Skydiving in Interlaken: Adrenaline to the Max
Skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline pumping activity, and you’d have a hard time finding a more beautiful place to do it than Interlaken, Switzerland. Alex somehow convinced me to jump out of a helicopter at 14,000 feet and I’m so glad he did. In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know if you’re as crazy as we are and plan to try it for yourself.
WHY SKYDIVE IN INTERLAKEN?
There are a number of cities that are considered world-class skydiving destinations, including Interlaken (Switzerland), Dubai (UAE), Queenstown (New Zealand), Cairns (Australia), and Oahu (Hawaii, USA). When choosing a destination, prioritize locations with the strongest combination of stunning scenery and strict safety regulations. Secondary factors to consider include cost, weather reliability, and whether you’ll jump out of a plane or a helicopter.
SKYDIVING FROM A PLANE VS A HELICOPTER
We skydived from a helicopter because it offers a number of advantages over a plane. Most importantly, a helicopter can hover in place, so you can take your time when getting ready to jump and there is no rush to exit, unlike with a jet. Alex skydived from a plane in high school and from a helicopter in Switzerland with me and had a strong preference for the helicopter. He said his jump from the plane was much windier than the jump from the helicopter because the plane was moving so much faster than the helicopter at the time of the dive.
Helicopters are also considerably smaller, so you get some privacy as only two divers, two instructors, and one pilot are onboard the helicopter at one time. Helicopters are also flexible and can land anywhere as they don’t require a long runway for an emergency landing. Lastly, you get the best panoramic views from a helicopter as you’re navigating to the jump site and you can hang out of the side of the helicopter and stare at the views before you jump.
On the flip side, skydiving from a plane is cheaper and more widely available.
WHO TO SKYDIVE WITH?
We chose to skydive with Skydive Interlaken and had a fantastic experience, as did hundreds of other people according to TripAdvisor.
HOW TO GET THERE?
To get to Interlaken, fly into Zurich then travel by train to Interlaken. We took the IC8 from Zurich to Bern (1 hour) then the IC61 from Bern to Interlaken Ost (1 hour).
From Interlaken, Skydive Interlaken offers transportation to their office.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The entire experience goes by very quickly. The helicopter ride to the jump site takes around 10 minutes. Then, each diver and their instructor will stand on the edge of the helicopter admiring the views at 14,000 feet of elevation until the instructor decides it’s time to dive. You’ll free fall at a speed of up to 200 km per hour (~125 miles per hour) for about 45 seconds until the parachute deploys (mine lasted 35 seconds according to the video footage). From there, you’ll glide for another 5-7 minutes until it’s time for the landing.
However, you’ll need some extra time at the beginning to handle logistics, sign waivers, get suited up, and wait for your turn to dive. Budget about 3 hours total for this experience.
OUR EXPERIENCE
The process at Skydive Interlaken’s office was smooth and efficient. We signed a barrage of paperwork, listened to a safety briefing, and suited up in bright orange jumpsuits. Were we skydiving or going to prison?
At this point, we got to decide if we wanted to add on the photo and video package. I opted to do so despite the hefty price tag. My husband decided against it.
We waited at the office while a group departed ahead of us. We listened to every update reported on the radio. “Diver Jumped from the Helicopter.” “Diver Parachute Deployed.” “Diver Landed.” I waited to hear “Diver fell tragically to their death” but that never came, so I took that as a good sign.
Finally, it was our time to shine. The drive to the helicopter pad was silent as everyone in the vehicle tried to process what was about to happen. Strangely, I didn’t feel the nerves or jitters whatsoever, but when I watch the video interview back I can tell how nervous I really was.
My husband and I boarded the helicopter with our two instructors. I had never been in a helicopter before, and was delighted when it careened to the side for take off. I stared out the window mesmerized by the jagged mountain peaks and alpine blue lakes below me.
What felt like mere moments later, the helicopter stalled. It was time to dive. Alex volunteered to jump first, as he had skydived before when he was in high school. Seeing him drop so rapidly created a pit in my stomach. Watching my reaction back on video makes me laugh every time.
The good and bad news is that you never have to jump when you skydive; you’re tandem skydiving and your instructor will decide for you.
My instructor and I stood at the ledge of the helicopter for an interminable amount of time. My instructor was pointing out various landmarks but I couldn’t concentrate. “Just jump already!” I thought to myself. I chuckled when I watched the video back. It was only 20 seconds, but it felt like a lifetime.
