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Night flight in a hot-air balloon: experience the sunrise from the basket
Take off in the middle of the night, float over the sleepy French-speaking part of Switzerland, then watch daybreak from the basket. A night flight in a hot-air balloon is nothing like a simple first flight. It’s a rare and intense experience, designed for those who want to experience the sunrise as it’s seen only once in a lifetime.
This article explains how a night balloon flight works, what to expect and how to prepare before booking your night flight with Ballons du Léman.
What is a Night flight in a hot-air balloon?
A night flight in a hot-air balloon begins in the dark, well before dawn. You arrive at the take-off site while the sky is still black and the surrounding villages are lit only by street lamps. The team prepares the balloon under the spotlight, while you watch the envelope inflate in a calm, almost unreal atmosphere.
Once the basket is ready, the pilot invites you aboard. A few burner flames later, the balloon gently leaves the ground. Here you are, in the middle of a night flight in a hot-air balloon, carried by the winds, with the whole of French-speaking Switzerland still asleep beneath your feet.
A starry sky… then the spectacle of sunrise
The first few minutes are spent in almost total silence. The night sky surrounds you, the stars are still visible and the lakes can be seen in the moonlight. Villages appear as islands of light, roads as golden threads. In this soothing darkness, landmarks gradually disappear. We’re no longer sure where the sky begins and the earth ends; we’re content to enjoy the moment.
Then, slowly, the show begins. A timid glimmer appears on the horizon. Shades of black and blue give way to purples, pinks and oranges. In just a few minutes, the sunrise completely transforms the landscape. Peaks, valleys and lakes are revealed. The light warms the basket and brightens the faces. Seen from a night flight in a hot-air balloon, this sunrise is anything but ordinary. It’s a powerful moment, often described as one of the most beautiful of the Flight.
Once the sun has risen above the line of the mountains, the balloon continues its journey for a while longer before beginning its descent to a landing site chosen by the pilot. The magic of the Night flight comes to an end, but the images linger long in the memory.
What can you expect on the morning of your flight?
- An early wake-up call: meeting times depend on the season, but a night flight in a hot-air balloon means getting up early. Expect to arrive several hours before sunrise.
- Cool temperatures: even in summer, it can get cold before dawn, especially at higher altitudes. Bring layers of clothing and a warm jacket.
- A longer experience than flying alone: between briefing, inflation, flight, landing and return, count on several hours on site.
- Exceptional light for photos: the transition from night to dawn to sunrise offers ideal conditions for images, provided you secure your camera or smartphone.
For more practical details (duration, conditions, minimum age, weather), see our Practical info page and our Frequently asked questions about hot-air balloon flights.
How to prepare for a night flight in a hot-air balloon?
A night flight in a hot-air balloon requires a little more anticipation than a traditional flight. Good preparation makes the experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Appropriate clothing: dress as you would for a morning hike in French-speaking Switzerland: closed shoes, comfortable pants, several layers and a warm jacket. Avoid sandals, heels and light clothing.
- Managing fatigue: try to go to bed early the night before. It can be a rude awakening, but the experience is well worth it once the balloon takes off.
- Useful accessories: hat or headband depending on the season, thin gloves, goggles, external battery for your phone, and possibly a small snack.
- Weather and flexibility: as with any hot-air balloon flight, weather remains the key factor. A postponement is sometimes necessary to guarantee safety and comfort.
Who is the Night flight for?
Night flights in a hot-air balloon are for those who want a more intense experience than a traditional flight. It is particularly suitable for :
- For couples looking for a truly unique moment to share.
- For photography and light enthusiasts.
- For those who have already flown during the day and would like to discover another facet of hot-air ballooning.
As with all our flights, certain health or mobility conditions may require prior consultation. In case of doubt, our team is available to guide you towards the most suitable package.
Book your Night flight in a hot-air balloon in Switzerland
A night flight in a hot-air balloon is a rare experience, depending on weather conditions and the time of year. We recommend that you reserve your place in advance and remain flexible on dates to take advantage of the best possible conditions.
Find all the information, availability and prices on the page dedicated to our Night flight in a hot-air balloon. Here you can book your flight or give the experience as a gift voucher.
FAQ – Night flight in a hot-air balloon
A night flight in a hot-air balloon begins before dawn, in the dark, and continues until sunrise. You take off while Switzerland is still asleep, enjoy the starlit sky, the illuminated villages and finish the experience by admiring the sunrise from the basket.
The flight portion usually lasts about an hour and a half, slightly longer than a standard flight. Counting briefing, inflation, landing and return, however, you should allow several hours on site to fully enjoy the experience.
Temperatures can be cool before sunrise, depending on the season. We recommend that you dress as you would for a morning hike. Closed shoes, several layers of clothing, warm jacket and possibly a hat and gloves.
A Night flight in a hot-air balloon is suitable for adults and teenagers in good physical condition, able to stand upright for the duration of the flight. If in doubt, or if you have any special requirements, please contact us before booking to check whether this option is right for you.
You can book directly online on our Night flight page. In the event of bad weather, the Flight can be postponed to another date to guarantee your safety and comfort.