פֿאַרעפֿנטלעכט: 03.06.2015
Ever thought of admiring South Tyrol and the Dolomites from above? Well, airplane is an option, but you won't see much due to the high speed and altitude, even if you can enjoy it. The secret is: ballooning in the Dolomites.
Since 2003, ballooning in the Dolomites has been possible, more precisely in the Dolomites in the High Puster Valley, where the world famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo are located. In early January, the village of Toblach is dedicated to the Dolomiti Balloon Festival. Over 30 balloon teams take off here every day to offer their passengers the most beautiful and breathtaking panorama, namely the view of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites and its villages.
Ballooning in the Dolomites (Dolomiti Balloon Festival) was the idea of Toblach's host Alexander Strobl, who runs the Hotel Rosengarten in Toblach. From there he organizes this unique event annually, giving guests and locals a picture of the Dolomites in the High Puster Valley that is beyond superlative.
The price of such a hot air balloon ride might be daunting for some, as ballooning in the Dolomites costs a whopping 230 euros. However, it can also be seen differently when considering all the experiences offered in such a ride. Ballooning in the Dolomites starts daily at 10am in Toblach on a meadow. From there, the giants take off along with their passengers. If there are strong winds, such a flight must be postponed, as there could be risks. But if the weather and winds are good, there is nothing stopping ballooning in the Dolomites. For about 2-3 hours, the villages and mountains of the High Puster Valley are adorned with colors. This is not only a great experience for the passengers, but also for those who can admire the beauty of these panoramas from the villages. A truly enchanting image of the Dolomites in the High Puster Valley.
The Dolomiti Balloon Festival opens annually with the Nacht der Ballone (Night of the Balloons) at the Grand Hotel in Toblach. One of the highlights of this evening is undoubtedly the balloon glow, where some of the hot air balloons participating in ballooning in the Dolomites are lit up with music. This, of course, in rhythm, if successful and well rehearsed by the balloon teams.
Innichen also hosts a smaller version of balloon glow in the center every year. Of course, not with the monster balloons like in Toblach, but only with the model balloons.
On the evening of this event, the balloon teams gather as part of the Schneeskulpturen Festival (Snow Sculpture Festival) in Innichen and give a small impression of ballooning in the Dolomites.
Romance, adventure and pure enjoyment in ballooning in the Dolomites. If you want to admire the mountains and villages of the High Puster Valley from above, there is hardly a better way to do it than in a balloon ride at the Dolomiti Balloon Festival in Toblach. One could say, the perfect moment to propose to your loved one or perhaps the perfect birthday or Christmas present?! Everyone has to decide for themselves. What an adventure to float over the villages of Toblach and Innichen, incredible but true. But not only in the balloon itself is this event spectacular, but also just the view from below up to the hot air balloons. I myself had the opportunity to experience this adventure once in a balloon flight with pilot Alberto Pasin from Niederdorf and I was amazed by this great atmosphere and tranquility.