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A hot-air balloon Flight is often the highlight of the day. But there are plenty of outdoor activities in and around Switzerland to make your experience complete. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, water sports or adrenaline, there are many ways to combine your hot-air balloon flight with an outdoor activity, on the same day or over a weekend.
Here are 10 ideas for outdoor activities in Switzerland, easy to combine with a hot-air balloon flight to make the most of your stay.
1. Hiking
Switzerland is renowned for its countless hikes, from family outings to major alpine ascents. Before or after your hot-air balloon Flight, a walk is a great way to extend your contact with nature, and rediscover from another angle the landscapes you’ve seen from the sky.
Our favorite: the Lac de Fully, for an accessible hike with a distinct mountain feel.
2. ATV
For lovers of speed and nature, many ski resorts are transformed into mountain bike trails in summer. It’s a great way to round off a morning of Flight with a more dynamic afternoon, or vice versa.
Our favorite: Jura Bike from Basel to Nyon, a route that offers a wide variety of landscapes and viewpoints.
3. Via ferrata
Looking for thrills in complete safety? Via ferrata allows you to progress along equipped walls, using cables and rungs, while enjoying spectacular views. It’s the perfect complement to a hot-air balloon Flight if you like the heights.
Our favourite: via ferrata du Belvédère in Nax, with impressive panoramic views over the valley.
4. Climbing
Climbing enthusiasts will find numerous natural cliffs in Switzerland, with routes of varying levels. After a gentle experience in the sky, climbing brings you back into direct contact with the rock and terrain.
Our favorite: the Aiguilles de Baulmes, an iconic site for local climbers.
5. Archery
Archery is an activity that demands concentration, calm and precision. It’s a great way to extend the “out of time” moment of a hot-air balloon Flight with a more sedate, but just as immersive activity.
Our favorite: Compagnie des Archers de la Riviera, to discover or perfect your technique in a pleasant setting.
6. Canyoning
Slide, jump, swim and abseil down water-sculpted gorges. Canyoning is a fun, refreshing and thrilling activity. Ideal in summer to complement a morning Flight with an afternoon outing in the water.
Our favourite: the canyon de la Tine, near Gruyères, for an accessible discovery in a spectacular setting.
7. Golf
Between mountains, lakes and forests, Swiss golf courses offer exceptional playing conditions. It’s a calmer activity, perfect for prolonging the day in well-tended surroundings, after the thrill of the Flight.
Our favorite: Golf Club Crans sur Sierre, one of the most famous courses, with a magnificent view of the Alps.
8. Kayak
Paddling along the water’s edge allows you to gently regain your composure after the emotions of Flight. Whether on a lake or a river, kayaking offers an immersive experience at water’s edge, in contrast to the aerial view from a hot-air balloon.
Our favourite: on the Sarine, between Broc and Fribourg, for an accessible descent in an unspoilt natural setting.
9. Tree climbing park
The accrobranche parks allow you to move from tree to tree thanks to bridges, zip lines and fun workshops. It’s a convivial activity, ideal for families or friends, to keep a little dose of height and fun after a hot-air balloon flight.
Our favourite: Parc Aventure du Signal de Bougy, high above Lake Geneva, with several courses for different levels.
10. Stand up paddle
Standing on your board, you glide silently over the water while admiring the surrounding scenery. At sunrise or sunset, paddleboarding offers a gentle, contemplative atmosphere, echoing the tranquility felt in a hot-air balloon.
Our favorite: departure from Neuchâtel, for a peaceful discovery of the lake.
🎈 Compose your ideal day around Flight
These outdoor activities allow you to turn a hot-air balloon flight in Switzerland into a truly complete experience. For example, you can fly early in the morning, then go hiking, canyoning or paddleboarding, or enjoy an activity the day before and keep the flight as the highlight of your stay.
Our teams can recommend ideas to suit your flight location and the season. To find out where our take-off points are located, take a look at our flight regions in Switzerland. And for other program ideas, check out our articles on what to do around Lake Geneva after your flight, or on magical getaways before your flight.
If you haven’t booked yet, check out our different balloon flight packages to choose the experience that’s right for you.
The best outdoor activities to combine with a hot-air balloon flight are those that let you enjoy the scenery at a different pace. Hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata, kayaking, paddling, canyoning or accrobranche. You can discover Switzerland from the air, then on foot, on the water or in the mountains.
Most hot-air balloon flights take place early in the morning or late in the day. So you can easily plan a complementary outdoor activity during the day. Many passengers choose to fly in the morning, then hike, paddle or relax in the afternoon. Others prefer to organize a getaway the day before and keep the Flight as the highlight of their stay.
Yes, many of the outdoor activities mentioned are suitable for families. Hiking, archery, accrobranche (tree climbing), paddle boarding and kayaking are all suitable for children, as long as you choose routes suited to their age and level. More technical activities, such as via ferrata, mountain biking and canyoning, are best reserved for a more athletic clientele.
Yes, depending on your chosen flight region in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities nearby. Around Lake Geneva, in the Pre-Alps, in Gruyère or in the Jura, you’ll always find hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata or water activities within an hour’s drive. Our teams can guide you towards options tailored to your location.
For other ideas for programs around your flight, please see our articles “5 things to do around Lake Geneva after your hot-air balloon flight” and “5 magical escapades in Switzerland before your flight“. They offer more targeted suggestions, to be combined with the outdoor activities presented here.