Review · SWITZERLAND HELICOPTER TOURS
Bern: Mountain & Lake Helicopter Flight for 2 or 3 People
Lake Thun is the star here. From a helicopter, you see the lake, its castle-lined shores, and the sharp Bernese Alps in one sweeping view. I especially like the private group format for up to three people and the route past the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. You also get free photos, which saves you from spending the flight worrying about your camera.
I also like that the flight is short but packed with landmarks, including Spiez and Oberhofen castles, Stockhorn, and the Justistal. The main drawback is the price: $1,535 per group is a serious splurge, even when split among three people. At 26 minutes, you are paying for a special viewpoint, not a full-day outing.
Key points to know before booking
- Lake Thun from above: The flight gives you a clear aerial view of the lake and the towns, castles, and mountains around it.
- Three famous Alpine peaks: The route includes views toward the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, along with the imposing Stockhorn.
- A private flight for up to three: Your party gets the helicopter experience as a private group rather than joining a large sightseeing crowd.
- Pilot Oliver receives special praise: His friendly service has included extra help with hotel pickup and returning lost headphones.
- Photos and a souvenir included: You can download photos of the flight at no extra cost and take home a small keepsake.
- Easy airport access: The meeting point is at Bern-Belp Airport, opposite parking area P5, marked Check-In, Hangar 7.
Why Lake Thun makes this flight special

Many scenic flights are really about one big mountain view. This one works differently. It links water, castles, green hills, and high Alpine peaks in a single 26-minute circuit.
Lake Thun gives the flight its sense of place. From ground level, you see only pieces of the lake at a time. From the helicopter, the full shape of the water and its surrounding towns becomes easier to appreciate. The lake sits among the Bernese Alps, so the views shift quickly from blue water to steep mountain slopes and snowy peaks.
The route also brings in historic sights. Spiez Castle sits above the southern shore of Lake Thun, while Oberhofen Castle occupies a striking position on the northern side. Seeing these buildings from above helps you understand their setting better than a quick visit from the road. They are not isolated attractions. They belong to a network of lakeside towns, vineyards, hills, and mountain routes.
The high point for many people will be the mountain view. You can look toward the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, three of Switzerland’s best-known peaks. Stockhorn adds another strong mountain presence to the route. The flight does not promise a landing on a glacier or a long stay in the mountains, but it gives you a fast, broad look at the region.
A few more flights around the world worth comparing
- New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour
★ 4.7 · 7,076 reviews - NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
★ 4.8 · 5,826 reviews - Las Vegas Helicopter Night Strip Flight Tour with Optional Dinner
★ 4.5 · 5,693 reviews
From FunFlights to Bern-Belp Airport

Your visit begins at the FunFlights meeting point. From there, it is a one-minute walk to Bern-Belp Airport and the check-in area. The exact meeting point is opposite parking P5, where you should look for the sign marked Check-In, Hangar 7.
That detail matters. Airports can be confusing, especially when you are trying to arrive on time for a flight. Give yourself enough time to find parking or reach the airport by public transport, then follow the P5 and Hangar 7 directions rather than wandering around the terminal area.
Bern-Belp Airport is centrally located in Switzerland and can be reached by car or public transportation. Hotel pickup is not included, though a transfer shuttle can be arranged for an extra charge. If you are staying in Bern or elsewhere nearby, check your route before booking. The flight itself is short, so arriving late or rushing through check-in would take away from the fun.
The staff welcomes you before the safety briefing. The briefing is listed as about five minutes, giving you the basic information you need before boarding. Smoking is not allowed in the helicopter, and jumping is prohibited, which should not surprise anyone but is worth noting for families explaining the rules to children.
The 26-minute route over Lake Thun

Once you board, the helicopter heads toward Lake Thun. The route is designed as a scenic circuit rather than a simple out-and-back flight, so you get changing views throughout the trip.
At Lake Thun, look for the relationship between the water and the towns along its shores. From the air, the lake becomes a natural guide through the region. You can take in the broad view first, then focus on smaller details such as the castles, hillside settlements, and mountain ridges.
The helicopter also passes by Stockhorn. This mountain is an important part of the local view, and its shape gives the flight a strong sense of height and drama. You are not merely looking down at a town or lake. You are flying alongside substantial mountain terrain, with the helicopter offering a perspective that roads and walking paths cannot provide.
The route continues toward the Bernese Alps, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Clear conditions will make a major difference here. Mountain weather can change, and a scenic flight cannot guarantee that every peak will be fully visible. The operator does provide a flight experience in English or German, and the pilot shares facts about the local area, history, and culture along the way.
Spiez and Oberhofen castles are another highlight. Their positions near Lake Thun make them easy to connect with the rest of the route. If you have visited either castle from the ground, the aerial angle gives you a fresh look. If you have not, the flight can help you decide if you want to return for a slower visit.
On the way back, the helicopter flies over the Justistal and the rolling hills of Emmental. This changes the mood of the flight. After the lake and towering peaks, you get a softer view of valleys and hills. It is a useful reminder that the Bernese region is not only about dramatic summits.
What the pilot and guide add
This is a guided flight, not a silent scenic ride. The available languages are English and German, and you can expect the pilot to point out features and share facts during the journey.
Pilot Oliver receives particularly strong praise for his personal service. One booking described him as an excellent pilot who helped make the flight memorable. Another account says he offered a hotel pickup and later returned a pair of lost headphones. Those details suggest a friendly, hands-on approach, though hotel pickup is not part of the standard price and should be arranged separately.
I would not book this only for commentary. The scenery is the main event. But a pilot who can identify mountains, explain local sights, and keep the mood relaxed adds real value, especially if you do not know the Bernese region well.
You should also remember that the pilot must balance conversation with flight operations. The guide’s explanations are a bonus, while safe flying and clear instructions come first.
Same view, a different flight:
- Dubai: Sightseeing Helicopter Ride from The Palm
★ 4.7 · 5,109 reviews - Grand Canyon Village: Helicopter Tour & Hummer Tour Options
★ 4.7 · 2,586 reviews - Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas
★ 5.0 · 2,535 reviews - Dubai: 12-Min Helicopter Adventure Above The Palm
★ 4.7 · 2,279 reviews
The value of a private helicopter flight for three
The price is $1,535 per group of up to three people. That sounds steep, and it is. This is a premium activity, not a budget sightseeing option.
The calculation changes if three people share the cost. Split evenly, the price works out to about $512 per person. That is still expensive, but you are buying a private flight rather than three individual seats on a large group excursion. You also receive 26 minutes of flight time, the guide service, taxes, a souvenir, and downloadable photos.
For two people, the per-person cost is much higher. Couples need to decide how much they value privacy and the aerial view. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime Switzerland trip or a special celebration, the expense may feel justified. If you are trying to see the Alps on a tight budget, trains, cable cars, and mountain viewpoints will offer more time outdoors for less money.
The private format is also useful for a small family or group of friends. You do not have to fit your plans around strangers, and you can share the moment with exactly the people you brought. Children under three are not allowed, and anyone over 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms, cannot take part.
Photos, souvenir, and the practical payoff
Photography is one of the better extras here. Helicopter flights move quickly, and it is easy to spend the whole time choosing between looking outside and holding up a phone. The included photos let you enjoy the view without turning the trip into a camera session.
You can download the photos at no extra cost. That makes a difference because the flight is short. You can watch Lake Thun and the peaks pass by, then sort through the images later.
A souvenir is also provided after landing. The item is not described in detail, so do not book this expecting a particular type of gift. Treat it as a small reminder of the flight rather than a major part of the package.
Food and drinks are not included. Since the experience lasts only 26 minutes, this is not a serious problem. Still, plan to eat before or after if you are building the flight into a longer day around Bern or Lake Thun.
Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for someone who wants a high-impact view of the Bernese region in a short amount of time. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who can share the fixed group price.
It is also a strong choice at the start of a Switzerland trip. One verified booking described the flight as a memorable way to begin a visit to Switzerland, and that makes sense. You quickly see the lake, castles, valleys, and major peaks that define the area.
This is less suitable if you dislike flying, want a long mountain walk, or prefer a slow cultural visit. You will see a lot, but you will not stop at the castles, walk through the valleys, or spend hours on a mountain trail.
People with limited mobility should note that the activity is wheelchair accessible. You should still confirm any personal boarding needs when booking, since the available information does not explain the exact aircraft access arrangements.
Timing, weather, and how to prepare

