A festival like in a fairy tale

Every year in the first weeks of January, the sky above the Dolomites fills with numerous colorful hot air balloons that float silently around, drifting with the wind. Whether colorfully decorated, covered with brand advertising, or shapely, each balloon enchants in its own unique way. The occasion for this breathtaking spectacle is the Dolomiti Balloonfestival, which actually takes place in often freezing cold weather.

Dolomiti Balloon Festival
Pustertalerstr. 15, 39034 Dobbiaco, South Tyrol, Italy
Web: balloonfestival.it
Tel.: +39 0474 972132
Period: annually in January
Price: upon request

The balloons come in all shapes and shine in the most beautiful colors. © Dolomiti Balloonfestival

The small village of Dobbiaco, located in the middle of Val Pusteria, literally shines as the capital of hot air balloons during the nine days of the festival and invites young and old to take a very personal ride up into the airy heights. More than 30 teams, including experienced and award-winning balloonists, offer rides for everyone at the Dolomiti Balloonfestival. 

Reading Tip: The beauty of the Dolomites

Exciting competitions

In addition to the hot air balloon flights for guests, there are also races between the individual teams. One of the most popular throphys awarded during Balloonweek is the one for the "long-distance flight", i.e. the greatest distance (as the crow flies) covered by a balloon at once. In recent years, almost unbelievable records have been set in this competition. Balloons are said to have traveled as far as Munich, Venice or Slovenia, for example.

Quite a few visitors arrive in the freezing cold. © Dolomiti Balloonfestival

The best hotels for the Balloon Festival

Only 10 minutes by car from Dobbiaco lies the market town of San Candido, which is the hub for many vacationers in summer and winter. Therefore, a whole range of top hotels have settled here. If you don't want to miss the Dolomiti Balloon Festival 2024, you should find out about accommodations early on. These two hotels are a great place to unwind after a day in the air:

Post Hotel Innichen

The sauna area invigorates mind and soul © Alex Filz

Post Hotel Innichen
Via dei Benedettini 10/C, 39038 San Candido, South Tyrol, Italy
Web: posthotel.it
Tel.: +39 0474 913133
Price: 3 nights from €350

Green Hotel Leitlhof

The heated outdoor pool is a great place to take a few laps. © provided

Green Hotel Leitlhof
Pustertaler Street 29, 39038 San Candido, South Tyrol, Italy
Web: leitlhof.com
Tel.: +39 0474 913440
Price: Upon request

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