Warsteiner Internationale Montgolfiade (WIM) is Europe’s biggest hot-air balloon festival. Hosted by Warsteiner Brewery in Warstein, it draws almost 160,000 visitors each year. The sky over the town erupts with hundreds of vibrant balloons of all shapes and sizes, truly a magnificent sight.
Schedule
Since the festival unfolds over the whole week, the schedule is packed with activities, flight demonstrations, and, of course, balloon launches. During most of the week, the balloon show kicks off early in the morning at 6:30 am, lasts till noon, and then resumes soon after sunset at 5:30 pm. This way, it’s not too windy, and you can make the most of your ride.
You will also be able to observe the serene town of Warstein from bird's point of view in jaw-dropping helicopter tours. Their scheduled time differs by the day, but it usually takes place from 11 am or 2:30 pm. Another prominent feature of the festival is the Night Glow, a spectacular display of lit hot-air balloons in the dark. This extravaganza, followed by magnificent pyrotechnic show, takes place on Wednesday and both Fridays and Saturdays of the fair.
Opening Day (September 5, 2025)
The schedule for the opening day of the event differs from the rest of the program. On September 5th, the show kicks off at 2:30 pm with helicopter sightseeing flights and continues into paragliding demonstrations. The opening ceremony begins at 6 pm and is followed by the first balloon launch of the festival. At 7:30 pm, you'll have a chance to dance your heart out to jazzy music. The most-anticipated highlights of the day are the balloon glow at 10 pm, dotting the night canopy of the Warstein sky, and the celebratory firework display afterward.
Entertainment
There are also many entertainment options besides flying in a hot-air balloon and observing the ballooning. You can enjoy a bustling fair, a wide array of booths from different vendors, a kite show, a drink of German beer during a concert, a long-distance race, paragliding flights, and tons of family-friendly fun. This packed program is mostly scheduled to take place after 2 pm to fit between the balloon shows, so plan your time accordingly.
Admission & Cost
Admission to the Warsteiner Montgolfiade Balloon Festival is completely free! Although some activities and amenities are subject to a fee, such as parking and balloon rides, you can enjoy the rest of the show without spending a dime. Parking near the venue costs €7 per vehicle.
WIM VIP Club
If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, feel free to book the VIP "Happy Ballooning" club pass, which gives you access to an exclusive tent and viewing terrace, a buffet, and an abundance of drinks. You'll also be able to book a helicopter tour in advance, instead of a walk-up reservation.
Location in Warstein
All the festivities take place at the dedicated venue, Warsteiner Internationale Montgolfiade at Am Hillenberg in Warstein. To get to the venue in time, plan your travel accordingly because the traffic increases during the weekends.
Weather
One thing you should remember when planning for WIM is the weather—it changes all the time, modifying the festival’s schedule. All the ballooning launches, helicopter flights, and kite shows will only take place if the weather conditions are favorable. The directions of the balloon flights also completely depend on the wind.
