Annual Balloon Week

The annual Balloon Festival is held at Chateaux D'Oex, which is renowned for its excellent thermals and air streams. It was from here that the Breitling Orbiter commenced its circum navigation of the globe.

The Festival is a week of colourful balloons of all shapes and sizes set against a backdrop of mountains and snowscapes. There are many special events throughout the week; you can enjoy multiple displays of specialised balloons, animations, paragliding demonstrations, hot air chariots i.e. (no wicker basket) or even, if you're brave, book a balloon ride. The whole event is a photographer's paradise!

The week culminates in a soiree during which the balloons are anchored to the hillside and illuminated by blasts of fire from their gas burners. Torchlight skiers stream down the mountainside whilst flare carrying para-gliders swoop over head accompanied by amplified music. In the town the streets are alive with food stalls and vin chaud stands to keep the revellers happy and warm whilst a firework display finalises the event.