Balloon Ride Krakow – A Breathtaking Way to Discover The City

Let me say, if you want to see Krakow in a unique way, a balloon ride is a must. It’s more than just a ride, it’s an adventure. With a capacity to take 30 people aboard, including the pilot, the Observation Balloon in Krakow gives everyone a bird’s eye view of the city. The balloon ascends approximately 150 m, although the maximum ceiling of the gondola is 275 m. I can tell you, the view is out of this world and will leave a lasting impression.

Without a doubt, due to Krakow’s historic buildings and the Kazimierz district being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, traditional viewpoints are not feasible. So, if you need to truly appreciate the city of kings, the balloon ride is your only choice.

• If you’re looking for great sightseeing views in Krakow I suggest that you read this article too: Krakow’s Panoramic Delights – The Best Sights and Viewpoints

Balloon – The Best View in Kraków

Seeing Krakow from the balloon, I am convinced, provides the best perspective of the historic center, Kazimierz, and Podgórze. At the same time, it’s worth to say, it honors the city’s aeronautical traditions and pioneering ascents, which are closely tied to park spaces.

I believe the balloon ride in Krakow is an unforgettable way to discover the city. The breathtaking views and the thrill of the ascent are something you’ll remember for a long time. Being there, you need to know, the balloon ride is more than just a fun activity, it’s part of the city’s history and tradition. It’s an adventure that should be on every visitor’s must-do list.

My Breathtaking Balloon Ride in Krakow

Let me say, it’s a funny thing, my fear of heights combined with my dream of a balloon flight. It’s a complex mix, don’t you think? But my fear of heights isn’t the kind that makes me panic just from being a little up high. Rather, it’s a fear of situations where there’s a risk of falling. You know, those moments where you feel like one false step could send you tumbling.

Does this mean I avoid all heights? Not at all! Boarding a plane? No problem, even though I’m not a huge fan of flying. A well-fenced and stable observation deck? I’m your guy, even if it’s at the top of Dubai’s Burj Kalifa. But there are certain things I won’t do.

Things I Won’t Do

1. Stand near the balustrade of an old third-floor balcony.
2. Ride an amusement park attraction that lifts me up on a single chair.
3. Walk a mountain trail that runs alongside an abyss.

I once heard an interesting perspective: I’m not actually afraid of heights, just the ground. You know, the thing I could hit if I fall from a great height. There’s some truth to that, I think.

I am convinced that I manage my fear of heights better when I feel stable and secure. If I know that a stumble won’t send me hurtling downward, it’s much easier. And I don’t stare directly down. Instead, I prefer admiring the view around me.

My Longstanding Dream

Now, about that balloon flight I mentioned. I’ve been dreaming of it for ages. Imagine that, someone with a fear of heights dreaming about a balloon flight. The irony isn’t lost on me, believe me. But that’s the thing about dreams, isn’t it? They often make us want things that scare us a little. Or a lot, in my case. Let me say, the first time I saw those stunning sunrise photos over Cappadocia, I was captivated.

I’ve been itching to take the plunge, but the price tag always held me back. It’s not a cheap thrill, especially when considering less touristy spots. I am convinced that it’s worth every penny, but the uncertainty of my reaction to the flight gave me pause.

I mean, what if I splurge on this adventure and end up feeling sick as soon as we ascend? If you can picture this, I would be huddled at the bottom of the basket, my eyes clamped shut for the entire flight, simply yearning for the moment we touch the groynd again. I think it’s important to factor in this possibility. It’s crucial to test the waters first, right?

Surprising Opportunity

And then, out of the blue, an opportunity to do just that presented itself in Krakow! If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s definitely a chance worth grabbing. Let me say, it was pure chance that I stumbled upon this exciting activity. But as soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew I was going to give it a try. Imagine, this was a golden opportunity to rise above the ground in a balloon at a fair price. Now, don’t mistake this for a full-blown balloon flight. I can tell you, it’s more of a tethered balloon experience. The balloon is securely tied to a rope, lifts off, does a little spin in the air, and comes right back down.

A Safe and Exciting Balloon Ride Experience

The balloon has this amazing feature – The basket. It’s ensconced in a net to ensure you won’t fall out. The entire adventure is over in a blink, roughly about ten minutes. Yet, it’s nothing short of thrilling. I think it’s worth to say, it’s essentially a viewing platform hanging beneath a balloon.

