Hot air balloon Fiesta 2024. Panoramic ascent or a free flight on a hot air balloon above Belogradchik rocks. 20.09-23.09

Welcome to a unique experience for Bulgaria - a panoramic ascent or a balloon flight over the unique Belogradchik rocks! During the fourth edition of the "Balloon Fiesta Belogradchik"  you will be able to enjoy unique "bird's eye" views of one of the most mystical and beautiful places in Bulgaria. The festival will be held on 3 consecutive days from 20.09 to 23.09, and on the spot you will be able to add to your adventure more activities such as: jeep safari, ATV rides, walking tours, wine tasting from the region and more. The event is organized to celebrate Bulgaria Independence Day and will offer entertainment and unforgettable views for the visitors! Places are limited, so hurry and reserve yours!

The experience includes:

• A ticket for the Balloon fiesta: please choose people and whether you want ascent or a flight from the drop-down menu

Please read:

• Free flights: Balloons will take off within specific slots in the morning from 7:30am and in the evening from 5:30-6:00 pm. Please note that check-in on the day of the flight closes half an hour earlier so you can go to your balloon and witness the whole process of inflating it until it is ready for take off.

• Panoramic ascents: In the morning from 7:00 a.m. and in the evening after 6:00 p.m., when the weather permits, you will have the opportunity to take part in a panoramic ascent with a hot air balloon over the Belogradchik rocks. During the ascent, the balloon is tied with ropes to the rocks above the clearing, rising in 7-8 minutes to a height of 77 meters with a magnificent view of the rocks. Usually in the morning, it is possible to do an ascent until 9:00 a.m., but if the wind gets stronger as the day progresses or the ascents are finished earlier, the balloon takes off. Therefore, we recommend that you be there by 7:00-7:30. In the evening, the ascents continue as long as there are customers, and at 8:00 p.m. a concert by a different band begins every night. For the panoramic ascents, boarding the balloon takes place in the order of arrival on the designated spot and registration at the tent.

• The festival is located at a spot between the rocks called Panairishteto, which can be reached on foot in 4-5 minutes from the square of Belogradchik along the alley to the left of the letters with the name of the city. Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for the temperature outside. It does not get colder in the balloon because the slightly lower temperature at altitude is compensated by the heat of the burner, the sun and the lack of wind in the basket. It is possible that the grass in the clearing from which we take off is wet from the morning dew. You can take some water with you, but you don't need to carry big backpacks. The balloons usually land on a green meadow or in a field.

• There are 6 scheduled flight sessions, as follows: 20.09 evening, 21.09 morning, 21.09 evening, 22.09 morning, 22.09 evening and 23.09 morning.

• The flight lasts about an hour, but not less than 40 minutes, and is dependent on weather conditions. If the weather does not allow take-off, the organizers will try to move you to one of the next flight sessions. The maximum flying height will be up to 2000m above sea level.

• Within 30-60 minutes after the balloon lands, the crew vehicle will arrive to collect the balloon and drive you back to the festival lawn where you will participate in a sparkling wine ritual. The whole adventure lasts about 3 hours from the time the balloon takes off.

• All passengers sign a declaration at check-in on the day of the flight at the organizers' tent.

• Children under the age of 6 are not allowed on flights and ascents.

Idea:

Combine Balloon Fiesta 2024 with one of our other experiences:

• Wine tasting for two or for friends on the Danube bank at Bononia Estate
• Luxury stay at for two at Bononia Estate
• Offroad ATV near Belogradchik rocks. 

The Belogradchik rocks are a unique natural phenomenon that attracts both Bulgarians and foreigners! The bizarre rock formations stretch for 30 km and are home to many endemic and Balkan-specific plant species recorded in the Bulgarian Red Book. The animal world is represented by a golden eagle, an owl, a small vulture, a black stork, a wolf, a boar, a red deer, a roe deer, a sleepy owl and others.

By visiting the Belogradchik rocks, you will also be able see "Kaleto" fortress. It is one of the best preserved fortresses in the country and a cultural monument of national importance.