The International Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex is a colourful winter festival where hot-air balloons from around the world take off over an Alpine valley, transforming the sky into a vast panorama. It lasts 9 days and, in addition to balloon launches, features competitions, special-shaped balloons, food stalls and a family-friendly programme.

One highlight is “Night Glow” – an evening sound and light show in which balloons (and sometimes paragliders/fire effects) light up to the rhythm of the music.

If you wish, you can even take a flight as a passenger (weather permitting; flights are offered daily during the festival).

Don’t forget the balloon museum. Espace Ballon in Château-d’Oex is an interactive balloon museum where the exhibition “L’invention du vol” brings the history of balloons and human flight to life. Admission includes a 4D “Vol en ballon”, during which you virtually glide over the landscapes of Pays-d’Enhaut through all four seasons.

Arriving early is highly recommended – heavy traffic!