Extreme Day Trips From Heathrow Airport
Top 10 Extreme Day Trips You Can Fly to from Heathrow Airport
If you’re craving an adrenaline rush and have just one day to spare, Heathrow Airport is your gateway to some of the world’s most extreme experiences. With direct flights to major adventure hubs across Europe, you can leave in the morning, push your limits with an exhilarating activity, and return by night. From skydiving over the Swiss Alps to volcano trekking in Iceland, here are the top 10 extreme day trips you can fly to from Heathrow Airport.
1. Skydiving Over the Swiss Alps (Interlaken, Switzerland)
Flight time from Heathrow: 1h 40m to Zurich + 2h train to Interlaken
One of the most breathtaking skydives in the world, this experience lets you free-fall from 14,000 feet over the Swiss Alps. Enjoy unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and deep valleys before landing in the adventure capital of Interlaken.
- Best For: Thrill-seekers who want the ultimate skydive
- Where: Skydive Switzerland, Interlaken
- How to Get There: Fly to Zurich, take a scenic 2-hour train to Interlaken
2. Ice Caving & Glacier Climbing (Reykjavik, Iceland)
Flight time from Heathrow: 3h 10m
Fly to Iceland in the morning and head straight to Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Explore surreal crystal-blue ice caves, then climb towering glacial walls using crampons and ice axes. It’s one of the most extreme and visually stunning experiences you can have in a day.
- Best For: Ice adventurers and photographers
- Where: Vatnajökull Glacier, Reykjavik
- How to Get There: Fly to Reykjavik and take a 45-minute transfer
3. Base Jumping Off Kjerag Cliff (Stavanger, Norway)
Flight time from Heathrow: 2h
If regular skydiving isn’t enough, try BASE jumping off Kjerag, one of the world’s most famous extreme cliffs. The 1,000-metre drop over Norway’s fjords offers one of the most daring jumps on the planet. If you’re not a BASE jumper, you can still take on the Kjeragbolten hike, which involves standing on a boulder wedged between two cliffs over a 3,200ft drop.
- Best For: Experienced BASE jumpers or extreme hikers
- Where: Kjerag, Norway
- How to Get There: Fly to Stavanger, then a 2-hour drive
Photo: Kjearg base jumping
4. Shark Cage Diving (Gansbaai, South Africa)
Flight time from Heathrow: 11h to Cape Town – Overnight Option Recommended
For the most extreme shark diving experience, head to Gansbaai, the Great White Shark capital of the world. You’ll descend into the ocean in a reinforced steel cage as great whites circle just feet away. While a return within 24 hours is possible, an overnight stay is advisable.
- Best For: Daredevils fascinated by marine predators
- Where: Gansbaai, South Africa
- How to Get There: Fly to Cape Town, then a 2-hour drive
5. Paragliding Over the French Riviera (Nice, France)
Flight time from Heathrow: 1h 50m
For a mix of beauty and adrenaline, try paragliding over the stunning cliffs of the French Riviera. Take off from the mountains near Nice and soar over the Mediterranean Sea, with panoramic views of the coastline, the Alps, and luxurious villas below.
- Best For: Those who want a thrilling yet scenic experience
- Where: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, near Nice
- How to Get There: Fly to Nice and take a short 30-minute drive
6. Bobsleighing at an Olympic Track (Lillehammer, Norway)
Flight time from Heathrow: 2h to Oslo + 2h train to Lillehammer
For a winter adrenaline rush, ride a real Olympic bobsleigh at 120 km/h on the Lillehammer track, used in the 1994 Winter Olympics. You’ll feel the intense G-forces as you speed through icy tunnels in one of the most extreme sports out there.
- Best For: Winter sports enthusiasts and speed lovers
- Where: Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh Track
- How to Get There: Fly to Oslo, then take a 2-hour train
7. Volcano Trekking & Lava Caving (Mount Etna, Italy)
Flight time from Heathrow: 3h 10m
For an earth-shaking experience, hike up Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. After reaching the crater, descend into lava tubes, where molten rock once flowed. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness volcanic activity up close.
- Best For: Adventurers fascinated by natural forces
- Where: Mount Etna, Sicily
- How to Get There: Fly to Catania, then a 1-hour drive
8. Extreme White Water Rafting (Interlaken, Switzerland)
Flight time from Heathrow: 1h 40m to Zurich + 2h train to Interlaken
The Lütschine River offers some of Europe’s wildest white-water rafting. Battle Grade IV+ rapids as you speed down the glacier-fed river with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop. This is an intense, high-energy activity for those who love rough waters.
- Best For: White-water rafting enthusiasts
- Where: Lütschine River, Switzerland
- How to Get There: Fly to Zurich, then take a 2-hour train to Interlaken
9. Wingsuit Flying Over the Italian Dolomites (Venice, Italy)
Flight time from Heathrow: 2h 10m to Venice + 2h drive
If you’re an experienced skydiver, why not take it to the next level? The Dolomites offer some of the best wingsuit flying locations in the world, where you can soar over jagged cliffs at speeds of over 160 mph. For beginners, tandem skydives are also available.
- Best For: Experienced skydivers and base jumpers
- Where: Dolomites, Italy
- How to Get There: Fly to Venice, then a 2-hour drive
10. Fly a Fighter Jet (Riga, Latvia)
Flight time from Heathrow: 2h 30m
Take the ultimate aviation challenge by flying in a real L-39 Albatros fighter jet. With an experienced pilot, you’ll perform aerobatic manoeuvres, including loops, rolls, and high-speed turns, experiencing G-forces like a real fighter pilot.
- Best For: Those who dream of being a pilot
- Where: Riga, Latvia
- How to Get There: Fly to Riga, short transfer to the airbase
