AXALP-SPOT1+2+3
Fliegerschiessen AXALP – Spotting Guide
- last modified on October 22, 2021
AXALP, also known as Fliegerschiessen Axalp (aviator shooting) is an exercise arena for the Swiss Air Force FA18 and F5 Tigers. Initially a wartime platform during 1942-1945 and was retained as an air force training ground after 1945. Since 1990’s the vent has been extended into a public air show. It is one of the incredible place to attend and see how they fire for real on targets. The event always take place in October and is therefore always subject to very last minute weather condition. It is also subject to the Air Force to cancel in last minute the event for various reasons therefore we recommend you to always set up a plan B as visiting Meiringen Air Base, Payerne Air Base or C for sightseeing in this beautiful region.
2015: CANCELLED
2016: CANCELLED
2017: HELD
2018: HELD
2019: CANCELLED (only training held)
2020: CANCELLED
2021: HELD
Written Jeremy Denton & SwissSpotter. Last Update August 2020.
| AirShow Spotting Information | |
| Training Date | 19 October 2021 – HELD |
| AirShow Dates | 20-21 October 2021 – HELD (20) & CANCELLED (21) |
| AirShow Time | 14:00-15.30 |
| The programme includes |
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| Further information |
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| Spotting information | |
| Clothing | The event takes place in October at 2221 meters high therefore we recommend you to bring warm clothes and good shoes for the long walk. |
| Drinks/Food | Not available therefore bring with you what you need along the day. |
| Restrooms | Available. |
| Hotels | Some available at AXALP otherwise you’ll need to look at Brienz or another area. |
| Focal Length | 100-600mm recommended. |
| Weather | The weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. If they are unsuitable, the Swiss Air Force therefore reserves the right to cancel the show at short notice. In regards to weather the vent will take place we suggest you to contact the following instance:
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| How to get to AXALP? | |
| By public transport (recommended way) | Here you have the following three possibilities… |
| 1. First by Train, then by bus |
Please refer to the following national website of the train transport in order to apply for a train + bus ticket. You have to stop at the train station named “Brienz” then take the bus and stop at “Axalp, Sporbahnen” (40 minutes of bus from Brientz to Axalp). |
| 2. First by Car, then by Bus | On A8, exit nb29 at “Brienz” and then follow the signs towards “P+R Parkplatz Brienz-Brunnen” or see on the below map. Then take the bus from “Brienz-Brunnen” which will stop at “Axalp, Sporbahnen” (30 minutes). You can buy this ticket on the following website too. |
| 3. Completely up by car (risky) – road is open only between “22:01 until 04:59” | On A8, exit nb29 at “Brienz” then turn right on “Bächlischwendi” for a few meters then turn again right and follow the road as well as the signs towards Axalp. It’s a 20 minutes drive once you have exited the highway.A limited number of parking spaces for cars is available in Axalp Dorf. Details:
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| How to get to the shooting zones ? | |
| Here you have the following two possibilities… | |
| Plan A (recommended) – Chairlift / footpath to Windegg |
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| Plan B (Strong skills) – Footpath / Chüemad |
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| Further information and agencies |
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| Map from the Swiss Air Force (available only in German): |  |
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Spotting Locations – Public Zone |
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| WHAT | Spot 1 is the closest one from the shooting ground therefore some interesting perspective can be photographed. However, the spotting locations are mostly all the same only the angle are sligthly different.
Depending on your physical conditions as well as the amount of people in each locations may affect your choice on which spot you wish to be. Please be aware on a sunny day you are shooting against the sun (backlight). |
| MEDIA PASS – Fly on board a SuperPuma from the Swiss Air Force – Meiringen-Axalp-Meiringen | |
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| Information | If by any chance you are able to get a Media pass somehow we would suggest you to experience a unique fly on board a SuperPuma from the Swiss Air Force which will take you from Meiringen Air Force Base up to the Spot 1 at AXALP. |
| WHAT | Once we do have the official link to apply as well as the form, we will add it here. However you can also ask them at the following email address: info.lw@vtg.admin.ch |
| TIME | The Swiss Air Force will confirm you the time to be at Meiringen Air Force Base to take the shuttle up to AXALP. |
| MISC. | Do not apply for a pass if you “simply” have a website you must be working for a media company. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm up to 600mm |
What a wonderful thing to do. This so awesome to see how we are able to keep our military and air defenses relevant and always in front so we never forget those who sacrifice for the betterment, protection, and freedoms so many of us take for granted. Outstanding.