If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Lithuania, a hot air balloon ride should be at the very top of your list. While Vilnius is famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and Trakai for its stunning island castle, seeing these places from hundreds of meters above the ground offers a completely different perspective!
Hot air balloons over Vilnius (picture by Go Vilnius)
Recently, I had the chance to experience a hot air balloon flight over Trakai with a local company called Hot AirLines. It turned out to be one of the most memorable adventures I've had in years! Whether you're visiting Lithuania for the first time or looking for a unique activity close to home, here's why a hot air balloon ride over Vilnius or Trakai is absolutely worth considering.
A Short History of Hot Air Ballooning
The history of hot air ballooning dates back to 1783, when the Montgolfier brothers launched the world's first successful manned hot air balloon flight in France. At the time, the idea of humans floating through the sky seemed almost magical.
Over the centuries, ballooning evolved from a scientific curiosity into a popular recreational activity enjoyed all over the world. Lithuania has a particularly strong connection with hot air balloons and is often considered one of the best places in Europe to experience ballooning. Lithuania has even the largest proportion of hot air balloons and licensed pilots per capita in the world! For many years, Vilnius was famous as one of the few capital cities where hot air balloons could regularly fly directly over the city center.
Today, ballooning remains one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to enjoy Lithuania's landscapes, castles, forests, and lakes.
View over lakes in Trakai from a hot air balloon (picture by Milda Vilnius with Locals)
Why Don't We See Hot Air Balloons Over Vilnius as Often Anymore?
Many locals are surprised to see that hot air balloon flights over Vilnius have become less common than they once were.
The main reason is aviation regulations and increasing air traffic around Vilnius Airport. As the airport has grown and flight frequencies have increased, balloon operators have faced more restrictions regarding when and where flights can take place.
As a result, many companies now organize a large number of their flights over Trakai instead. This has actually created a fantastic alternative for visitors. Trakai offers breathtaking scenery, fewer airspace restrictions, and a landscape that seems almost designed for hot air ballooning.
Flying above Trakai means enjoying panoramic views of lakes, forests, islands, and of course the famous Trakai Island Castle – one of Lithuania's most iconic landmarks.
What Happens Before the Flight?
If the flight takes place over Trakai, passengers are usually picked up in Vilnius and transferred to the launch site (30min ride). Once you arrive, you can watch the fascinating preparation process unfold.
Preparation for hot air balloon ride (picture by Milda Vilnius with Locals)
The entire setup takes around 15 minutes. During this time, the crew unloads the balloon, lays out the enormous fabric envelope, and gradually fills it with air. Watching the balloon slowly come to life is an experience in itself.
One of the advantages of flying over Trakai is the beautiful setting. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and open landscapes, you can relax, take photos, chat with the crew, or simply enjoy watching the preparations.
Waiting for the ride in the beautiful field (picture by Milda Vilnius with Locals)
There is something almost theatrical about seeing a giant balloon rise from the ground and transform into a fully functioning aircraft. Before takeoff, passengers receive a safety briefing covering the basic rules, as well as what to expect during the flight and landing.
The Flight: Peaceful, Scenic, and Surprisingly Relaxing
The flight itself typically lasts around 45 - 50 minutes, although the exact duration depends largely on weather conditions and wind speed.
During my flight, we were incredibly lucky. There was almost no wind, which meant we could spend plenty of time enjoying the spectacular views around Trakai Castle. The conditions were so calm that it felt as though we were simply floating in place.
Flying above Trakai castle (picture by Milda Vilnius with Locals)
Many passengers imagine a hot air balloon ride might feel scary or unstable. In reality, it was the opposite. The balloon moves very slowly and smoothly with the wind, so there is almost no sensation of movement.
At no point did we fly higher than approximately 800 meters. Even at that altitude, the experience felt completely safe and controlled. Passengers are securely positioned inside the basket, and the pilot constantly monitors weather conditions and flight direction.
One aspect many people ask about is the landing. The truth is that every landing is slightly different because it depends on wind conditions. Sometimes you may feel a gentle bump, while other times the landing is so smooth you barely notice it.
In my case, the landing was incredibly gentle. If I hadn't been watching the ground approach, I might not have realized we had already touched down.
Why Is a Hot Air Balloon Ride Such an Extraordinary Experience?
There are plenty of activities that offer excitement and adrenaline. A hot air balloon flight is different.
What makes ballooning special is the feeling of complete calm combined with extraordinary views. There are no engines roaring in your ears. No sudden movements. No rush.
Views over Trakai from hot air balloon (picture by Milda Vilnius with Locals)
Instead, you simply float above the landscape while watching the world from a perspective very few people ever experience.
A hot air balloon ride offers unmatched views of Lithuania's nature and historical landmarks and incredible photography opportunities. It is also a unique way to celebrate special occasions or a peaceful escape from everyday life.
If you're visiting Trakai, the views of the castle surrounded by lakes are particularly spectacular. If you fly over Vilnius, you'll enjoy a completely different panorama featuring church towers, red rooftops, and one of Europe's largest historic old towns.
And of course, beautiful photographs don't hurt either!
Where to Book a Hot Air Balloon Flight in Lithuania
Several companies offer hot air balloon rides in Lithuania, and most provide a similar experience. Prices typically range from €140 to €200 per person. Most operators offer flights over both Vilnius and Trakai, with the ballooning season usually running from May to October.
If weather conditions and air traffic regulations allow, you may have the opportunity to fly over Vilnius. However, because Vilnius Airport is located close to the city center, flights over the capital are not always possible. In such cases, passengers are usually offered a flight over Trakai instead.
It's worth noting that hot air balloon flights are always scheduled either early in the morning or in the evening, when weather conditions are typically the most stable. Even then, there is always a possibility of a last-minute cancellation due to unfavorable weather. In a way, booking a balloon flight is a bit like playing a lottery – but one that is definitely worth trying. If you're planning your day, allow approximately 3 – 4 hours for the entire experience, including transportation, preparation, the flight itself, and the return journey.
For my flight, I chose Hot AirLines and was extremely happy with the entire experience. The booking process was simple – I just made a phone call – and everything felt professional and well organized from start to finish.
The amazing pilot Vytautas Samarinas (picture by Hot AirLines)
My pilot was Vytautas Samarinas, one of Lithuania's most experienced balloon pilots. Over the years, Vytautas has flown in numerous countries across several continents and has even completed flights over the Alps. He also holds the Lithuanian record for the highest hot air balloon flight, reaching an impressive altitude of 10,064 meters! Having someone with that level of experience at the controls added an extra sense of confidence and professionalism to the journey.
Final Thoughts
A hot air balloon ride over Vilnius or Trakai is one of those experiences that is difficult to fully describe until you've done it yourself.
The combination of peaceful flight, spectacular views, and the simple wonder of floating through the sky creates something truly unique. Whether you're visiting Lithuania as a tourist or looking for an unforgettable activity close to home, ballooning offers a perspective that few other experiences can match.
For me, the highlight was seeing Trakai Castle from above on a calm evening, surrounded by lakes and forests stretching to the horizon. It was one of those rare moments when you simply stop thinking about everything else and enjoy the view.
If you're looking for an extraordinary adventure in Lithuania, I highly recommend giving a hot air balloon ride a try.
Milda from Vilnius with Locals team ;)