Wingsuit Flying in Norway: The Ultimate Human Flight

Defy Gravity Over the Fjords

Imagine leaping from a cliff edge, wind rushing past your helmet, arms spread wide as you carve through crisp Nordic air. Below you, Norway’s dramatic fjords stretch like veins carved into ancient stone, and for a moment, you’re not falling — you’re flying. Welcome to wingsuit flying in Norway, the pinnacle of extreme aerial sports and one of the most exhilarating forms of adventure travel in Scandinavia.

This isn’t for the faint of heart. Wingsuit BASE jumping requires courage, skill, and a deep respect for nature. But for those prepared, it offers unmatched freedom and a perspective on Earth few will ever experience. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what wingsuit flying involves, why Norway is the holy grail for jumpers, how to get started, and what to expect when you finally take the leap.

Ready to chase your own piece of sky? Let’s suit up.

Why Norway is a Wingsuit Mecca

Towering Terrain

Norway’s geography is tailor-made for wingsuit flying.

Think:

• Sheer cliffs over 1,000 metres high
• Deep fjords and valleys offering visual lines and safe landing zones
• Remote, raw, and largely untouched wilderness

Iconic Wingsuit Destinations

• Kjerag (Lysefjord): Legendary 984-metre jump with stunning sea views
• Troll Wall (Trollveggen): Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, though currently banned for BASE
• Romsdalen Valley: Multiple legal exit points with long flight corridors

Seasonal Sweet Spot

• Summer (June to August) offers long daylight hours and optimal weather
• Events like Ekstremsportveko in Voss gather the best extreme athletes in the world

Few places offer this mix of altitude, legality, community, and raw beauty.

What is Wingsuit Flying, Exactly?

The Suit

A wingsuit is a specialised jumpsuit with fabric panels stretched between your arms and legs, turning your body into an airfoil. When deployed from sufficient altitude, it allows for controlled horizontal flight at speeds of up to 160-220 km/h (100-140 mph).

BASE Jumping vs. Skydiving

• BASE jumping: Leaping from fixed objects (Buildings, Antennas, Spans, Earth)
• Wingsuit flying: Often combined with BASE for epic cliff flights
• In Norway, most wingsuit jumps are from mountain cliffs, not planes

Required Skills

This isn’t an entry-level sport.

Before trying wingsuit BASE, you’ll need:

• 200+ skydives, including wingsuit-specific jumps
• Proficiency in parachute deployment and emergency procedures
• Physical fitness and mental discipline

What a Flight Feels Like

The Exit

It all starts with a focused breath. Standing on a rocky ledge, harness checked, you lean into the void. The first second is a vertical dive — then your suit inflates, and you transition into flight.

The Flight

• Feel the lift under your arms
• Steer with subtle shifts in body angle
• Navigate ridgelines and valleys at breakneck speed
• Time and gravity melt into exhilaration

The Landing

Deploy your parachute around 200-300 metres above ground. Glide into a clear zone (often a meadow or fjord edge), heart pounding, legs trembling with joy.

“It felt like I became the falcon I used to dream about as a kid.” — Lars, Norway

How to Get Started Safely

What to Do

1. Earn Your Stripes: Complete at least 200 skydives, including canopy control and emergency drills
2. Get Wingsuit-Certified: Attend a FAI-licensed wingsuit school
3. BASE Jump Training: Learn fixed-object jumping separately from aircraft diving
4. Mentorship: Fly under the guidance of experienced BASE jumpers and wingsuiters
5. Scout Norway: Understand the terrain, conditions, and laws before your first jump

Where to Train

• Voss Vind Indoor Skydiving (for body awareness)
• Skydive Voss: Premier Norwegian facility for wingsuit training
• BASE schools in Europe: Many run seasonal training camps near Norwegian jump sites

Safety First: Risks & Precautions

Wingsuit flying has a high risk factor. Here’s how to mitigate it:

Know the Hazards

• Low altitude = limited reaction time
• Proximity flying risks misjudging cliffs or trees
• Sudden weather shifts in fjord regions

Gear Up Properly

• Wingsuit: Tailored to your size and experience
• Helmet: Full-face with altimeter
• GoPro (optional, but check for snag risks)
• GPS tracker for emergency response

Always:

• Scout your exit and landing zones beforehand
• Use local guides or jump groups for beta
• Never jump alone

For safer starts in aerial sports, check out Skydiving in Interlaken: Europe’s Ultimate Freefall Experience.

Community & Events

Ekstremsportveko (Voss)

• Largest extreme sports festival in Scandinavia
• Held every June/July
• Includes wingsuit comps, social jumps, and safety seminars

Online Wingsuit Forums

• Dropzone.com
• BASEjumper.com
• Facebook groups dedicated to Norway’s jump sites

These communities offer trip planning help, equipment swaps, and mentorship opportunities.

Logistics: Planning Your Trip

Where to Stay

• Voss: Hostels, hotels, and campsites near jump sites
• Lysebotn: Remote base for Kjerag with seasonal lodges and boat access

Getting Around

• Rent a car for flexibility
• Ferry services connect fjordside villages

Local Rules

• Norway allows wingsuit BASE in specific areas
• Permits may be required in national parks
• Respect no-jump zones and environmental codes

Real Flight Stories

“Kjerag was everything. You leap, and it’s ocean, sky, and cliffs all around. Unreal.” — Amanda, US

“My first wingsuit jump in Norway made skydiving feel tame. The terrain flies past so fast — you have to be laser-focused.” — Jonas, Sweden

“The peace after landing in the valley, surrounded by waterfalls, was almost spiritual.” — Chi, Singapore

Pair It With Other Adventures

Norway is a goldmine for thrill-seekers:

• Hiking Trolltunga or Besseggen Ridge
• Sea kayaking in Geirangerfjord
• Northern Lights chasing (in winter months)

Want more aerial magic? Visit Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro: Soaring Over Sugarloaf Mountain for a tropical twist.

Responsible Adventure Travel

• Don’t disturb wildlife during takeoffs or landings
• Respect local landowners and trails
• Pack out what you pack in
• Minimise noise and visual impact in small communities

Being extreme shouldn’t mean being irresponsible.

Conclusion: The Sky is Yours

Wingsuit flying in Norway is the very definition of epic. It’s dangerous, demanding, and deeply rewarding — a rare chance to inhabit the space between Earth and sky. The cliffs are unforgiving, the air is cold and clear, and the experience? Nothing short of transformational.

If you’re ready to turn dreams of flight into reality, Norway is your launchpad. Do it right, train well, and fly safe. The fjords are waiting.

Would you take the leap? Share your story, tag your flight crew, or ask us anything about getting started in this wild vertical world.