What is in common between Cappadocia in Turkey and the Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut region of Switzerland? Hot air balloons! In fact, the small town of Château-d’Oex is the World Alpine Capital of Hot Air Ballooning for more than 40 years! Every year at the end of January the International Balloon Festival brings balloonists from around twenty countries. Here’s what you need to know
Good to know
The bright unique festival runs for 9 days, the program includes flights in a hot-air balloon or a helicopter, an air show, a children’s day, and so much more. More details of the 43rd festival program are linked. The program is weather-dependent, updates on balloon flights are available here.
If flying on a hot air balloon is too cold or too long (approx.3h with all the preps), or simply over your budget, Air-Glaciers helicopters will take you on your first flight in the skies of the Pays-d’Enhaut region! Flights take place above the balloon take-off field throughout the day at weekends.
What to see
Thanks to your entrance ticket, you have access to the festival area and can see the balloons taking off just a few meters away from you! The entrance ticket also includes the entrance to the Espace Ballon, the viewing of the film on the L’Etivaz AOP cheese-making process at the Caves de L’Etivaz and the philatelic exhibition
The “Night Glow”
If you stay overnight, visit a very special event in the Alps – the “Night Glow” show. This sound and light show is the highlight of the International Balloon Festival! Unfortunately, the “Night Glow” show was not part of the 2023 program.
The 2023 Festival souvenir
The festival pin is not just a pin. It gives you access to the event during the 9 days! It also allows you to visit the Espace Ballon, the philatelic exhibition, and to watch the Caves de l’Etivaz film and the FIFAD film screenings at the Cinéma Eden for free. The 2023 pin is on sale at the train station in Château-d’Œx (around CHF 20.00).
Where to eat
During the festival, apart from the overcrowded local restaurants, you can find some stalls with local gourmet cuisine options. Take away or have a snack at the ice bar. A glass of local mulled wine will definitely warm you up after the balloon flight!
How to get there
By car: several car parks are available in the village of Château-d’Œx or follow the festival signs to park. The cost was 1 CHF per hour. Free parking on Sunday.
By train: Leave the train at the “Gare de Château-d’Œx” station. During the festival, holders of valid train tickets for the MOB and TPF rail lines to Château-d’Œx can enjoy a free bowling session at the bowling (open every day from 2 pm).
By bus: via the CarPostal line from the Col des Mosses (stop “Le Petit Pré”).
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