Unique visual staging: "Night of the Balloons" 2026 in Gosau
Why visit the "Night of the Balloons"?
Visit the "Night of the Balloons" in Gosau for the colorful and unique spectacle where hundreds of hot air balloons light up the wintry landscape and offer a breathtaking spectacle that is rounded off with music and culinary delights. It is the highlight of the Gosau Balloon Week and an unforgettable experience for the whole family. And now more about the evening event...
Gosau turns on the "light bulbs"
When the balloonists meet in the Gosau Valley in mid-January for the traditional Alpentrophy, the traditional "Gosau Balloon Week", the "Night of the Balloons" is an absolute "Place to be". Because at dusk, during the so-called "balloon glow", the balloons are started up, ready for use and by operating the burner filled with hot air and inflated. The balloon's envelope is illuminated from inside by the flame of the burner, so that the balloon begins to "glow", also called "Night Glowing" by many balloon lovers. The result is a lighting effect that illuminates the surroundings, and so the mighty "sky-stormers" resemble giant light bulbs.
A feast for the senses!
When the colourful "lightbulbs" are used as musical instruments in the style of a water organ, it is the visitors who get warm hearts, despite the frosty temperatures in the Gosau Valley. However, not only the coloured sky conquerors, but also the numerous tasty "warm makers" and culinary delights from the kitchen of the Salzkammergut. A true feast for the eyes and palate, which is rounded off by a colourful fireworks display. An absolute feast for the senses!
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"Night of the ballons" Gosau
Enjoy a gentle tour
The winter in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut has many facets - also a very tranquil one. As a nature lover, you can enjoy the snowy winter landscape around Lake Hallstatt and Gosau Valley at its most romantic. Many prepared winter hiking trails invite you to relax, marvel and enjoy the snow-covered landscape. The smooth, soft crunching of the snow, the wintry silence and the magnificent winter scenery all have magical power. Numerous winter trails are even located right on the doorstep of your hosts and together with the thermal spa offerings they make a perfect combination for a great winter vacation around Lake Hallstatt. See you in Austria!
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Book now the great adventure!
"Fly over" deep snow covered woods and fields, rivers and lakes and enjoy the soothing view of the wintry romantic Salzkammergut. Book your dream winter now during the Balloon Week on your holiday in Gosau and the Gosau Valley.
Event tips from the im-salzkammergut.at editors
Balloon Week Gosau 2026
Sun, Jan. 18, 2026 09:00 — 16:00 Gosau, Gosau
Your accommodation for this event
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.