Festival International de Ballons de Château-d’Oex (International Hot Air Balloon Festival) is one of the world’s most picturesque aerostatic festivals, held each January in the alpine village of Château-d’Oex, Switzerland. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the festival brings together around 100 hot-air balloons from over 20 countries, filling the sky with a kaleidoscope of color above the Vaud Alps. Highlights include ballooning competitions, night glows, paragliding shows, and family events, all set against the stunning winter scenery. The village’s calm mountain air and ideal microclimate make it a perfect base for ballooning—a tradition dating back over 40 years. Blending adventure, artistry, and Alpine charm, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival is a truly breathtaking winter spectacle.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Château-d’Oex or a Swiss Alps route—we’ll plan balloon launches & shows, smart weather windows & vantage points, optional passenger flights, and a walkable stay near the launch field.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 24 January–1 February 2026 (Saturday–Sunday) — see Official site.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — check the official Program for daily schedules (inflations, competitions, Night Glow).
LOCATION
• Château-d’Œx, Vaud (Pays-d’Enhaut) — festival grounds by the village; organiser contact address: Place du Village 6, 1660 Château-d’Œx — Open in Google Maps.
• Access & parking guidance published on the official Access page.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Festival entry: weekends CHF 10 (16+); Monday–Friday free; 9‑day pin CHF 25 — tickets sold on site — see Tariffs.
• Passenger flights (bookable on site/with organiser): adult CHF 350 · child (≥1.25 m) CHF 210 · private basket (max 3) CHF 1600 — details on Tariffs.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Public transport strongly recommended: GoldenPass / MOB trains serve Château-d’Œx hourly — plan via the official MOB journey planner · more routes via TPF · TPC.
• Festival info, site map and practical FAQs (including children’s day and captive flights) are on the Official site · Access page.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Switzerland route that includes the Château-d’Oex Balloon Festival at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.