And then the world was enveloped in white and all I could hear was the wind whistling in my ears. I kept waiting for the sinking feeling in my stomach to signal that we were falling, but it never came. I was so disoriented. It took me the majority of the 35 seconds we free-fell to realize we had jumped already and were indeed falling.
Then I felt a giant tug. The parachute had deployed and we were calmly gliding through the air. I felt my arms and legs come alive with a tingling sensation, which I reported to my instructor. “That’s adrenaline!” she responded. It felt kind of awesome.
Once I got my bearings back, she asked me if I wanted to try steering the parachute. We twirled and spinned through the air, admiring the gorgeous views. The views were the best from this part of the jump, since all I could see was white clouds around me when I was free falling. I stared down at the picturesque town trapped between mountains and lakes below. It was stunning.
Soon enough, the ground came into view and we prepared for the landing, which was smoother than I anticipated it would be, but the adrenaline was still coursing through my veins after the landing.
We were offered a beer back at the office which I gladly accepted and chugged in a few gulps. My husband couldn’t believe it. I am notorious for hating beer, but I was a different person at that moment and I didn’t mind taking the edge off!
WAS IT WORTH IT?
Usually I’m hesitant to sign up for experiences that are so expensive and so short, but skydiving is an exception. It’s an incredible feeling to fall through the air and feel like you’re floating, one that I still remember distinctly years later, and I’m sure there’s nothing like it on earth. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.
FAQS
Is it safe?
Believe it or not, skydiving (with a reputable company) is a very safe activity, and is much safer than activities that many humans do on a daily basis, such as driving. I found this article from the United States Parachute Association to be very reassuring.
However, it’s important to do your research and skydive with a reputable operator. This is not an activity where I recommend you cut corners on the cost.
What happens if the parachute doesn’t open?
Rest assured, there are backup plans in place. In addition to the main parachute, there is a reserve parachute, as well as a device called the Automatic Activation Device that will automatically deploy the reserve parachute if you’re falling too fast at a certain altitude.
Are you diving with an instructor?
Yes, if you’re skydiving without a license it’s tandem skydiving.
How much does it cost?
I’ll be honest: this is not a budget-friendly activity. The current price at Skydive Interlaken is 490 Swiss Franc (615 US Dollars). This does not include the photo and video packages, which start at 120 Swiss Franc (150 US Dollars). I personally thought the video package (raw 4k video) was well worth it.
Can you take your own photos or videos?
No, for safety reasons only the instructor can have a recording device. Their packages are expensive, but worth it.
How high do you fall from?
You jump from 14,000 feet.
How long are you falling for?
The free fall (before the parachute deploys) is advertised as 45 seconds long (mine was 35 seconds long). Then you’ll glide with the parachute for another 5-8 minutes.
Are there restrictions on who can skydive?
Yes. If you have a medical condition or a recent injury, you should get clearance from your doctor before skydiving. There are also age restrictions (you must be 12 years or older) and weight restrictions (198 pounds for women and 220 pounds for men). You also can’t skydive if you’re taller than 6’5”. Age, weight, and height restrictions are all dependent on the operator and can vary.
Can you back out once you’re in the helicopter?
Yes, if you can’t go through with the jump you are allowed to remain in the helicopter instead. However, you won’t be refunded.
What happens if the tour operator cancels?
They will either refund you or reschedule your dive. I HIGHLY recommend you build in a buffer day to your itinerary to ensure you have the chance to skydive in Interlaken even if you get a bad weather day.
Can you skydive year-round?
Yes, although cancellations happen year-round depending on the weather.
Should I eat beforehand?
Yes, you should ensure you’re hydrated and eat a light meal beforehand. I would avoid a large meal until after your jump.
What’s the bathroom situation?
There are bathrooms at the office that you can use before you get in the helicopter.
What should I wear?
Wear loose-fitting clothing such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, athletic pants, etc. and avoid anything that inhibits movement. Don’t wear anything too baggy, as you’ll need to wear the jumpsuit over your outfit. Wear close-toed shoes like sneakers and avoid accessories like jewelry or scarves.
Would you do it again?
Since I skydived, I was diagnosed with a medical condition called dysautonomia, so that changes my answer. But had you asked me before this diagnosis, I would have said “in a heartbeat!” Now that I know what to expect, I could do the dive with less nerves (although this was my husband’s second time skydiving and he was still quite nervous).