Berne   LSZB

Date of Visit = May 2000

Pilot: = Simon Miles

e-mail = siomn@st.bbl.be

Field Report = Berne, the capital of Switzerland, has it's own international airport located just outside the city at Belp. It's much, much smaller than Zurich or Geneva but in a stunning location nestling among the hills of the pre-Alps between Berne and Interlaken.

Flying in Switzerland in a light aircraft is wonderful, with the two flight information services, Zurich and Geneva Information, providing a fine service including radar information. A superb self-briefing service available at most airfields makes things even simpler. What's more, everything is in English!

Unsurprisingly, most of the country is high, but it is not all mountains, especially north of the Alps. Belp is at 2000ft amsl so, although you need to be at about 4500ft to safely clear the surrounding hills, the height above ground is not so enormous.

The airport is located in a valley which runs north/south and this dictates the runway orientation. There are hills on three sides but none to the north - in that direction is the built-up area of Berne. The circuit is neccessarily tight because it has to be within the valley but it's really no problem, it's just a little strange to see houses above you on downwind!

One other peculiarity is the public road which literally crosses the runway at the southern end - make sure you don't land before the displaced threshold as there is a distinct chance you could be involved with a "mobile obstacle"!

When you have landed, the scenery is breathtaking with snow-covered mountains in the distance, beyond the lush green pastures of the hills around the airport. As it's in the middle of the countryside it is all very peaceful; a cold beer on the terrace of the hotel (which overlooks the runway) is a welcome reward once you've arrived.

Other things to mention: There is full customs, a cash machine is available in the terminal and there is a hotel/restaurant. The customs people are friendly but stick rigidly to the rules. If ATC ask you to park on the grass tell them you have to park on the main apron first to clear customs - the grass and the apron are only about 100 metres apart but the apron is customs designated and the grass ain't! There is also a small pilot shop but I've only seen it open once. There are shuttle buses between the airport and Berne and also to the town of Belp. Taxis are also available, as is car-hire. The staff in the GA terminal are very friendly and efficient.

Berne itself has a very provincial feel to it and is spectacularly located on a loop of the river Aare. On three sides of the town there are sheer cliffs down to the river. The streets are largely pedestrianised and arcaded - it's easy to spend a day or more strolling round enjoying the architecture, history as well as the food and drink, whatever the weather. With plenty of hotels and places to eat to suit all budgets, it makes a great destination for a short break. The city is excellently served by rail with places like Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne a just a short ride away.

The picturesque town of Interlaken is even nearer - about 40 minutes by train. The highly integrated Swiss public transport network means that your ticket from Berne to Interlaken is valid on the boats that ply the Thunersee lake (the southern end of which lies Interlaken) as well as the trains. I took the train all the way to Interlaken (it cost about GBP 15.00 for a return), spent half a day there before returning on the boat as far as Thun (the other end of the lake from Interlaken), where I took the connecting train back to Berne.

A 20 minute flight away from Berne is the lovely airfield of Gruyere - where the cheese comes from. It too is well worth a visit but be careful, it's high-ish (2000ft) and the 700m grass runway means you should make especially sure you are confident of successfully taking off. It's worth trying to go there though; the village of Gruyere and the surrounding countryside make for a delightful day trip.

So, I highly recommend visiting Switzerland by light aircraft. The legendary Swiss efficiency makes the flying effortless and the scenery will take your breath away, especially when you see it from the air!