Indoor Skydiving at FlyStation Munich: A Flyer’s Honest Review
When a friend first dragged me to FlyStation Munich, I expected a tourist gimmick – two minutes of floating, a selfie, done. Instead, I discovered a sport that has fundamentally changed how I move through the air, whether I’m kitesurfing, skydiving, or just training body awareness. I’ve been back over 20 times now, and I’m writing this because it genuinely deserves the spotlight.
What is FlyStation Munich?
FlyStation is a vertical wind tunnel in Aschheim, just outside Munich. A massive turbine generates an airflow of up to 280 km/h inside a glass flight chamber that’s 4.3 metres in diameter – spacious enough for acrobatic manoeuvres. You float on the air column in a body position similar to skydiving freefall, but in a completely controlled, safe environment. No plane, no parachute, no altitude.
First-Timer Experience
For beginners, sessions start with a briefing and some basic hand signals (since you can’t hear anything inside). Your instructor stands in the tunnel with you, holding your suit and guiding your body position. Most people can fly stable (belly-down, arms out) within the first minute. A typical first-timer package includes 2 flights of 2 minutes each – which sounds short but feels like an eternity when you’re concentrating that hard.
Why I Keep Coming Back
After mastering belly flying, the progression is incredible. I’m now working on back flying, sit flying, and transitions. The coaches at FlyStation are patient, skilled, and genuinely invested in your progress. My regular coach, Max, has competition experience and breaks down complex movements into simple steps. Every session, I learn something new.
The cross-training effect is massive. Since I started tunnel flying, my body awareness during kitesurfing jumps has improved dramatically. I instinctively know how to shift my weight, extend my limbs, and stay stable in the air. When I did my first tandem skydive last autumn, the instructor was surprised at how stable I was in freefall – and I owe that entirely to tunnel time.
Practical Details
Pricing: First-flight packages start around 60 EUR for 2×2 minutes. Regular flyers can buy block time at better rates – 10 minutes for about 200 EUR. Compared to actual skydiving (where a 60-second freefall costs 250+ EUR), the value is exceptional.
Booking: Weekends fill up fast. I prefer Tuesday or Wednesday evenings – shorter queues, more relaxed atmosphere. You can book online, and they’re great about rescheduling if needed.
Gear: Everything is provided – flight suit, helmet, goggles, earplugs. Just show up in comfortable clothes and trainers.
Getting There: FlyStation is in Aschheim, about 15 minutes from Munich city centre by car. There’s parking on-site. By public transport, take the S2 to Riem and then bus 263.
Who Is It For?
Everyone. I’ve seen 5-year-olds and 70-year-olds flying. It’s a fantastic birthday activity, a perfect rainy-day plan, and a serious training tool for skydivers, base jumpers, and aerial sports athletes. The viewing area is great for spectators – watching someone fly for the first time is genuinely entertaining.
My Verdict
FlyStation Munich has become a fixed part of my training routine. The facility is modern, the staff is outstanding, and the progression possibilities keep me motivated. Whether you’re looking for a one-time thrill or a new sport to obsess over – this is it. Just be warned: after your first flight, you’ll want to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need any experience to try indoor skydiving?
None at all. FlyStation welcomes complete beginners from age 4 and up. The briefing covers everything you need to know, and your instructor stays with you in the tunnel throughout the entire flight. Most people fly stable within the first 30 seconds.
Is indoor skydiving physically demanding?
The first sessions are surprisingly tiring – you’re engaging core muscles, shoulders, and legs to maintain position. It’s similar intensity to a plank workout. After a few sessions, you learn to relax and let the airflow do the work. I’d recommend stretching beforehand, especially your lower back and hip flexors.
How does indoor skydiving compare to real skydiving?
The body position and aerodynamics are virtually identical. Indoor skydiving actually offers more flight time per session (2-4 minutes vs. 60 seconds of freefall) and lets you practice techniques repeatedly. Many professional skydivers use wind tunnels as their primary training tool. The main difference: you miss the exit, the altitude views, and the canopy ride.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Indoor Skydiving Freestyle (CC BY-SA 4.0)