If you plan a flying visit to Switzerland, here are 11 things that are shall be on your to-do list. You can also click here to read my tips for flying VFR in Switzerland.

1 – Geneva via city
The VFR routes in Geneva are over the airport, the city, and the lake. Really scenic.

2 – Yverdon (LSGY)
Not the most spectacular or exotic airport, but the restaurant is really good.

3 – Sion (LSGS)
An impressive but easy airport, in the heart of the Alps. Easy to find, circuit is a bit tight, but really nothing that a standard PPL can’t manage. Runway is plenty long, and the restaurant has a nice terace with runway view.

4 – Saanen (LSGK)
An interesting approach in the Berner Alps. Not really hard, but initiation with a local instructor is recommended. Click here to see the approach and departure in video.

5 – Samedan (LSZS)
The highest airport in the Alps, at 5′600 feet… more challenging, particularly the base turn. Click here to see the approach and departure in video.

6 – Bouchs (LSZC)
An easy to find airport, but really special location, with two long runways, surrounded by mountains. The home of Pilatus. Click here to see the approach and departure in a DA40 TDI in video.

7 – Jungfrau & Aletsch
Flying between the Jungfrau and Mönch, and then descent the Aletsch glacier, or flying the glacier up and then descend towards Bern is really a must… beware of altitude, you’ll have to climb to 12′000 feet.

8 – Matterhorn
If you’re in the Sion area, you have to fly a bit more towards east, and circle the Matterhorn… it’s so typical and scenic. Click here to see my Matterhorn photo gallery.

9 – Gruyère (LSGT)
This is not only a cheese, but a whole region of Switzerland, with its grass strip. Take-off performance can be an issue, but it’s also a nice circuit to fly, and the meringues with double Gruyère cream and berries are simply… mmmmm. Click here to see a video landing and take-off in Sion and Gruyère airports.

10 – Glacier Landing
Landing on a glacier, outside any airport or altiport is possible in Switzerland, if you hold the proper ratings. You won’t be able to to that on your own if you just come as a visitor, but you’ll certainly found a qualified intructor to bring you up there. Unforgettable. Click here for more information about glacier landings (in french only)

11 – Lac Noir
Landing on a frozen lake. It’s possible only two days per year, weather permitting. Don’t expect to “plan” it, but if you’re there and someone talks about it, simply cancel everything else, and go ther. Click here to read more about my own experience landing on the Lac Noir.

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