with the pilot and listen to their live commentary as they point out the names of the peaks, glaciers, and other points of interest.
18. Question: What is the Aletsch Glacier, and can I see it?
Answer: The Great Aletsch Glacier is the largest and longest glacier in the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can get a magnificent view of this massive river of ice on helicopter tours departing from the Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, or general Bernese Oberland area.
19. Question: Is a helicopter tour better than taking the Jungfrau railway?
Answer: They are very different experiences. The railway is a historic journey to a high-altitude station. A Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour is a dynamic flight that gives you an aerial perspective of the entire Jungfrau massif, including its formidable neighbours, the Eiger and Mönch, and the vast glaciers behind them.
20. Question: Is a Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour worth the cost?
Answer: For those looking for a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, the answer is a resounding yes. The tour provides access to a world of high-alpine beauty that is beyond the reach of most travellers, creating powerful memories and a profound appreciation for the majesty of the Alps.
21. Question: What is the Eiger North Face and can I see it up close?
Answer: The Eiger North Face is one of the most famous and challenging climbing walls in the world. A helicopter tour from the Interlaken region provides a dramatic, close-up view of this immense, intimidating rock and ice face, a perspective that truly showcases its scale and difficulty.
22. Question: Can I see the famous lakes of the Interlaken region?
Answer: Yes, flights from Interlaken offer stunning views of the two turquoise lakes that give the town its name: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The contrast between the vibrant blue water and the high peaks is a magnificent sight.
23. Question: What is the Lauterbrunnen Valley and why is it special from the air?
Answer: Lauterbrunnen is a spectacular U-shaped glacial valley famous for its 72 waterfalls. From the air, you can appreciate the sheer cliffs and see multiple waterfalls at once, including the famous Staubbach Falls, in a way that’s impossible from the valley floor.
24. Question: Can I combine a helicopter tour with skiing (heli-skiing)?
Answer: Yes, Switzerland is a premier destination for heli-skiing. Specialized operators can fly you and a mountain guide to remote, untouched powder fields for an ultimate backcountry skiing or snowboarding experience. This is a highly specialized activity for experienced skiers.
25. Question: What is the Gorner Glacier near Zermatt?
Answer: The Gorner Glacier is the second largest glacier in the Alps. A helicopter tour from Zermatt will fly over this incredible river of ice, showcasing its massive scale and the confluence where it meets with the Grenzgletscher, all under the shadow of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
26. Question: Are there any castles visible on the tours?
Answer: On tours departing from the Interlaken area, you can often get a beautiful aerial view of the historic castles lining the shores of Lake Thun, such as Spiez Castle and Oberhofen Castle, adding a fairytale element to the alpine scenery.
27. Question: Will I feel the effects of the high altitude?
Answer: During a brief glacier landing, you might feel slightly out of breath due to the thin air, but this is normal. The time spent at altitude is short, so the risk of developing altitude sickness is very low. It’s important to walk slowly and avoid overexertion.
28. Question: Can I get a good view of the Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’ station?
Answer: Yes, flights over the Bernese Oberland provide a fantastic view of the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory, the highest railway station in Europe. You’ll see it perched dramatically on a narrow ridge between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.
29. Question: What is a ‘taxi’ or ‘transport’ flight?
Answer: In Switzerland, helicopters are also used as ‘mountain taxis’ to transport hikers, climbers, or supplies to remote mountain huts. While different from a scenic tour, booking one can be a unique way to start a high-alpine hike.
30. Question: Why is the ice on the glacier blue?
Answer: Glacial ice becomes incredibly dense over time as air bubbles are squeezed out. This dense, pure ice absorbs all colors of the light spectrum except for blue, which is reflected. This effect is most brilliant inside crevasses or ice caves.
31. Question: Can I see wildlife like ibex or chamois?
Answer: While the primary focus is the landscape, it is possible to spot wildlife. Keep an eye out for ibex (a type of wild goat with large curved horns) or chamois on high, rocky ridges. However, sightings are not guaranteed.
32. Question: Is it possible to fly from one region to another, like from Zermatt to Interlaken?
Answer: Yes, this would be a spectacular custom charter. A private transfer flight between major alpine resorts is possible and would offer an incredible cross-country tour of the Swiss Alps.
33. Question: Do pilots speak English?
Answer: Yes, pilots who conduct scenic tours for international tourists are fluent in English and often several other languages as well.
34. Question: Can I propose during a helicopter tour?
Answer: Absolutely. A Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour, especially with a private glacier landing, is one of the most romantic and unforgettable settings for a marriage proposal. Operators are very experienced in helping to coordinate this special moment.
35. Question: What is the difference between a glacier and a snowfield landing?
Answer: A glacier landing is on the dense, ancient ice of a moving glacier. A snowfield landing is on a high-altitude area covered in deep, permanent snow. Both are spectacular, with the glacier often revealing more blue ice features.
36. Question: Will I see alpine lakes from the air?
Answer: Yes, the flights provide stunning views of high-altitude alpine lakes, many of which have a unique turquoise or emerald color due to the glacial silt suspended in the water.
37. Question: How does the view in summer compare to winter?
Answer: Summer offers a dramatic contrast between lush green valleys, vibrant blue lakes, and the white glaciers. Winter is a world of pure white, where the snow cover extends far down the mountains, creating a magical, pristine landscape.
38. Question: Tipping pilots in Switzerland – is it customary?
Answer: While not as ingrained as in some cultures, a tip for an exceptional service and a safe, memorable flight is always a very welcome and appreciated gesture for the pilot.
39. Question: Can the helicopter land at a mountain hut for a break?
Answer: Yes, some custom or private tours, like ‘Heli-Dining’ experiences, can be arranged to land at one of the famous Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts or other high-mountain restaurants for a truly authentic alpine meal.
40. Question: Why is flying in the Alps so special?
Answer: Flying in the Alps is special because of the sheer density of iconic, jagged 4,000-meter peaks and vast glaciers in a relatively small area. A Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour puts you right in the middle of this breathtaking vertical world, creating a feeling of immersion that is unlike any other mountain range.
Ready for a Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour?
What’s so cool about it is that you spend your time on the ground in these charming, picture-perfect villages, and then a helicopter lifts you up into a completely different world. You go from cozy and green to this epic, raw landscape of sheer rock faces and massive glaciers in just a few minutes.
Getting that close to the Matterhorn or the Eiger is an experience that’s hard to describe. You really get a sense of why these specific mountains are so famous. A flight here isn’t just about seeing pretty scenery; it’s about feeling the immense scale and power of the high Alps. It’s an awesome experience.
To help you figure out which famous peaks you want to see, I’ve put together a full guide on the site. You can find it in our review of the Best Swiss Alps Helicopter Tours.
