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Axalp - 'A Guide'
Axalp - 'A Guide'
I’ve attended Axalp twice and did a bit of research before going the first time, but it would have helped me a lot if I’d had an easy reference guide. Well, here it is.
When
It’s usually held in the first full week of October with the show days on Wednesday and Thursday. Full practice takes place on Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday.
Getting there
Axalp is east of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland. It’s about 5 miles south of the village of Brienz and 5 miles west of Meiringen town. Motorways are excellent from Geneva, about 2.5 hours by car. The trains are really good too.
Where to stay
You can find accommodation in any of these places but remember that Switzerland is more expensive than Britain. Accommodation ranges from Bed and Breakfast to a very good standard hotel. You’ll need to book early as many people book up year on year.
What to take
You need to be prepared for all weathers and for some strenuous hill walking. While the climbs look daunting, you do not have to be superfit to do them, just take your time.
Here are some ideas: -
Clothing in layers – temp. varies from 0 to 26 degrees centigrade
A spare t-shirt so you can take off the one that will be drenched in sweat at the top
Energy bars/Fruit/some food
Water
Good walking boots
A couple of walking poles – the paths are almost non-existent and these will help you a lot
Backpack for cameras
Waterpoof/windproof jacket
A torch or head-lamp – you may start walking in the dark before 6.30am
Money – Swiss Francs (SwFr)
Costs in 2009
Car Park 5 SwFr
Chair Lift 10 SwFr
Timings
On show days the first F18s start practice between 8.30 am and 9.00am and can continue off and on until about 11.00am. Helicopter activity continues right up until the show starts and afterwards.
The show proper starts at 2.00pm and lasts for around 90 minutes.
Be prepared for everything to stop at any time if the cloud closes in from over the mountain ridge.
Getting up there
Car is the easiest way, Axalp is well signposted from the main road outside Brienz and you’ll pay for the car park at the bottom of the mountain. The earlier you get up there, the closer you get to the village when parking. Go carefull in the dark though limited parking and on the walks as there are some sheer drops. Note: - getting there early is best but be prepared to wait around for an hour or so when you get back to the car as the car parks lower down the mountain will empty first.
A photobus runs from Brienz station to Axalp but can be oversubscribed.
Some visitors also arrive by taxi.
From Axalp you can elect to walk all the way up or get the chairlift (next to the top car park) which takes you up part of the way , I’d recommend that you take that option as it’s quicker and you’ll save a lot of energy. The chairlift is only in operation at certain times/days, it's certainly available on both show days, it's advertised as starting at 7.00am but it is usually well before that.
The track/road going up from Axalp is closed during the week of the show but it is possible to get a pass/permit for days before the event and park way further up to the valley to the west of the range.
See the map for the options: -
Points 1, 2 and 3 on the map are referred to below.
I have not walked all the way up but from getting on the chairlift to getting to point 3 can take up to 2 hours. Refreshments/food is available at the top of the chairlift. From here to Point 3 you’ll need to be very careful as it’s quite hard walking over fairly rough ground and then a very steep scramble up to Point 3.
Top of the Chairlift as seen from Point 3
The trail along the mountainside
The intial climb towards Point 3
Nearing the single width trail, rope pull and temporary footbridge
The trail up to Point 2 as seen from Point 3
Point 3 as seen from Point 2
Point 1 as seen from Point 2
Point 2 from Point 1
Points 2 and 3 as seen from Point 1
Where to stand
From point 3 the sun is right in your face when looking up the valley but can be good for DSOs and aircraft turning into the valley. It’s probably best to press on and in 30-40 minutes to point 1 next to the control tower and then most of your shots will be west along the valley away from the sun. Note that the path between points 2 and 1 closes during the shooting practice and the full show. Food, drink and portaloos are available at point 1.
Point 2 can be really good in the afternoon as you can shoot up and down the valley although the sun is in your face for DSOs.
I used ISOs between 400 and 800 mostly because of the shadow of the mountain and the mountain itself which can become a very dark background. Shooting is quite challenging as the light varies wildly from right to left and from the valley to the sky. Planning your shots is essential as you can’t keep changing you settings during fast passes.
Lens - A zoom is probably best with 200-400mm plus needed. I’ve used a 80-300mm VR lens which was great except for the shots of the aircraft climbing over the mountain tops.
Getting Down
Most people walk all of the way down as there is usually a huge queue at the chairlift and there is a big bottleneck getting down from point 3. Carefully walking down the steep slope to the valley in front of you from points 1 and 2 is the best option. Walk along the valley floor and join with the tarmac road which winds it’s way down to the village of Axalp. There is a restaurant in Axalp that serves food and drink both inside and out where you can spend your time until the car parks begin to empty.
