Hot air balloon Fiesta 2026. Panoramic ascent or a free flight on a hot air balloon above Belogradchik rocks

Give (or treat yourself to) a truly unique Bulgarian experience – a panoramic balloon ascent or a hot air balloon flight above the majestic Belogradchik Rocks!

Imagine the first rays of sunlight illuminating the fascinating rock formations while one of Bulgaria’s most spectacular natural panoramas unfolds beneath you. During the sixth edition of the Belogradchik Balloon Fiesta, you will have the opportunity to soar above the iconic Belogradchik Rocks and enjoy views that are simply beyond words.

The festival will take place from September 19 to September 22, 2026, transforming Belogradchik into a stage for unforgettable emotions, exciting adventures, and breathtaking moments. In addition to balloon flights, you can enrich your stay with a variety of activities, including jeep safaris through the wild countryside, ATV tours, scenic hiking routes, regional wine tastings, adventure picnics, and many more surprises.

Places are limited, so secure yours today!

The experience includes:

• Admission ticket to Belogradchik Balloon Fiesta 2026 (please select the number of participants from the drop-down menu).

• Panoramic balloon ascent or free balloon flight (please select your preferred option from the drop-down menu).

Choose from three types of balloon experiences:

60-Minute Free Flight - The ultimate adventure! Balloons take off among the rock formations and fly above them, carried by the wind. The maximum flight altitude is up to 2,000 meters above sea level.

30-Minute Free Flight - This flight departs from the landing site of the first 60-minute flight. Passengers should arrive at the meadow by 7:30 AM, after which the balloon’s ground crew will transport them by vehicle to the balloon’s landing location, where their flight begins. Return to the festival meadow is expected around 10:00 AM.

10-Minute Panoramic Tethered Ascent - The balloon is secured with ropes, rises up to 77 meters, and then gently descends back to the ground. Ascents are available in the morning from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and in the evening from 7:00 PM onward, depending on demand and weather conditions.

Important Information:

Free Balloon Flights - Balloon take-offs will be organized in stages, in the morning from 7:30 AM and in the evening from approximately 5:30–6:00 PM. Registration on the day of the flight closes 30 minutes before departure to allow participants to be guided to their balloon and observe the entire inflation process before take-off.

Panoramic Tethered Ascents - Weather permitting, panoramic ascents above the Belogradchik Rocks are available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. During the ascent, the balloon is secured with ropes anchored to the rocks above the festival meadow and rises for approximately 7–8 minutes to a height of up to 77 meters, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

Morning ascents are usually possible until 8:00 AM. However, if stronger winds develop later in the day or there are no more participants waiting, the balloon may proceed to a free flight. For this reason, we recommend arriving between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM.

Evening ascents continue as long as there is sufficient interest. At 8:00 PM, a live concert featuring a different band each evening begins.

IMPORTANT: Advance reservation is required for panoramic ascents this year.

Festival location:

The festival takes place in a meadow known as Panairishteto, nestled among the rocks. It can be reached on foot within 4–5 minutes from Belogradchik’s central square via the pathway located to the left of the town-name sign.

Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor conditions. It does not feel colder inside the balloon, as the slightly lower temperature at altitude is compensated by the heat from the burner, sunlight, and the absence of wind inside the basket.

The grass on the launch meadow may be wet from morning dew. You may bring a small bottle of water, but large backpacks are unnecessary. Landings typically take place in open meadows or fields.

Flight Duration and Conditions:

• The flight lasts approximately one hour, but no less than 40 minutes, and is conducted only under suitable weather conditions. If weather conditions do not allow take-off, the organizers will do their best to reschedule your flight to a later available session.
• The maximum flight altitude is up to 2,000 meters above sea level. Balloons do not land at the same location from which they take off, and the flight path depends entirely on the weather and wind conditions at the time of the flight.
• After landing, the crew vehicle usually arrives within 30 to 60 minutes to collect the balloon and transport passengers back to the festival grounds, where they will participate in a traditional celebratory sparkling wine ceremony.
• Please expect the entire experience to take approximately three hours from take-off to completion.
• All passengers are required to sign a declaration upon registration at the organizers’ tent on the day of the flight.
• Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on flights or tethered ascents.

Make the most of your visit to Belogradchik by combining the Balloon Fiesta with one of our other experiences:

• Wine tasting for two or a group of friends at the Danube riverside at Bononia Estate

• Two-night luxury stay at Bononia Estate on the banks of the Danube

• Off-road ATV adventure tour around the Belogradchik Rocks

About the Belogradchik Rocks

The Belogradchik Rocks are one of Bulgaria’s most remarkable natural landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world. These extraordinary rock formations stretch over 30 kilometers and are home to numerous endemic and Balkan-specific plant species, many of which are listed in Bulgaria’s Red Book of endangered species.

The area’s wildlife includes golden eagles, eagle owls, Egyptian vultures, black storks, wolves, wild boars, red deer, roe deer, dormice, and many other species.

While visiting the Belogradchik Rocks, you can also explore Kaleto Fortress, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Bulgaria and a cultural monument of national significance.

Discover the magic of Belogradchik from a perspective few ever experience – floating peacefully above one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural wonders.