Ghent: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour

Flying high above Ghent at dawn in a hot air balloon sounds like something straight out of a storybook, yet it’s an experience that’s very real with Dekein Ballonvaarten. This tour offers a gentle, 1-hour flight that elevates your morning and gives you a fresh perspective on one of Belgium’s most charming cities. It’s designed to be an intimate adventure, with small balloons that carry just 2-6 passengers, ensuring you get a personal touch from start to finish.

What immediately draws me in about this experience is the stunning quality of the views — floating over Ghent as the sun rises, casting golden light on the historic streets and medieval buildings, truly makes you feel like you’re in a special place. I also appreciate that the tour includes a professional pilot with over 900 hours of flying experience across more than 15 countries, which reassures anyone wary of safety. On the flip side, potential flyers should keep in mind that the weather plays a big role; if conditions aren’t right, the flight can be canceled or rescheduled, which might require some flexibility.

One aspect I find particularly appealing is the personalized approach—small groups and the ability to arrange a pickup from your hotel or a designated point make this feel less like a touristy spectacle and more like a crafted, authentic adventure. Plus, the ride’s duration of around an hour strikes a perfect balance: enough time to absorb the views without feeling rushed or exhausted. The celebration with Champagne and a personalized flight certificate makes this a memorable souvenir, especially for those celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a unique story to tell.

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a peaceful, scenic escape with a touch of elegance and authenticity. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to see Ghent from a different vantage point and cherish a quiet, awe-inspiring morning. Just remember, it’s not suitable for young children under four, pregnant women, or wheelchair users — safety and comfort always come first.

Key points / Takeaways

• Breathtaking sunrise views over Ghent that make for unforgettable photos and memories.
• Small group size ensures a personal and intimate experience, with only 2-6 participants per balloon.
• Experienced pilot Kenian brings over 900 hours of flying across 15 countries, emphasizing safety and professionalism.
• Flexible logistics include optional hotel pickup and drop-off, making the experience convenient.
• A champagne toast and flight certificate add a celebratory and souvenir element to the adventure.
• Weather-dependent activity — cancellations or rescheduling are possible if conditions aren’t suitable.

The Experience: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

Booking and Timing

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, but the actual flight is just around an hour. You’ll want to check availability and starting times, which vary based on the season, since they depend on sunrise. Most travelers meet roughly 30 minutes before dawn — a peaceful, early start that’s perfect for catching Ghent waking up. If you opt for pickup, Dekein Ballonvaarten will coordinate this smoothly, sharing details the day before via WhatsApp or email. The flexibility to reserve without immediate payment (reserve & pay later) makes planning easier, especially if your schedule is still flexible.

Preparation and Safety Briefing

Once on-site, you’ll receive a safety briefing from your pilot, Kenian, who’s been ballooning in a variety of countries. Expect a friendly, thorough overview of what to expect, including safety protocols. The focus on safety is critical, especially considering the gentle, serene nature of ballooning. You’ll be advised on comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and bringing a camera and binoculars to maximize your experience.

The Launch and Flight

The launch itself is a quiet, almost meditative moment. Watching the balloon inflate and rise is often just as mesmerizing as the flight. Once airborne, the views are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll glide over Ghent’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, with its medieval towers, canals, and historic architecture laid out beneath you.

The flight duration of approximately an hour allows ample time to take photos and soak in the calm tranquility of floating in the sky. As one recent reviewer noted, “The views from above are simply stunning—an unforgettable way to see Ghent.”

Landing, Celebrations, and Return

After the descent, you’ll celebrate with a champagne toast, a traditional gesture that adds a touch of celebration and luxury to the experience. A small pastry breakfast complements the moment, and everyone receives a personal flight certificate — a perfect reminder of this unique adventure. The entire activity wraps up with a safe return to the launch site or your pre-arranged pickup point.

The Logistics and Practicalities

Pricing and Value

While the total activity lasts 3.5 hours, the actual flight is about an hour, which makes for excellent value considering the personalized service, expert pilot, and the memorable experience of floating over Ghent. The price includes everything: the flight, ground crew, inflight picture, champagne, pastry, certificate, insurance, and optional pickup. This comprehensive package simplifies planning and offers peace of mind.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure that’s both special and intimate. It’s particularly suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager for a unique perspective of Ghent. Since it involves a gentle flight, it’s best for those comfortable with heights and early mornings. It’s not designed for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, given safety considerations.

When to Book and Weather Considerations

Since your flight depends entirely on weather conditions, it’s wise to stay flexible — weather cancellations are possible but handled professionally. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Keep an eye on the weather forecast the day before, and communicate with the provider for updates.

Who This Experience Is For

If you’re after a tranquil, picture-perfect way to see Ghent at sunrise, this tour hits the mark. The small group setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for romantic mornings or memorable experiences with friends. It’s a good choice if you appreciate quiet moments and breathtaking views, and you’re okay with an early start. The Champagne toast adds a celebratory touch, making it suitable for special occasions or just a memorable morning treat.

The Sum Up

This sunrise hot air balloon tour in Ghent offers a rare chance to see a city that’s both historic and lively from a whole new angle. The combination of expert piloting, small-group intimacy, and the serene beauty of floating over medieval rooftops is hard to beat. The inclusion of a toast, photos, and a personalized certificate make it more than just a flight — it’s a cherished memory in the making.

While weather-dependent, the overall experience delivers excellent value for those looking to enjoy a peaceful, scenic moment in Belgium. It suits travelers who enjoy quiet, authentic experiences and are eager for a story they’ll tell for years. If you’re ready to rise early and chase the sunrise from above Ghent, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the entire activity last?
The full experience, including pickup, safety briefing, flight, celebration, and return, takes about 3-4 hours.

What is included in the price?
The package covers a 1-hour balloon flight, experienced pilot, ground crew, inflight picture, champagne toast, flight certificate, non-alcoholic drinks, pastry breakfast, pick-up (if required), return transfer, and insurance.

Is the flight weather-dependent?
Yes, if weather conditions aren’t suitable for flying, the flight will be canceled or rescheduled for safety reasons.

Can I book without paying immediately?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which offers flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, clothes suitable for early mornings, a camera, and binoculars are recommended to enjoy and capture the experience.

Who is this experience unsuitable for?
Children under 4, pregnant women, and wheelchair users should consider other options, as safety and comfort are prioritized.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.

This Ghent sunrise balloon tour is a gentle, memorable way to start your day, with views that linger long after you’ve touched back down. It’s a rare chance for an authentic experience that combines adventure, tranquility, and a touch of elegance—all from the peaceful skies above Ghent.