Vilnius is one of the few European capitals where balloon flights over the city are permitted. Sunrise and sunset departures are offered by several local companies and are cancelled in wind or rain, so book several days ahead and keep the schedule flexible.
A hot-air balloon flight over Vilnius, Lithuania, is one of the more unusual ways to see the capital, and Vilnius is one of the few European capitals where balloon flights over the city are permitted. Flights lift off from a launch field chosen on the day according to the wind direction, with the operator giving the meeting point and transfer details when the flight is booked. The balloon then drifts with the wind, so the route is never fixed: depending on conditions passengers may see the Old Town rooftops and church spires, the Neris river, the Gediminas Tower on its hill, and the surrounding forests and lakes. The whole experience usually takes three to four hours including assembly, launch, about one hour in the air, landing and recovery, and the distance covered is wind-dependent, typically 10 to 20 km. Ballooning is a passive activity and requires no athletic skill. Passengers need to be able to stand for the duration of the flight, climb into the basket, which has fairly high sides, and brace for a landing that can be firm. Minimum age and height limits are set by each operator, and flights are generally not recommended for people with serious back or mobility problems or for those who are pregnant. Equipment and the balloon itself are supplied by the operator. Passengers bring closed, flat shoes, a warm layer for the early morning when it is cooler at launch, and a camera with a wrist strap. Hats are advisable because the burners radiate heat overhead. Reputable operators fly with licensed pilots under Lithuanian aviation rules and give a pre-flight safety briefing covering the landing position, holding the grab handles and following the pilot's instructions. A chase crew follows the balloon by road and meets it at the landing site, which serves as the recovery and evacuation plan. Sunrise and sunset flights between May and September offer the calmest air and the best light. Flights are cancelled in strong wind, rain, low cloud or poor visibility, and cancellations on the day are common enough that visitors should book several days ahead, keep the schedule flexible and ask about rebooking or refund terms at the time of purchase. Prices are about €150 to €250 per person.
| Price | About €150-250 (~$173-288) per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours including launch and recovery (about 1 hour in the air) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May-September (sunrise and sunset flights) |
| Address | Launch field varies with wind; the operator gives the launch point on booking, Vilnius, Lithuania |
Activity facts
- Where
- Vilnius and surroundings
Equipment
- Closed shoes
- Warm layer for the early morning
- Camera with a wrist strap
Location
Launch field varies with wind; the operator gives the launch point on booking, Vilnius, Lithuania
54.6872, 25.2797 View on map
Highlights
- Drifting over the Old Town, the Neris river and the surrounding forests
- Sunrise or sunset departures between May and September
- About one hour in the air within a three to four hour experience
- Rare chance to fly over a European capital
Tips for visiting
- Book several days ahead and keep a spare day, since wind and rain cancel many flights.
- Ask about the rebooking or refund policy for weather cancellations before paying.
- Wear closed flat shoes and a warm layer; early morning launches are cool.
- Bring a camera with a wrist strap and a hat for the burner heat.
- Expect a firm landing and follow the pilot's instructions on the landing position.
When to visit
May to September at sunrise or sunset, when winds are lightest and the light is best.
Accessibility
The basket has high sides and landings can be bumpy, so the activity is generally unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with significant mobility limits. Ask the operator about its policy before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the balloon take off?
The launch field varies with the wind. The operator gives the meeting point and transfer details when the flight is booked.
How long is the flight?
The whole experience takes three to four hours, with about one hour in the air. The remainder covers assembly, launch, landing and recovery.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are cancelled in strong wind, rain or poor visibility. Passengers are normally offered another date, so confirm the policy when booking.
Is it suitable for children or people with mobility limits?
Age and height limits are set by each operator. Passengers must be able to climb into the basket and stand throughout, so mobility limits may rule it out.