Bern is a city that offers more than just charming medieval streets and vibrant culture. Its stunning natural surroundings — including lakes, mountains, and the Swiss Alps — make it a prime location for helicopter tours that reveal Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery from above. Whether you’re after a quick city view or a once-in-a-lifetime mountain adventure, Bern’s helicopter experiences deliver. We particularly love the Bern: Mountain & Lake Helicopter Flight for 2 or 3 People for its perfect blend of mountain grandeur and lake sparkle, offering a 26-minute flight over Lake Thun and Bernese Alps. If you’re craving an even longer, more dramatic journey, the Matterhorn Helicopter Flight soars over the iconic peak for 75 minutes — a must for serious mountain lovers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five of the best helicopter flights around Bern, highlighting what makes each one special, so you can find the perfect fit for your Swiss adventure.
1. Bern: Mountain & Lake Helicopter Flight for 2 or 3 People
This 26-minute helicopter tour offers an exhilarating way to see the Bernese Swiss Alps, Lake Thun, and local castles. Starting from FunFlights, you’ll lift off to admire the sparkling waters of Lake Thun, with the imposing Stockhorn Mountain and the castles at Spiez and Oberhofen providing stunning backdrops. This experience is available for groups of 2 or 3, making it perfect for a romantic outing or small adventure with friends. The pilot shares insights about the area’s history and culture, enriching the experience beyond just the view.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of downloadable photos, so you can relive your flight long after landing. Reviewers highlight the professionalism of the pilot and the unforgettable scenery, with one calling it “absolutely stunning views and incredibly accommodating service.” The $1,448 price covers the entire group, which is quite reasonable considering the personalized experience and extraordinary views.
Bottom Line: This flight offers a perfect introduction to Bern’s surrounding mountains and lakes, with a good balance of length and value for those wanting a scenic, less time-intensive adventure.
2. Bern: Private 42-Minute Swiss Alps Helicopter Flight
For those seeking a more comprehensive aerial experience, the private 42-minute Swiss Alps helicopter tour takes you up close to the legendary Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Originating from FunFlights Helicopter-Tours, this flight offers a clear view of some of the most famous peaks in Switzerland. It’s ideal if you’re passionate about mountain scenery and want to understand the scale and majesty of the Alps from the air.
This tour provides a detailed look at the mountain range’s features, with the pilot sharing insights about the area’s geology and local stories. With a length of 42 minutes, it’s longer than other options, giving you ample time for dramatic views and a relaxed flight. The reviews are glowing: “An unforgettable experience with perfect safety and expert narration,” says one happy passenger. The cost of $2,255 reflects its longer duration and more exclusive nature, making it a good choice for serious mountain enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: If your main interest is to see iconic peaks like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from close range, this tour delivers an immersive experience worth the splurge.
3. Bern: Private 18-Minute Helicopter Flight for up to 3 People
This shorter, 18-minute private helicopter tour is ideal if you want quick, stunning views of Bern and the Alps without a lengthy commitment. Departing from FunFlights Helicopter-Tours, the flight takes you over the city of Bern and offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option if your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of Switzerland’s aerial beauty.
The tour’s highlight is the city panorama combined with distant views of the Alps, making it especially appealing to travelers who want to see their destination from above before or after exploring Bern’s streets. The reviews are nearly perfect, with one saying, “A private flight that made my day — simply breathtaking.” At $1,040, it offers good value for a quick, private experience and is perfect for those with limited time or budget.
Bottom Line: This is a smart choice for travelers who want a swift, private overview of Bern and the Alps, especially if they prefer a shorter flight.
$1,040 per group up to 3
4. Bern: Private 54-Min Lakeland Helicopter Tour-up to 3 People
If you’re interested in exploring Switzerland’s lakes and the Jura mountains, this 54-minute Lakeland helicopter tour is a fantastic choice. It takes you over the glittering lakes of Neuchatel, Biel, and Murten, plus the rugged Jura massif. For those fascinated by water and mountain scenery combined, this tour offers an impressive mix of nature and geology.
Starting from FunFlights, the flight is detailed and leisurely, with the pilot providing interesting facts about the lakes’ history and the region’s culture. The reviews praise the “breathtaking views” and the “professional pilot who made us feel safe and comfortable.” The 54-minute duration strikes a perfect balance for those wanting more than just a quick peek, at a price of $2,859 for up to 3 people.
Bottom Line: This tour appeals most to travelers who love lakes, mountains, and scenic landscapes, and are willing to splurge for a longer, more diverse experience.
$2,859 per group up to 3
5. Bern: Private Matterhorn Helicopter Flight
Finally, for a truly iconic Swiss experience, the Matterhorn helicopter flight is unmatched in grandeur. Lasting 75 minutes, this flight takes you over the glaciers and snowy peaks leading up to the world-famous Matterhorn. It’s a bucket-list adventure for mountain lovers and those wanting to see the Alps’ most recognizable summit from a close, dramatic perspective.
Starting from Bern, the pilot shares insights into the mountain’s history and the surrounding glaciers. The reviews rave about the “awe-inspiring views” and the “personalized service,” making it clear why this is a premium experience. At $6,947 for up to 4 people, it’s a significant investment but justifiable for the once-in-a-lifetime scenery and the chance to get so close to this iconic peak.
Bottom Line: If you’re serious about mountains and want an exclusive, memorable helicopter experience, this flight over the Matterhorn will not disappoint.
$6,947 per group up to 4
How to Choose Your Bern Helicopter Tour
When selecting the right helicopter flight, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. For a quick overview of Bern with mountain views, the 18-minute private flight offers a compact yet memorable experience. If you’re passionate about mountains and glaciers, the Matterhorn flight provides unmatched scenery but at a higher price.
The Mountain & Lake Flight balances length and value, perfect for first-timers. For those with more time or a love of lakes, the Lakeland Tour is ideal. If your focus is on alpine peaks, the 42-minute Swiss Alps tour delivers a comprehensive mountain experience.
Remember to book early, especially in peak seasons, and check availability for preferred times. Practical considerations like weather conditions and group size will also influence your choice.
Final Thoughts
Bern offers a diverse array of helicopter tours that suit different interests and budgets. For scenic introductory flights, the Mountain & Lake Tour is hard to beat. Mountain enthusiasts should consider the Matterhorn experience, while those wanting a broader lakeside view will enjoy the Lakeland tour.
Whichever you choose, these aerial adventures promise unforgettable vistas and a unique way to experience Switzerland’s natural beauty. We recommend booking well in advance, especially if you want to secure a spot for a specific time or date — these tours fill up quickly in the high season. Get ready to see Bern and the Swiss Alps from a perspective few ever get to experience firsthand.