International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex 2025, Switzerland

The International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex is a captivating nine-day event that celebrates the artistry and adventure of hot-air ballooning. Set in the picturesque Alpine village of Château-d’Oex, Switzerland, this festival draws thousands of visitors each year. With its stunning scenery and vibrant display of hot-air balloons, it's an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Activities and Highlights

A key feature of the festival is the spectacular sight of 60 hot-air balloons from over 15 countries soaring above the snow-covered Alps. As organizers highlight, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, from competitive ballooning events to passenger flights offering breathtaking views of iconic peaks such as Mont Blanc, the Jungfrau, and the Matterhorn.

One of the most anticipated attractions is the "night glow" show, where tethered balloons are illuminated against the dark mountain backdrop. Other activities include demonstrations by paragliders and skydivers, and families can enjoy tethered balloon rides and special children’s events. Private balloon flights are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience.

Program and Schedule

The festival offers daily activities from morning to evening. Passenger balloon flights are scheduled at 9:30 am and 3 pm, subject to weather conditions. Each flight lasts approximately 40 minutes, with a total experience of three hours, including preparation and return transportation.

A full program detailing daily events and special highlights is typically released in the autumn before the festival. For 2025, organizers are expected to announce the program closer to the event date.

Prices

Admission prices for the festival vary by day. Entry is free from Monday to Friday. On weekends, tickets are 10 Swiss Francs (CHF). For those planning to attend all nine days, a festival pass with a commemorative pin is available for CHF 25.

For balloon flights, adults (aged 16 and above) can experience the thrill for CHF 350, while children (with a minimum height of 1.25m) can join in for CHF 210. For a more exclusive experience, private flights for up to three people are available at CHF 1,600. Additional activities include tethered flights for children aged 5 to 12, priced at CHF 10, providing fun for the younger attendees.

Location and Accessibility

The festival takes place in Château-d’Oex, a village in the canton of Vaud, accessible by train, bus, or car. The GoldenPass panoramic train line connects Château-d’Oex to Montreux, Zweisimmen, and Interlaken, offering scenic views of the region. Public transport is recommended to avoid traffic, and parking is available near the festival site for CHF 1 per hour.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond the festival, visitors can explore the surrounding Pays-d’Enhaut region, renowned for its natural beauty and traditional Swiss charm. Attractions include the L’Etivaz AOP cheese-making caves and the nearby Espace Ballon museum, which delves into the history of ballooning.

History

The International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex began in February 1979, organized by the Tourist Office with Hans Bücker and featuring 12 balloons from five countries. It gained prominence with events like the 4th World Hot-Air Ballooning Championship in 1994, attended by Roger Moore, and the record-breaking 1999 round-the-world flight of the Breitling Orbiter III. Despite challenges, such as the 2010 overcast weather, the festival continued to thrive, including notable flights and extensive participation. By 2023, it had become a premier event, drawing thousands of visitors annually.