Exiting down into the valley in front of you at the end of the show
Looking back up towards Point 1
I hope you find this guide useful and have a great time.
Tony
When
It’s usually held in the first full week of October with the show days on Wednesday and Thursday. Full practice takes place on Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday.
Getting there
Axalp is east of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland. It’s about 5 miles south of the village of Brienz and 5 miles west of Meiringen town. Motorways are excellent from Geneva, about 2.5 hours by car. The trains are really good too.
Where to stay
You can find accommodation in any of these places but remember that Switzerland is more expensive than Britain. Accommodation ranges from Bed and Breakfast to a very good standard hotel. You’ll need to book early as many people book up year on year.
What to take
You need to be prepared for all weathers and for some strenuous hill walking. While the climbs look daunting, you do not have to be superfit to do them, just take your time.
Here are some ideas: -
Clothing in layers – temp. varies from 0 to 26 degrees centigrade
A spare t-shirt so you can take off the one that will be drenched in sweat at the top
Energy bars/Fruit/some food
Water
Good walking boots
A couple of walking poles – the paths are almost non-existent and these will help you a lot
Backpack for cameras
Waterpoof/windproof jacket
A torch or head-lamp – you may start walking in the dark before 6.30am
Money – Swiss Francs (SwFr)
Costs in 2009
Car Park 5 SwFr
Chair Lift 10 SwFr
Timings
On show days the first F18s start practice between 8.30 am and 9.00am and can continue off and on until about 11.00am. Helicopter activity continues right up until the show starts and afterwards.
The show proper starts at 2.00pm and lasts for around 90 minutes.
Be prepared for everything to stop at any time if the cloud closes in from over the mountain ridge.
Getting up there
Car is the easiest way, Axalp is well signposted from the main road outside Brienz and you’ll pay for the car park at the bottom of the mountain. The earlier you get up there, the closer you get to the village when parking. Go carefull in the dark though limited parking and on the walks as there are some sheer drops. Note: - getting there early is best but be prepared to wait around for an hour or so when you get back to the car as the car parks lower down the mountain will empty first.
A photobus runs from Brienz station to Axalp but can be oversubscribed.
Some visitors also arrive by taxi.
From Axalp you can elect to walk all the way up or get the chairlift (next to the top car park) which takes you up part of the way , I’d recommend that you take that option as it’s quicker and you’ll save a lot of energy. The chairlift is only in operation at certain times/days, it's certainly available on both show days, it's advertised as starting at 7.00am but it is usually well before that.
The track/road going up from Axalp is closed during the week of the show but it is possible to get a pass/permit for days before the event and park way further up to the valley to the west of the range.
See the map for the options: -
Points 1, 2 and 3 on the map are referred to below.
I have not walked all the way up but from getting on the chairlift to getting to point 3 can take up to 2 hours. Refreshments/food is available at the top of the chairlift. From here to Point 3 you’ll need to be very careful as it’s quite hard walking over fairly rough ground and then a very steep scramble up to Point 3.
Top of the Chairlift as seen from Point 3
The trail along the mountainside
The intial climb towards Point 3
Nearing the single width trail, rope pull and temporary footbridge
The trail up to Point 2 as seen from Point 3
Point 3 as seen from Point 2
Point 1 as seen from Point 2
Point 2 from Point 1
Points 2 and 3 as seen from Point 1
Where to stand
From point 3 the sun is right in your face when looking up the valley but can be good for DSOs and aircraft turning into the valley. It’s probably best to press on and in 30-40 minutes to point 1 next to the control tower and then most of your shots will be west along the valley away from the sun. Note that the path between points 2 and 1 closes during the shooting practice and the full show. Food, drink and portaloos are available at point 1.
Point 2 can be really good in the afternoon as you can shoot up and down the valley although the sun is in your face for DSOs.
I used ISOs between 400 and 800 mostly because of the shadow of the mountain and the mountain itself which can become a very dark background. Shooting is quite challenging as the light varies wildly from right to left and from the valley to the sky. Planning your shots is essential as you can’t keep changing you settings during fast passes.
Lens - A zoom is probably best with 200-400mm plus needed. I’ve used a 80-300mm VR lens which was great except for the shots of the aircraft climbing over the mountain tops.
Getting Down
Most people walk all of the way down as there is usually a huge queue at the chairlift and there is a big bottleneck getting down from point 3. Carefully walking down the steep slope to the valley in front of you from points 1 and 2 is the best option. Walk along the valley floor and join with the tarmac road which winds it’s way down to the village of Axalp. There is a restaurant in Axalp that serves food and drink both inside and out where you can spend your time until the car parks begin to empty.
