See this video for details of a Rail Replacement Helicopter service from Linthal to Braunwald, for 2 weeks only.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFgsUVF82OE
A, well very swiss solution, to a problem, also the cheapest helicopter ride you will probably ever find!
This has been all over the press lately, and the appearance has been given that you can just take this with a GA or a Swiss Travel Pass. However the helicopter is intended for the use of locals and people who have actual business in Braunwald.
To be fair, the fact that it is primarily for the use of residents is made clear in the video (but anyone else can use it, if there is capacity), and it is at the normal rail fares- because that is how the video maker paid for his journey, after having checked that there was capacity at an off peak time.
The video maker has posted an update, which I post in full-
Hello everyone - quick update about yesterday's Rail Replacement Helicopter video.
The story was all over Swiss media on Monday, and I'm seeing a few comments saying that the helicopter has now become very busy with tourists as a result.
(My video itself may now be adding a few extra people, although the channel's Swiss viewership is about 1.5%, so hopefully not too many. And to be clear, I asked permission before filming, for this exact reason.)
Basically, if you are planning to go to Linthal in the next few days to try and get on the helicopter, please be realistic. As I said in the video, tourists are LOW PRIORITY. If you do not live or work in Braunwald, you may face a very long wait, and if it gets really busy, you may not be allowed on at all.
Also, please be aware that even if you manage to get a flight up, it doesn't guarantee you a flight back down.
Having said all that: it's is an absolutely gorgeous part of the world, with fantastic hiking trails, and it's 100% worth visiting even without the helicopter, if you ever get the chance. I'd encourage anyone to go there once the Braunwaldbahn is up and running again.
Tim is pretty clear that this is for residents, and tourists only if there is room during off times. And it's not worth an entire trip just to do this, unless you're a vlogger like him.
Watch and enjoy, that's all.
