Floating high above Hungary’s shimmering Lake Balaton (Balaton) in a hot air balloon is not your typical summer afternoon. From June 30 to July 6, 2025, adventure seekers can take to the skies above Keszthely (Keszthely) and its surroundings, guided by professional pilots to panoramic views from up to 4,921 feet (1,500 meters). The roughly three-hour ballooning program includes transfers, about an hour in the air, a fun certificate ceremony, and even a celebratory toast at the end—for a memory that won’t easily fade.
Fly with the Pros at Balaton (Balaton)
This isn’t just any balloon company. Balaton Ballooning (Balaton Ballooning) is Hungary’s first and only professional hot air balloon company with international credentials, boasting 35 years of experience—and parent companies in Italy and Dubai as well. Their pilots are world-class instructors, each holding a commercial pilot license and having logged more than 8,000 flight hours between them. The staff are not just highly trained but also friendly, ensuring the atmosphere aloft is as enjoyable as the views.
Flights usually take off in the late afternoon (weather permitting) and land around sunset, so the sky is golden as you float over villages, vineyards, and the sparkling lakeshore. Your journey starts with a pick-up at the Hévíz MOL gas station meeting point, or directly from your address in Hévíz (Hévíz) (free transfers for Hévíz guests—just mention it in advance). After the magical hour-long flight, you return to where you started—a smooth, well-managed round trip that fits perfectly into a summer evening.
Want to catch the sunrise, too? Balloon rides are also available on weekend mornings, perfect for those who prefer the early light.
What to Expect and How to Prepare
You don’t need to be an extreme sports enthusiast to enjoy a hot air balloon ride—but a bit of practical preparation helps. Dress comfortably: sporty, preferably cotton clothing is best. Sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, and a T-shirt cover the basics; a light jacket or pullover is a good idea in spring or autumn. Even in summer, a cap can come in handy against the sun or heat from the flames. The whole adventure, including transfers, lasts about three hours, so plan accordingly and don’t leave your camera or phone behind! You’ll want to capture the bird’s-eye view of Hungary’s largest lake and the rolling countryside far below.
Be ready at the agreed pick-up point (or in your hotel lobby, not your room—don’t make the drivers search for you). Patience is advised: traffic or last-minute weather changes may mean drivers are a bit late. The direction and length of your flight depend on the wind, and the area you’ll cross depends entirely on the weather. But that’s part of the fun—ballooning is all about going where the wind takes you.
Restrictions and Booking Info
Not everyone should hop into the balloon: Pregnant women beyond the third month, children under 6 years old (and children 6–12 years old without adult supervision), as well as people recovering from serious surgery or fractures in the past 6 months, or those with chronic neck or spinal issues, should skip this adventure for safety reasons.
You can check current availability easily online—and bookings are accepted exclusively through their website with just a few clicks. Major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) and local payment options are accepted. The price includes full passenger insurance, so you can worry less and focus on the view.
Where to Stay: Sleep and Feast After You Soar
After an epic flight, relaxation is easy to find around Keszthely (Keszthely) and the northern shore of Lake Balaton (Balaton). The newly renovated Helikon Hotel (Hotel Helikon), with its four-star superior rating and 176 fully updated rooms, offers a spacious wellness section, fitness center, and fun programs for families. Or choose the Abbázia Club Hotel (Abbázia Club Hotel), conveniently located halfway between the lakeshore and Festetics Castle (Festetics Kastély), with spacious, homey apartments for families both large and small.
Don’t miss the area’s charming bed & breakfasts, such as those nestled in parks just a short walk from the beach and yachting marina, or the romantic Andrea Villa (Andrea Villa) with its private garden and pool right next to the Festetics Castle Museum (Festetics Kastély Múzeum). There are options for every style: peaceful family apartments near Libás Beach (Libás strand), urban luxury hotels, or country houses with panoramic views of Hévíz (Hévíz) and wellness spas for total relaxation.
Eat, Drink, and Celebrate in Style
On dry land, Keszthely’s (Keszthely) top restaurants await with Hungarian and international favorites made from locally sourced ingredients. The Helikon Hotel (Hotel Helikon) restaurant offers buffet breakfasts, à la carte lunches, and lakefront dinners. For wine lovers, visit local wineries or sample an impressive selection from small artisan cellars and modern producers—all celebrated in the area’s iconic Wine Museum (Bormúzeum), which houses over a thousand pieces of historic winemaking equipment.
Looking for nightlife? Settle into a classic pub with pizzas, Hungarian specialties, cocktails, and local wines, or enjoy a cozy meal with castle views from the Bárkonyha terrace (Bárkonyha terasz). The downtown scene offers tapas bars, bistros, and relaxed burger-and-billiard joints for every traveler. Even classic French-style guesthouses (panziós) serve up garden-side feasts year-round. Whether you fly, eat, or simply enjoy Lake Balaton’s sunsets, this corner of Hungary offers an experience you’ll never forget.
