Ghent: Hot Air Balloon Tour

Ghent: Hot Air Balloon Tour Review

Flying high above Ghent’s charming, UNESCO-listed cityscape offers a perspective unlike any other. This 3.5-hour experience, priced at $235 per person, promises a one-hour peaceful float with stunning views, a celebratory champagne toast, and personal keepsakes like a flight certificate. It’s an adventure that combines the thrill of ballooning with the beauty of early morning or evening light shimmering over historic architecture.

What we particularly love about this tour is how intimate it feels—only small balloons (2 to 6 passengers) mean you’re not just another seat in a crowded basket. Plus, the experience of catching sunrise or sunset from the sky really elevates the overall magic. One possible consideration is that the timing depends heavily on seasonal daylight hours, so your departure might be quite early or late. This tour is perfect for those seeking a serene, memorable adventure with spectacular views and a touch of elegance.

If you’re someone who appreciates unique perspectives, scenic photography, or simply a peaceful escape into nature’s quiet grandeur, this balloon ride is likely to be right up your alley. It’s less about adrenaline and more about appreciation—ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a distinctive highlight of their trip to Ghent.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Views: Experience Ghent from above during sunrise or sunset for truly stunning scenery.
• Intimate Group Sizes: Small balloons mean a more personal and comfortable experience.
• Expert Pilot: Kenian, with over 900 hours of international flight experience, ensures safety and professionalism.
• Memorable Keepsakes: Receive inflight photos, a flight certificate, and a champagne toast.
• Flexible Scheduling: The tour’s timing adapts seasonally, and you can reserve without immediate payment.
• Weather Dependent: Flights are subject to weather conditions, with options to reschedule or refund.

An In-Depth Look at the Ghent Hot Air Balloon Experience

The Beginning: From Ground to Sky

Your adventure starts with an optional pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Ghent, roughly 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset. The early start—especially for a sunrise flight—means an extra dose of commitment but rewards you with some of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring views of the city waking up or winding down. You’ll usually meet at the Kiss & Ride points, which are convenient and central.

Once at the launch site, you’ll be greeted by your pilot, Kenian, who brings a wealth of experience—over 900 hours in more than 15 countries. His calm, confident manner and thorough safety briefing put even nervous flyers at ease. You’ll learn about the balloon, safety procedures, and what to expect during the flight.

The Flight: Gentle and Scenic

The balloon itself is small, accommodating just 2 to 6 passengers, which means more space and a more intimate atmosphere. As the burner fires up, you’ll feel a gentle warmth, and before long, you’re floating upward. The ascent is smooth, almost imperceptible, giving you time to soak in the views.

Once aloft, the real magic begins. We loved how quietly the balloon moves, almost like floating on a cloud. The skyline of Ghent, with its medieval towers, bridges, and historic rooftops, unfolds beneath you. During the 60-minute flight, you can expect to see the city’s highlights from a perspective most visitors miss—like the intricate layout of the medieval city center, the curves of the waterways, and perhaps even the distant countryside.

Reviewers mention that the views are particularly stunning at sunrise, when the city is bathed in golden light, or at sunset, when the sky paints a palette of warm colors. The experience is often described as peaceful—”the silence of floating above Ghent in the early morning was surreal,” one traveler shared.

Capture the Moment

One of the tour’s highlights is the inflight picture, so you can take home a snapshot of your airborne adventure. It’s a small, thoughtful touch that really enhances the memory. The pictures are taken by the ground crew and serve as a lovely memento.

Celebratory Finish

After about an hour in the air, the pilot guides the balloon to a gentle landing. The celebration continues on the ground with a glass of Champagne—most travelers find this a perfect way to toast their courage and the spectacular views. A small pastry breakfast is also part of the package, adding a cozy, indulgent touch to the experience.

You’ll then be driven back to the launch site or your pickup point, completing this memorable journey. The entire activity, from pickup to return, takes around 3.5 hours, making it a substantial yet comfortable experience.

Why We Think It’s Worth the Price

At $235 per person, this tour offers a lot. The expert pilot’s extensive experience and small-group setting ensure safety and a personal touch. The inclusion of inflight photos, a flight certificate, and Champagne all add value—especially considering the exclusivity of the experience. Many reviews note that the quality of the balloon and the professionalism of the crew set this apart from more generic, mass-tour experiences.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Timing: The departure time varies based on the season, with meet-up about 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset.
• Clothing: Dress comfortably—layered clothing is recommended since it can be cooler at altitude, especially in early mornings.
• Weather: Balloon flights are weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t safe, the flight will be canceled or rescheduled, which travelers appreciate for safety’s sake.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a relaxed, non-rushed atmosphere.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, due to safety restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This hot air balloon tour in Ghent offers a unique, tranquil way to see the city from a perspective few get to enjoy. The combination of stunning early morning or evening views, the intimacy of small balloons, and the professionalism of experienced pilots make it a standout experience. It’s ideal for travelers looking to add a touch of elegance and awe to their visit, or for those wanting a peaceful, scenic escape above the bustling city streets.

While the weather can be a limiting factor, the promise of exceptional views and the personal touches—like photos, a flight certificate, and Champagne—make it well worth considering. If you’re after a memorable, photogenic highlight that balances adventure with comfort, this tour hits the mark.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate serenity and scenic beauty over adrenaline. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic memory, small groups of friends, or solo explorers eager for a quiet, awe-inspiring adventure. If you’re comfortable with early mornings or evenings and want a truly special way to see Ghent, this hot air balloon ride is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

Is the hot air balloon ride suitable for children?
Not for children under 4 years old. The activity requires a certain level of safety and comfort that young children might not meet.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, layered clothes are best, as it can be cooler at altitude. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground during takeoff and landing.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately 3.5 hours from pickup to return, including safety briefings, the flight, and the celebratory toast.

What if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t safe, your flight will be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund or alternative slot.

Does the price include everything?
Yes, it covers the flight, pilot, ground crew, inflight photos, Champagne, pastry breakfast, flight certificate, and pickup if requested.

Can I book now and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot without immediate payment, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Are the balloons large?
No, the balloons are small (2-6 passengers), which creates a more intimate and personal experience.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, the experience is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users for safety reasons.

What is the best time of day to fly?
Typically sunrise or sunset, when the light is most magical and the city is either waking up or winding down.