How Much Does Skydiving Cost? Switzerland & Interlaken Price Guide
If you're planning a skydiving trip to Interlaken, price is probably one of the first questions on your mind. Switzerland — with its Alpine backdrops and premium tourism — sits toward the higher end of the global range. Here's what to expect to pay, what drives the price, and how Interlaken compares to other destinations.
Tandem skydiving isn't cheap anywhere in the world, and Switzerland sits toward the higher end of the price range. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, what pushes the price up or down, and how Interlaken compares internationally, so you can budget with confidence.
Other experiences you might enjoy
Whichever way you choose to fly, Interlaken and the Jungfrau region reward a longer stay. For a lower-cost thrill, consider a tandem paragliding flight in Interlaken or the scenic Mürren paragliding panorama tandem flight; if the budget's there, the airplane skydiving over the Swiss Alps jump from Reichenbach is unforgettable. Beyond flying, many travellers add a trip up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, a cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or a day in Grindelwald and the Harder Kulm viewpoint above town.
What does tandem skydiving cost in Interlaken?
Prices in Interlaken and the wider Bernese Oberland generally fall into two categories — airplane jumps and helicopter jumps — with helicopter jumps commanding a significant premium because of the added flight time, fuel and scenery.
| Jump type | Typical price range (CHF) | What's usually included |
|---|---|---|
| Airplane tandem skydive (~4,000 m) | CHF 400–480 | Jump, instructor, basic certificate |
| Helicopter tandem skydive | CHF 450–700+ | Longer scenic flight, jump, instructor |
| Photo/video package (add-on) | CHF 40–90 | Photos and/or video of your jump |
| Hotel pickup/transfer (add-on) | CHF 0–30 | Varies by operator; some include it free |
These figures are indicative ranges pieced together from typical Swiss tandem operators rather than a single live price list — always check the operator's own booking page for current pricing, since rates shift with fuel costs, season and currency.
What affects the price of a skydive?
A handful of factors explain why one quote might be CHF 420 and another CHF 650 for what sounds like "the same jump":
- Aircraft type. Helicopter jumps cost more than fixed-wing airplane jumps — helicopters are more expensive to operate and typically offer a closer-to-the-mountains ascent.
- Jump altitude. Higher altitude means more freefall time, and some operators charge more for extended freefall (e.g. jumping from 4,500 m instead of 3,500 m).
- Season. Summer (roughly May–September) is peak season in the Bernese Oberland, with the most flight slots but the highest demand — and sometimes the highest prices. Shoulder seasons can offer better value if weather cooperates.
- Day of the week. Some operators offer small discounts for weekday bookings versus weekend slots.
- Add-ons. Photo and video packages, printed certificates and hotel transfers are usually optional extras rather than included in the base price.
- Group size. Booking with a group sometimes unlocks a modest per-person discount, though skydiving is less flexible on group pricing than land-based tours.
How does Switzerland compare internationally?
Switzerland is one of the more expensive places in the world to skydive, largely due to the high cost of living, strict aviation safety standards and the premium of an Alpine setting. For context:
| Destination | Typical tandem skydive price (approx., CHF) |
|---|---|
| Interlaken / Switzerland | CHF 400–700 |
| United States | CHF 200–350 |
| United Kingdom | CHF 250–400 |
| Dubai (Palm Jumeirah) | CHF 500–650 |
| Australia | CHF 250–450 |
Switzerland's prices sit closer to Dubai's premium tier than to the budget-friendly US or Australian dropzones — but Interlaken offers something few other locations can: a jump over glaciated 4,000-metre peaks and two turquoise lakes in a single frame. For many jumpers, that view is worth the premium.
Budgeting for your skydiving trip
Beyond the headline jump price, factor in:
- Transfers. The Interlaken-area dropzone is a short drive from town; some operators include pickup, others don't.
- Photo/video packages. Since you can't bring your own camera on most jumps, budget CHF 40–90 if you want to capture the moment — most people find it worth it.
- Tipping. Not obligatory in Switzerland, but a small tip for your instructor is appreciated if you had a great experience.
- Weather contingency. Skydiving is highly weather-dependent. If your jump is postponed you may need spare days in your itinerary — don't book your only slot on your last day in Interlaken.
Tips for better value: book on a weekday if your schedule allows; book early in your Interlaken stay so a weather delay doesn't cost you the experience; watch for shoulder-season deals in spring and early autumn; and compare 2–3 operators, since prices and inclusions vary more than you'd expect.
A more affordable way to fly above Interlaken
If the cost of skydiving is giving you pause, there's another way to experience flight over the Jungfrau region — for roughly a third of the price. Tandem paragliding in Interlaken typically runs CHF 180–200 for a standard flight, with longer "double airtime" thermal flights around CHF 280–300. You still launch from a mountainside above town, soar for 10–20 minutes over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and land gently in the town centre — all with a certified pilot doing the flying.
Paragliding won't give you the 200 km/h freefall of a skydive, but it offers more time in the air, a gentler introduction to flying at height, and a far lower price point. Not sure which suits you? Our full skydiving vs paragliding comparison weighs up the cost, thrill and safety of each.