From January 10th: International Balloon Weeks In Filzmoos
In January, the sky above Filzmoos in SalzburgerLand will once again be transformed into a colorful backdrop: From January 10 to 24, 2026, over 50 teams from more than 15 nations will gather for the traditional International Hot Air Balloon Weeks. In addition to competition flights, the program includes panoramic and passenger flights, allowing the public to experience the winter mountain landscape from a unique perspective. Weather and wind conditions permitting, crossings of the Alps as far as Grado in Italy are also possible.
Filzmoos, known as the "Balloon Village of the Alps," enjoys international renown due to its unique location between the Bischofsmütze and Dachstein mountains. The low thermal activity in winter makes the mountain village one of the most attractive launch sites in the Alps. "For decades, Filzmoos has been considered the premier destination for balloonists from all over the world. Especially during the winter months, we offer ideal conditions for balloon flights," explains Peter Donabauer, head of tourism in Filzmoos. "Even for experienced pilots, a flight at around 3,000 meters altitude along the mountain giants has a very special appeal."
Guests and locals alike can participate and book a hot air balloon ride lasting approximately two hours (from €298 per person). Bookings and all information can be found at: www.filzmoos.at/ballon
The International Balloon Weeks kick off with the Night of the Balloons.
The opening event of the International Balloon Weeks, and the colorful highlight of one of the world's oldest and largest balloon festivals, is the romantic balloon glow during the Night of the Balloons on Saturday, January 10th. The children's and family program begins at 4 p.m. in the village square, and the hot air balloons will be assembled at the Hammerwiese, the Filzmoos Balloon Air-Field, starting at 6 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the preparation and launch of the balloons up close. From 7 p.m. onwards, DJ LuLightner will provide the musical entertainment for the thousands of guests. Later in the evening, guests can expect a mesmerizing balloon glow with dancing balloons bathing the night sky in warm colors. The evening concludes with a musical fireworks display at 8 p.m.
Filzmoos will host the Gas Balloon World Championship at the end of August.
Aeronautics enthusiasts should definitely mark this date on their calendars: The legendary Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the Gas Balloon World Championship, will launch in the balloon village of Filzmoos at the end of August 2026. From August 27th to September 5th, 2026, the Salzburg mountain village will become the international center of ballooning. Since its inception in 1906, the World Championship in long-distance gas ballooning has been considered the most prestigious ballooning event, attracting the best balloonists from around the world year after year. The competition is named after the American aviation enthusiast and publisher of the New York Herald, James Gordon Bennett. The launch of the 2026 Gas Balloon World Championship on Friday, August 28th, 2026, will be celebrated in the balloon village of Filzmoos with the first Summer Night of Balloons, an airshow, live performances, Alpine cuisine, and much more.
The program of the International Hot Air Balloon Weeks in Filzmoos:
Children's and family program at Ballon Airfield Filzmoos, Saturday, January 10th, from 4 pm
Night of the Balloons with balloon glow and musical fireworks at Hammerwiese Filzmoos, Saturday, January 10th, from 6 pm
17th Hanneshof Balloon Trophy from January 10th to 17th (Austria's largest balloon meeting)
47th International Balloon Week Filzmoos from January 17th to 24th (Austria's oldest balloon meeting)
The competition flights start daily from Sunday to Friday at 8 a.m. from the Filzmoos balloon airfield (Hammerwiese, opposite Café-Restaurant La Vie).
All information and booking options for special "Balloon & Ski" packages including accommodation and ski pass can be found at: www.filzmoos.at/ballon