The flight lasts 26 minutes, but you should allow extra time for reaching the airport, check-in, the safety briefing, boarding, and returning to the meeting point. The listed schedule includes about five minutes for the briefing and one-minute walks between the meeting area and airport.
Mountain visibility is the biggest outside factor. The route includes major peaks, but clouds or haze can affect what you see. Check the forecast before leaving and keep your schedule flexible if possible. The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which gives you some protection when plans change.
Wear practical clothing for an airport and helicopter outing. The supplied details do not specify a dress code or required equipment, so you do not need special mountain gear. Bring a phone or camera if you want your own photos, but make the view your priority because the included images will give you something to keep.
Reserve now and pay later is available. That can help if you are arranging a Switzerland itinerary several weeks ahead and do not want to pay immediately.
Should you book the Lake Thun helicopter flight?

Book it if you want a private, polished splurge that packs the Bernese Alps, Lake Thun, castles, and valleys into less than half an hour. The free photos, souvenir, English or German guidance, and small-group format add useful value, while pilot Oliver’s friendly reputation is an encouraging extra.
Skip it if the $1,535 group price would make the rest of your trip uncomfortable, or if you would rather spend a full day exploring one mountain area on foot. The flight is short and expensive, even though the route is packed with strong views.
For three people sharing the cost, this is the most sensible version of the booking. For two, it becomes a more personal luxury purchase. If that fits your budget, the broad aerial view of Lake Thun and the Bernese peaks offers something you cannot duplicate from a train window or lakeside road.
FAQ
How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight time is 26 minutes. The experience also includes a safety briefing of about five minutes, plus short walks between the FunFlights meeting point and Bern-Belp Airport.
Where do I meet the helicopter team?
Meet at Bern-Belp Airport, opposite parking P5. Look for the sign marked Check-In, Hangar 7.
How many people can join the helicopter tour?
The flight is private for a group of up to three passengers.
What sights can I see during the flight?
The route includes Lake Thun, Stockhorn, Spiez Castle, Oberhofen Castle, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, plus the Justistal and the hills of Emmental.
Are photos included?
Yes. Photos from the experience are available for download at no extra cost. A complimentary souvenir is also included.
Is the helicopter flight wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Children under three cannot participate, and the maximum passenger weight is 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms.
Newly added flights around the world
- Zion National Park, Canaan Cliffs: Extended Helicopter Tour★ 4.5 · 4 reviews
- Zion National Park and Canaan Cliffs: Helicopter Tour★ 4.7 · 22 reviews
- Whistler Helicopter Tour: Glaciers and Black Tusk★ 4.8 · 5 reviews
- Melbourne: Private Yarra Valley Winery Lunch by Helicopter★ 5.0 · 10 reviews
- West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour★ 5.0 · 9 reviews
- Whistler: Glacier Helicopter Tour over Wedge Mountain★ 4.8 · 28 reviews
- Warsaw: Helicopter Private Tour★ 5.0 · 5 reviews
- Wellington: Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight★ 4.8 · 4 reviews
Switzerland Helicopter Tours, compared.

Private Swiss Alps helicopter tour over snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers
Read our review →
Helicopter tour to the Stockhorn mountain, with great view to the Swiss Alps
Read our review →
Private helicopter tour to the Swiss Alps – see the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau
Read our review →
Swiss Capital city helicopter sightseeing tour – the ideal flight to see Berne
Read our review →
Private helicopter tour to Jura and Seeland – a beautiful sightseeing flight
Read our review →
Private helicopter flight to Stockhorn mountain, with view to the Swiss Alps
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in