Exiting down into the valley in front of you at the end of the show
Looking back up towards Point 1
I hope you find this guide useful and have a great time.
Tony
Last edited by Vixen1 on Wed Mar 21, 2018 3:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Thank you Tony.
That is a brilliant guide.
It's something I've always wanted to do, but have never got 'round to.....
Maybe next year !!!
Dave.
That is a brilliant guide.
It's something I've always wanted to do, but have never got 'round to.....
Maybe next year !!!
Dave.
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Thanks Tony,much appreciated
This season, I'll be mostly wearing........A THONG!
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Top Notch and thanks for posting this on Fightercontrol. Very much appreciated by all wishing to go i'm sure.
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Thanks for the feedback, I've updated the guide with a few recommendations from other visitors.
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Looking pretty certain that i'm going to Axalp this this year. I'd also like to thank you for this as i'd probably have been woefully under-prepared had i not found this thread..
Cameraless
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
You are very welcome. I'd love to go back.... sometime maybe. Have a great time and let's hope it does not cancel this year.Mark wrote:Looking pretty certain that i'm going to Axalp this this year. I'd also like to thank you for this as i'd probably have been woefully under-prepared had i not found this thread..
- flyingslug_0
- Moderator
- Posts: 3062
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 5:54 pm
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Many thanks Tony, the guide has opened my eyes as to how big the climb is. Both my wife and I were planing to go next year, it makes the climbs up to the loop look like mole hills. I guess its a question of getting into shape and start training
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Since I wrote the guide there have been some changes to the parking arrangements. You can't now drive up to Axalp on the show days and need to park just outside of Brienz in the official car parks and take the bus up to the village. It's probably best that way as the last time I went getting back down from Axalp was a pain. You'll have to be extra early though as althouigh there are more buses you still have the same treck when you get to Axalp village on the bus.
Here's a link to the official site http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaf ... nfluh.html for 2013.
Have a great time.
Here's a link to the official site http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaf ... nfluh.html for 2013.
Have a great time.
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Brilliant !
Ive already booked and cannot wait, your insight will be extremly helpfull
Mnay thanks
Ive already booked and cannot wait, your insight will be extremly helpfull
Mnay thanks
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Fanastic guide Tony, I've made it a sticky to keep it at the top of the section.
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Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
This will come in majorly handy! In the process of planning a trip!
Cheers
Boo boo (aka Jamie)
'The first time I ever saw a jet, I shot it down!' - Yeager
Boo boo (aka Jamie)
'The first time I ever saw a jet, I shot it down!' - Yeager
- Blackcat1
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Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Was nearby a couple of weeks ago, saw a good few F18s low and fast from the coach on the way to Italy.
Gareth
6 Sqdn Canopeners
Oculi exercitus
Blackcats remembered
Jaguar Force Excellance! 2nd July 07.
6 Sqdn Canopeners
Oculi exercitus
Blackcats remembered
Jaguar Force Excellance! 2nd July 07.
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Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
http://www.ianallantravel.com/aviationt ... rs2012.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; scroll down to 227228
for details
for details
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Thanks for this Tony. We were in the area in 2009 whilst driving from the UK to San Marino for an annual car rally and it wasn't until we'd returned home and I saw footage upon Youtube that I realised what we'd missed but, at the end of the day, our trip had already been planned.
We are again making our annual pilgrimage to San Marino in the next few days, but this year we WILL be at the show, on the Thursday. Really looking forward to this
We are again making our annual pilgrimage to San Marino in the next few days, but this year we WILL be at the show, on the Thursday. Really looking forward to this
http://www.lawrencecliftphotography.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/user/snapper8v" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.sidewaysmedia.net
http://www.youtube.com/user/snapper8v" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.sidewaysmedia.net
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Oh well, Italy it is then seeing that the display has now been cancelled due to snow
http://www.lawrencecliftphotography.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/user/snapper8v" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.sidewaysmedia.net
http://www.youtube.com/user/snapper8v" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.sidewaysmedia.net
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
I wrote this guide after I last visited Axalp in 2009. Things have changed since then especially around the parking situation and transfer by bus to Axalp village.
Mods, feel free to remove this post or add a health warning to it as I'd hate to lead anyone astray on a trip of a lifetime. Of course, someone else could start the topic again or provide a new full guide by copying and pasting the relevant info from my post and adding the updates.
Mods, feel free to remove this post or add a health warning to it as I'd hate to lead anyone astray on a trip of a lifetime. Of course, someone else could start the topic again or provide a new full guide by copying and pasting the relevant info from my post and adding the updates.
Re: Axalp - 'A Guide'
Anyone heading up this year? I'm going, just need to figure out the public transport system in Switzerland!
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