Hot-air ballooning around the Wilder Kaiser
Between the Kaisergipfel and the Kitzbühel Alps – experience Tyrol from a bird’s-eye view
Anyone wishing to set off on a hot-air balloon ride from the Wilder Kaiser will find several options just a few kilometres from Ellmau. The nearest established operator is based in St. Johann in Tirol – around 11 kilometres from Ellmau. In addition, hot-air balloon rides with flexible launch sites are offered throughout the wider Wilder Kaiser region and in the Kitzbühel Alps.
On many trips, you’ll spend around 75 to 90 minutes in the air. You should allow several hours for the entire experience, including preparation, set-up, the balloon ride, landing and return transport. Depending on the package, this may also include the traditional ‘balloonist’s baptism’, a certificate and return transport to the starting point.
The wind determines where the journey takes you. That’s why the exact launch site is usually decided at short notice, depending on the weather and wind direction. Possible launch sites are located around Ellmau, Söll, St. Johann in Tirol, Kirchberg and Kitzbühel. That’s precisely what makes every balloon ride unique.
Providers & events for hot-air balloon rides nearby
Provider | Price from* | |
|---|---|---|
ballooningtyrol, St. Johann in Tirol | €340 per person | |
ABE / Balloonsportfreunde Tirol aktiv | €340 per person | |
Tirol Adventures | €380 per person | |
Events | ||
| Brixental Balloon Cup – 18–25 September 2027 | €250 per person (event price for an evening cruise) | |
Kaiserwinkl Alpin Ballooning – 16–24 January 2027 | €290 per person |
Brixental Balloon Cup
This is how a hot-air balloon ride works
Even before you take to the skies, the experience begins on the ground. The basket and balloon envelope are prepared; the envelope is first filled with cold air and then inflated using the burner. Some operators allow guests to help with the set-up and take-down.
Then, suddenly, everything goes quiet: the balloon takes off and follows the air currents. Depending on the weather, wind direction and airspace, different routes are taken – there is no precisely predetermined route in ballooning.
As you gain altitude, the view opens up across valleys and mountain peaks. Depending on the launch site and the wind, you may be treated to views of the Wilder Kaiser, the Kitzbühel Alps and the main Alpine ridge.
After landing, the balloon is stowed away by everyone together. With many operators, the ground crew then takes the passengers back to the starting point. Traditionally, the experience often ends with a balloonist’s baptism and a certificate.
How much does a hot-air balloon ride cost in the Wilder Kaiser region?
For a classic hot-air balloon ride in the Kitzbühel Alps, the standard prices currently quoted range from around €340 to €380 per adult. Exclusive flights for two people currently start at around €1,120 to €1,150. Children’s prices and age or height restrictions vary depending on the operator.
The regional hot-air balloon events are particularly attractive: at the Brixental Balloon Cup from 19 to 26 September 2026, passenger flights currently cost €290 in the morning and €250 in the evening.
Things to know before your hot-air balloon ride
Hot-air balloon rides are particularly dependent on the weather. The pilot in charge often only decides the day before whether the flight can go ahead and which launch site to use, based on the current weather and wind conditions. It is therefore worth allowing for some flexibility with your schedule whilst on holiday.
We recommend wearing clothing appropriate for the season and sturdy, flat shoes. The conditions of participation for children vary: some operators have a minimum age requirement, whilst others, for example, require a minimum height of 140 centimetres. Guests should therefore check this information directly with their chosen operator.
Yes, Ellmau is explicitly listed as a possible launch site in the Wilder Kaiser region in one of the regional offers. However, the actual launch site cannot be guaranteed and will be selected depending on wind and weather conditions.
According to my research, the nearest established provider is ballooningtyrol in St. Johann in Tirol. The journey from Ellmau to St. Johann by car is around 11 kilometres, or about 13 minutes.
In the Wilder Kaiser/Kitzbühel Alps region, standard hot-air balloon rides currently cost around €340 to €380 per adult. During regional hot-air balloon events, cheaper passenger flights are sometimes available.
Based on the offers we’ve researched, the flight itself typically takes around 75 to 90 minutes. You should allow about half a day to cover preparation, pre-flight checks, the flight, landing and return transport.
Several regional operators generally offer hot-air balloon rides all year round. However, whether a ride can actually take place always depends on the weather and wind conditions.