Ghent: Hot Air Balloon Tour

Imagine floating gently above one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities at dawn or dusk, with the city’s rooftops, canals, and historic sights stretching out beneath you. That’s exactly what a hot air balloon ride over Ghent promises. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the detailed descriptions, reviews, and itinerary paint a compelling picture of an experience that’s both visually stunning and uniquely tranquil.

Two standout features caught our attention: the breathtaking views of Ghent from above and the personalized touch with small balloons and a memorable champagne toast. However, a possible consideration is the weather dependency—bad weather can cancel flights, so flexibility is a must. This tour suits travelers who cherish authentic, scenic experiences and aren’t afraid of an early start or the unpredictability of weather.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving an unforgettable way to see Ghent, this tour offers a high-value mix of adventure, tranquility, and local flavor. It’s particularly ideal for those who love stunning vistas, gentle adventures, and memorable souvenirs.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: Soar over Ghent’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, gaining a new appreciation of the city’s beauty.
• Personal Experience: Small balloons (2-6 passengers) ensure an intimate, less crowded flight.
• Expert Guidance: Piloted by Kenian, with over 900 hours of experience across 15 countries, promising safety and professionalism.
• Authentic Touches: Inflight picture, Champagne toast, and a flight certificate make this a keepsake-worthy adventure.
• Weather Flexibility: The tour can be canceled if weather conditions aren’t safe, but options for rescheduling or refunds are provided.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups enhance the personal feel, with a maximum of 8 participants, ideal for those seeking a more private experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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

The Introduction and Atmosphere

This hot air balloon tour begins in the early morning or evening around sunset, depending on the time of year. The experience starts with an option for pickup from your hotel or a nearby point—making logistics easier and allowing you to focus on the anticipation. Meeting about 30 minutes before sunrise (or sunset), you’re greeted by your pilot, Kenian, whose 900+ hours of experience across numerous countries assure a safe and smooth flight.

What immediately stands out is the personal approach: small balloons mean fewer passengers, which contributes to a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Once at the launch site, a concise safety briefing sets you at ease, and then you’re ready to climb into the basket for your ascent.

The Flight: a Quiet, Majestic Drift

As you gently lift off, you’ll notice the calmness of floating, coupled with the thrill of being high above Ghent. We loved how the views from above reveal details often hidden from street level—ornate rooftops, winding canals, and lush green parks. Depending on the season and weather, the sunrise or sunset provides a stunning display of changing colors, casting a warm glow over the city.

A typical flight lasts about an hour, which is ample time to take photos, marvel at the scenery, and enjoy the sensation of weightlessness. The reviews mention “stunning views of the historic city centre,” which are especially striking in the early morning light, when the city wakes gently beneath you.

The Authentic Touches: Champagne & Souvenirs

After landing, the celebration begins with a Champagne toast, a tradition that adds to the festivity and sense of achievement. You’ll also receive a personal flight certificate—a tangible reminder of your adventure—and an inflight picture to capture the moment. These small but meaningful details significantly enhance the overall experience and make it more memorable.

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The Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Bring

For $235 per person, you get a full 3.5-hour experience, including transportation (if needed), safety briefing, flight, Champagne, a pastry breakfast, and a personalized certificate. The inclusion of ground crew and insurance adds peace of mind, while the small group size ensures personalized attention.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera (for those jaw-dropping panoramic shots), and binoculars if you want a closer look at specific sights. The experience is wheelchair-unfriendly and not suitable for children under 4 or pregnant women—important considerations for families or expectant mothers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Pick-up: You’ll be collected from a designated location in Ghent.
• Flight: About 1 hour floating above Ghent’s UNESCO-listed cityscape.
• Drop-off: Return to your starting point or a nearby pickup location.

The actual timing of the launch depends on the season, but you’ll receive detailed flight info a day prior via WhatsApp or email, which helps with planning your day in Ghent.

Weather and Flexibility

A key point is weather dependency—if conditions aren’t safe, the flight is canceled, and you get the choice to reschedule or get a full refund. This emphasizes the importance of flexibility and patience, especially if you’re visiting during seasons with unpredictable weather.

The Experience Provider: Dekein Ballonvaarten

This family-run company prides itself on quality and personal service. Their pilot’s extensive experience across multiple countries ensures your safety, which is reassuring for first-timers or nervous flyers. The small group setup and meticulous safety measures underscore a commitment to a genuine, high-quality experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Adventure seekers who enjoy gentle, scenic activities will find this balloon ride a highlight of their trip. It’s perfect for couples celebrating something special, small groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a unique perspective on Ghent. It’s also a superb choice for anyone interested in authentic, memorable experiences rather than commercialized tours.

However, if you’re looking for a last-minute, weather-dependent activity or aren’t comfortable with early mornings or cancellations, this might not be your best fit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?

At $235, this experience isn’t cheap, but it offers a high level of intimacy, professionalism, and breathtaking views that justify the cost. The combination of a personalized flight, quality service, and the chance to see Ghent from a rare vantage point makes it a worthwhile splurge for those who value authentic and memorable travel moments.

The panoramic vistas and the serenity of floating above a historic city make this a highlight for many travelers. Plus, the inclusion of a flight certificate and photos turns your adventure into a keepsake you’ll cherish long after returning home.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hot air balloon ride is best suited for adventurous travelers who appreciate the quiet thrill of floating above a city, as well as those seeking an authentic experience that’s both scenic and intimate. It’s ideal if you want a break from busy sightseeing, offering instead a contemplative, awe-inspiring perspective of Ghent’s beauty.

Travelers with a flexible schedule, patience for weather-related cancellations, and a love of small-group, high-quality excursions will find this tour well worth the investment.

FAQs

What is the duration of the entire experience?
The whole activity lasts around 3.5 hours, including pickup, safety briefing, flight, celebration, and return.

How long is the actual hot air balloon flight?
The flight itself lasts approximately 1 hour, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos.

Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, if weather conditions prevent safe flight, your booking can be transferred to another slot or fully refunded.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and binoculars if desired. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for the weather conditions.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, children under 4 years old and pregnant women are not permitted for safety reasons.

What does the tour include?
It includes the 1-hour flight, experienced pilot, ground crew, inflight picture, Champagne toast, flight certificate, non-alcoholic drinks, pastry breakfast, and pickup/drop-off.

How many people will be in the balloon?
Small balloons accommodate 2-6 passengers, ensuring a personal, less crowded experience.

In The Sum Up

A hot air balloon ride over Ghent offers a rare chance to see this charming Belgian city from a peaceful, panoramic perspective. The combination of expert guidance, intimate group sizes, and breathtaking vistas makes it a standout activity for travelers seeking something truly memorable. It’s a gentle adventure—perfect for those who love scenic beauty, authentic moments, and a touch of luxury in their travels.

This experience is especially suited for those craving a quiet, awe-inspiring view of Ghent’s historic streets and waterways. Make sure to plan around the weather and early mornings, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sights in Belgium. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique way to experience Ghent, this balloon tour promises to elevate your trip—literally.

You can check availability for your dates here: