Kamianets-Podilskyi is a beautiful historical city set on the banks of the Smotrych River in western Ukraine, Khmelnytska Oblast. The city's first mention dates back to 1062, when it was a town of the Kievan Rus state. Today, Kamianets still boasts a well-preserved Old Town and a medieval castle with several original towers and a bridge. No wonder the city is renowned as one of the seven wonders of Ukraine and a pearl of the Podillia region. You can explore its rich architectural heritage at any time of year. Yet, hot air balloon festivals provide a unique chance to capture the city's multiple historical monuments from the skies.
Kamianets balloon festivals
In May, you can visit the international folk championship of hot air balloons Podillia Cup, which used to be part of the May Days Festival in Kamianets-Podilskyi. The flights take place right in the city's historical heart—above the renowned Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle. Another ballooning event, Aerostatic Fiesta "Golden Omega," is usually held in late September or early October. For more information, please get in touch with the organizers—the official website and Facebook are noted in the External Resources below. What's more, you can also book a balloon ride outside of the festive season. If you don't fear extreme winds, you might even opt for the winter adventure and observe the snow-capped fortress from above.
History of ballooning in Kamianets
The first hot air ballooning fiesta took place in Kamianets-Podilskyi in May of 1998 during the annual City Day Celebration. But the local history of flying is much older. In fact, Kamianets-Polilskyi was among the debutants in ballooning: the first aerostat was launched in the air in Paris back in 1783, whereas a colorful balloon ascended over Kamianets already in 1784.
