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Ballooning at the Wilder Kaiser

Between the Kaisergipfel and the Kitzbühel Alps—Experience Tyrol from a bird's-eye view

Those looking to embark on a balloon flight from the Wilder Kaiser region will find several opportunities just a few kilometers from Ellmau. The closest established provider is located in St. Johann in Tirol, about11 kilometers from Ellmau. Additionally, balloon flights with flexible starting points are offered throughout the greater Wilder Kaiser area and the Kitzbühel Alps.
Many flights have you in the air for about 75 to 90 minutes. You should plan several hours for the entire experience, including preparation, assembling the balloon, the flight, landing, and return transport. Depending on the offer, the traditional balloonist baptism, a certificate, and transport back to the starting point may also be included.

The wind determines where the journey goes. Therefore, the exact starting point is usually decided at short notice depending on the weather and wind direction. Possible starting areas include locations around Ellmau, Söll, St. Johann in Tirol, Kirchberg, and Kitzbühel. This element of unpredictability makes each balloon flight unique.

Providers & Events for Balloon Rides nearby

Provider

Price from*

ballooningtyrol, St. Johann in Tirol

€ 340 p.P.

view offer

ABE / Ballonsportfreunde Tirol aktiv

€ 340 p.P.

Request a Balloon Ride

Tirol Adventures

€ 380 p.P.

View offer

Events

Brixental Ballon Cup - 19.-26. September 2026

€ 250 p.P. (Eventpreis für eine Abendfahrt)

Event entdecken

Kaiserwinkl Alpin Ballooning - 16.-24. Januar 2027

€ 290 p.P.

Event entdecken

*Stand 2026 - Änderungen vorbehalten
Balloncup Brixental

Balloncup Brixental

Here's how a Balloon ride works

Even before taking to the skies, the experience begins on the ground. The basket and balloon envelope are prepared; the envelope is initially filled with cold air and then raised with the burner. With some providers, guests are allowed to help with the setup and takedown.

Then it suddenly becomes very quiet: The balloon lifts off and follows the air currents. Depending on the weather, wind direction, and airspace, different routes emerge – there is no precisely predetermined path when ballooning.

As you ascend, the view opens up to reveal valleys and peaks. Depending on your starting point and the wind, you may get perspectives of the Wilder Kaiser, the Kitzbühel Alps, and the main ridge of the Alps.

After landing, the balloon is secured together. With many offers, the ground crew then brings the passengers back to the starting point. Traditionally, the experience often ends with a balloonist baptism and a certificate.
Ballonfahren im Tannheimer Tal_Felgenhauer Marco
Tannheim_TVB Tannheimer Tal_Meurer Anna_Tannheim (1)
Tannheim_TVB Tannheimer Tal_Meurer Anna_Tannheim
Gnadenwald, RadWM_Tirol Werbung_Jüttner Simon_Gnadenwald

How much does a hot-air balloon ride cost at the Wilder Kaiser?

For a classic balloon ride in the Kitzbühel Alps, the current researched regular prices are around €340 to €380 per adult. Exclusive rides for two people currently start at around €1,120 to €1,150. Prices for children and age or size restrictions vary depending on the provider.
Regional balloon events are particularly attractive: During the Brixental Balloon Cup from September19th to26th,2026, passenger rides currently cost €290 in the morning and €250 in the evening.

Things to know before your Balloon Ride

Balloon rides are particularly weather-dependent. Whether a flight can take place and which launch site will be used is often decided by the responsible pilot only the day before, based on the current weather and wind conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to plan for some flexibility during your vacation.
Season-appropriate clothing and sturdy, flat footwear are recommended. Participation requirements for children vary: some offerings have a minimum age, while others, for example, require a minimum height of140 centimeters. Guests should therefore check this information directly with the chosen provider.

Ja, Ellmau wird bei einem der regionalen Angebote ausdrücklich als möglicher Startort im Großraum Wilder Kaiser geführt. Der tatsächliche Startplatz kann allerdings nicht garantiert werden und wird abhängig von Wind und Wetter ausgewählt.

Der nächstgelegene feste Anbieter meiner Recherche ist ballooningtyrol in St. Johann in Tirol. Von Ellmau nach St. Johann sind es mit dem Auto rund 11 Kilometer beziehungsweise etwa 13 Minuten.

Im Raum Wilder Kaiser/Kitzbüheler Alpen kosten reguläre Ballonfahrten derzeit ungefähr € 340 bis € 380 pro erwachsener Person. Während regionaler Ballonveranstaltungen sind teilweise günstigere Passagierfahrten erhältlich.

Die reine Fahrt dauert bei den recherchierten Angeboten typischerweise rund 75 bis 90 Minuten. Für Vorbereitung, Aufrüsten, Fahrt, Landung und Rücktransport sollte ungefähr ein halber Tag eingeplant werden.

Mehrere regionale Anbieter bieten Ballonfahrten grundsätzlich ganzjährig an. Ob eine Fahrt tatsächlich stattfinden kann, hängt jedoch immer von Wetter und Wind ab.