International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex is world-famous. Each January around 100 balloonists gather in the picturesque town of Château-d’Oex in Canton Vaud, with the wintery landscape of the snowy rolling hills, mountains, lakes and valleys as the spectacular backdrop.

International Hot Air Balloon Festival, also known simply as “Balloon Week”, not only includes balloon rides that are open to the public, but also a night-time show and some special activities for kids.

History of hot air balloons in Château-d’Oex

Château-d’Oex has been dubbed the Swiss hot air balloon capital! This is partly thanks to the favourable weather in the region in January. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival has been taking place there since 1979. The first-ever hot air balloon to circumnavigate the earth took off from Château-d’Oex in 1999 on a balloon called the Breitling Orbiter.

Plan your visit to International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex

Get your passenger tickets to jump aboard a hot air balloon! For many, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, or a chance to surprise somebody for a very special occasion.  For those longing to take their first flight in a balloon, Château-d’Oex is the place!

Check out the Château-d’Oex visitor website for more information on tickets and timetables. Each ticket bought on Saturday or Sunday mornings allows you to participate in a giveaway raffle, and the prizes include two hot air balloon flights and two helicopter rides.

While in Chateau D'Oex, it’s worth checking out the museum dedicated to hot air balloons! Not only that but there are also heritage sites of national significance, such as the Mesolithic dwelling and the village of L'Étivaz.