The Espace Ballon in Château-d’Œx, Switzerland, is a unique museum dedicated to the fascinating history and science of hot-air ballooning. Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, this attraction celebrates Château-d’Œx’s reputation as a global hotspot for ballooning, thanks to its ideal climatic conditions for this sport.
Espace Ballon
Tuesday – Sunday 14:00 – 17:00
Ballon festival daily open from 09:30 – 18:00
Closed Monday
Admission fee
Inside the small Espace Ballon in a restored historic building, you’ll find two floors and an attic space dedicated to the history of balloons and flight, from Icarus to the modern day of high altitude and recreational hot air ballooning. Different zones in the space explore different aspects of the science and history.
Following the interactive tour in the museum with the films, clips and interviews takes about two hours. Or you can take your own time. Temporary exhibits are held throughout the year.
Highlights of Espace Ballon:
- Ballooning History:
- The museum traces the origins and evolution of hot-air ballooning, from its invention in the 18th century to its modern applications.
- Special focus is given to Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones’s historic non-stop round-the-world flight in the Breitling Orbiter 3, which started from Château-d’Œx in 1999.
- Château-d’Œx hosts the International Balloon Festival every January, attracting pilots and enthusiasts from around the world. The stunning Alpine backdrop makes it a spectacular event, with dozens of colorful balloons taking to the sky.