Château-d’Oex is a municipality in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. Located in the Swiss Alps, it is a famous ski resort. No wonder that the International Hot Air Balloon Festival of Château-d’Oex takes place at the height of the ski season. Hot air balloons floating against snow-covered mountains and blue sky are a sight to behold, and lots of people come to Château-d’Oex to see them even if they are not interested in skiing.
The inaugural hot air balloon festival in Château-d’Oex, then known as the International Week of Montgolfiers, was held in January 1979. It featured 12 hot air balloons from 4 countries. Since its inception, the festival has grown to become one of the biggest hot air balloon events in Europe and one of Switzerland’s most popular festivals.
The Château-d’Oex Hot Air Balloon Festival is held over two weekends with special events on some weekdays. Its program includes hot air balloon races and launches, paragliding displays, special events for children, hot air balloon rides, tethered flights, helicopter tours, spectacular night glow, fireworks displays, and more. Balloon flights are not included in the admission price and should be booked in advance.
The festival features about 100 balloons, including special shape balloons, and brings together pilots from some 20 countries. A special highlight of the International Hot Air Balloon Festival is Night Glow, a late-night show featuring about 20 tethered balloons with their burners lit, paragliders and members of Swiss Ski School. This is an unforgettable performance you don’t want to miss!
Festival attendees also have an opportunity to visit the Balloon Museum for no additional fee to learn about the history of hot air ballooning. The museum is housed in the historic building of the former Town Hall, located right in the center of the village. There’s an area dedicated to practical questions and fun activities related to ballooning, as well as a gift shop.
Photo: Daniel Gasser
