Soaring over snow

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Each February, as the crisp Alpine air settles over the Tegernsee Valley and the mountains don their finest coats of white, a spectacle of colour and wonder ascends into the winter sky. The Tegernseer Tal Montgolfiade marks its 25th anniversary in 2026, promising to transform the serene Bavarian landscape into a living canvas of hot air balloons, music, and jubilant celebration between 1 and 8 February.

It is early February. Frost glistens on the lakeside promenade in Bad Wiessee, while the sun rises shyly behind the snow-capped peaks. Suddenly, a flurry of brilliant hues and bold shapes lifts gracefully above the valley: the first balloons of the Tegernseer Tal Montgolfiade taking flight. For one week, from 1 to 8 February 2026, the sky becomes a stage as colourful hot air balloons drift serenely over the wintry scene below. The festival’s silver jubilee promises not only a celebration of its storied past, but also a renewed invitation for travellers to experience the magic that has made it one of Bavaria’s most beloved winter events.

Wallberg mountain. Photo: Der Tegernsee, Dietmar Denger

The story of the Montgolfiade

The Montgolfiade’s journey began in the late 1990s, spearheaded by Peter Rie, then head of the Tourist-Information Bad Wiessee. The vision? To bring warmth, excitement, and a burst of colour to the valley’s quieter months. In partnership with local organisations and ballooning enthusiasts, the inaugural event in 2001 set a new tradition: a winter festival where hot air balloons would take centre stage, offering not just jaw-dropping views but also a much-needed boost to the off-season tourism.

Fast forward 25 years, and the Montgolfiade stands as a testament to the power of a bold idea realised at just the right moment. Having grown from a regional gathering into one of the best-known balloon festivals in Bavaria, it attracts pilots and spectators from across Europe. The event has become an emblem of the Tegernsee Valley, uniting generation after generation. “The Montgolfiade is a wonderful example of how a courageous idea has become a true flagship for our region, radiating both tradition and adventure,” reflects Christian Kausch, managing director of Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH. “25 years on, its unique atmosphere still captivates all who attend.”

Photo: Der Tegernsee, Sabine Ziegler-Musiol

A perspective like no other

To witness or partake in a hot air balloon ride during the Montgolfiade is to discover the valley anew. Each morning, dependent on weather and wind, a fleet of around 25 balloons with their seasoned crews prepares for flight. Start sites vary, including the lakeside promenade in Bad Wiessee, Sonnenbichl, Oswaldwiese, the Birkenmoos in Rottach-Egern, and the airfield in Warngau. The final choice is left to pilots and meteorologists during the daily briefing, ensuring that each flight is both safe and spectacular.

As the baskets rise, passengers are treated to panoramic vistas: diamond-bright snow, forests in winter slumber, and the shimmering surface of Lake Tegernsee. The silence is punctuated only by the occasional whoosh of the burners, as the world below becomes a patchwork quilt. “Watching the balloons ascend in unison never loses its magic,” says Peter Rie. For many, the real gift is a new outlook – both literal and metaphorical – on a landscape they thought they knew.

The complete experience lasts about three hours, including preparation, take-off, and the gentle return journey. Actual flying time averages 75 minutes, a dreamlike interval suspended between earth and sky. Tickets are in high demand, and early booking is recommended. At €280 per person, it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with places selling out well in advance each year.

Photo: Der Tegernsee, Thomas Müller

Traditions old and new

The Montgolfiade is more than just ballooning; it is a festival with a rich calendar of ground-based activities that invite everyone to join the celebration. Visitors strolling along the lakeside promenade will find gourmet food stalls courtesy of Gastronomie Blümer, perfect for warming up with local delicacies and a mug of hot chocolate. For those with a love of detail, model balloons offer a charming miniature version of the airborne action, displayed on 1, 7, and 8 February from midday (weather permitting).

The festival’s musical and cultural offerings are equally enticing. On both Sundays, traditional performers – the Schäffler dancers and the Gmunder Seegeister – bring Bavarian folklore to life with lively routines and colourful costumes. Thursday 5 February sees the much-anticipated Fuchsjagd (fox hunt), a classic ballooning competition where pilots vie for precision and glory. On Saturday, Hotel Zur Post hosts a night of revelry: the Ballooners’ Party fills its garden with music, food, and laughter, moving indoors if the weather turns. These moments offer a chance to mingle with pilots and locals alike, soaking in the festival’s singular sense of camaraderie.

Photo: Der Tegernsee, Hansi Heckmair

No anniversary would be complete without a spectacle, and on Friday 6 February, the Sonnenbichl becomes the scene of the Ballonglühen (Balloon Glow). As dusk gives way to night, burners ignite in time with music, illuminating the balloon envelopes in a display of glowing colour. The atmosphere is electric, with live performances from rock band Merged and percussionists Bateria Z keeping spirits high well into the evening. Food trucks, grilling stations, and a lively bar ensure no one goes hungry or thirsty. As a grand finale, a dazzling fire show paints the sky, making memories for young and old alike.

At the heart of the Montgolfiade are the organisers, volunteers, and pilots who pour months of preparation into ensuring each edition is both safe and spectacular. For Peter Rie, the event’s original architect and its steady guide for 25 years, the legacy is personal. “It’s about community, about bringing people together in a spirit of wonder,” Rie explains. Each year brings new challenges – unpredictable weather, logistics, ever-rising expectations – but the core remains unchanged: a shared joy in seeing the valley from above, and in opening that experience to visitors from around the world.

As the Montgolfiade celebrates its 25th year, it stands as a symbol of the Tegernsee Valley’s enduring spirit: bold, colourful, and open-hearted. For seasoned balloonists and first-time visitors alike, the festival offers a chance to step outside the ordinary, whether soaring above the mountains or marvelling from below.

Photo: Der Tegernsee, Sabine Ziegler-Musiol

Practical tips

- Planning ahead is key!
- Flights typically begin around 10am each morning, but actual launch sites and times are weather dependent (updates available on www.tegernsee.com/montgolfiade).
- Given the popularity and limited number of balloon seats, booking early (via www.tegernsee.bayern) is essential.
- Dress warmly in layered clothing, sturdy footwear, and do not forget your camera.

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