Every year in October, the Swiss Airforce puts on a unique air show in the mountains
above the small winter sports resort of Axalp above Lake Brienz at the Axalp-Ebenfluh
firing range at an elevation of over 2000 metres. It is unique because the planes
actually undertake live firing during the show. The event takes place over two days
where F-5E Tiger and F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets undertake formation flying and low
passes as well as undertaking live firing at targets on the mountainside. Other aircraft
also take part in the event. The event is supposedly to demonstrate the air forces
capabilities to the Swiss public, but because of the spectacular location and live
firing, it has become a mecca for aviation enthusiast from all over Europe. Access
to the viewing points is only possible by hiking for several hours up a steep mountainside
and it is necessary to start before dawn to get there in time.