A Unique Perspective of Krakow

And I must admit, the concept is simply brilliant. If you want to soak in a bird’s eye view of the entire historical center of Krakow, this is your chance. So, if you ever find yourself there, you need to know about this unique experience. It’s not just a fun ride, but a whole different perspective of the city. It’s as mesmerizing as it sounds. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Let me tell you about an amazing experience in Krakow. Imagine you’re strolling down the Wołyński Boulevard, right next to the Grunwaldzki Bridge and the Forum building. Suddenly, you spot a huge observation balloon. I can tell you, it’s a sight you can’t miss, especially when you’re walking along the beautiful Vistula river.

When Can You Visit?

Now you might be thinking, „When can I take this balloon ride?” Well, the attraction is open all year round. It’s even open late into the evenings. Yes, it’s true. You can enjoy the city’s beautiful night view from up high in the sky. But let me say this, there are no fixed opening hours. The reason being, the balloon rides depend on the weather. It’s only possible to take off when the weather conditions are favorable.

Checking Flight Status

So, if you’re planning to head to Bulwar Wołyński, it’s worth checking their website for any updates. They regularly update whether the flights are taking place or not. And if they’re not, they’ll let you know when to expect the next announcement. I believe this is a smart move, as it saves you from any disappointment.

My Personal Experience

I remember, during these two days in Krakow, I was eager to take a balloon ride. But, every day the website displayed the message flights suspended. I think it’s understandable, as the balloon can’t fly in harsh weather conditions. Just imagine, if it’s windy on the ground, how must it be up in the sky?

Another important thing you need to know, it’s not possible to book the tickets in advance. As soon as the website announces that flights are taking place, you have to rush to Bulwar Wołyński and buy a ticket at the box office. I know it sounds like a bit of a rush, but believe me, it’s worth the hustle. Let me say, it would be a good idea to know the cost of this pleasure.

Ballon Ride Kraków – Ticket Prices (2023)

If you happen to visit Balloon attraction in Kraków you'll be paying PLN 99 for a standard ticket and PLN 65 for a discounted ticket. This discount is available for kids aged between 4 to 12 years. Students, people with disabilities, and pensioners can also take advantage of a discount, purchasing tickets for PLN 79.

Waiting Time

This might surprise you, but I boarded immediatelt without any waiting. It wasn’t crowded at all. Including me, there were only six passengers. In summary, if you want to enjoy a hassle-free experience, I am convinced this is the way to go. Let me say, the balloon operator was cool with folks coming in with their backpacks. However, when a large crowd assembled for the next launch, they were asked to park their backpacks in a dedicated area. It all happened fast – the gates snapped shut and before you knew it, the balloon was in the air…

If you’ve ever wondered about the take-off, it was as smooth as silk. No jarring movements or swaying – the beauty of a calm day. It was only when we reached the top, a slight breeze began to stir, but not sturdy enough to stir the balloon. Unless you were looking straight down, watching the ground speed away, it wasn’t scary at all. Instead, you’d be treated to an ever-expanding vista of the surrounding Krakow.

The Ultimate View From The Balloon

I believe the balloon’s location is top-notch. You could easily spot the Wawel Castle and the Old Town, watch the Vistula river crisscrossing the city, and observe the Krakus Mound in the backdrop. No question about it, one of the best look-out spots I’ve been to!

Urban Heights

Being there, you need to know that height feels different amidst towering city buildings. I didn’t grasp the fact that the balloon had floated up to 150 meters! But the next day, when I spotted a balloon hovering over the city from the Krakus Mound, it hit me – I’d been up there too. And trust me, it’s a pretty odd sensation. As I was on the flight, everything was so calm and smooth, I was so engrossed in admiring the views and capturing them on my camera, let me say, there was not an ounce of fear. It was only when the balloon started shaking a lot side to side during landing, that I felt a bit of unease and held onto the railing a bit tighter. But, this lasted only for a fleeting moment. After this, the balloon started descending to the ground safely.

Kraków Sightseeing Experience

I am convinced that an observation balloon is an amazing way to add some excitement to your sightseeing in Krakow. It offers not only breath-taking views but also a unique flying experience, even though the balloon is tethered to the ground. Now, I doubt if this can be compared to a real flight, which is higher, longer, and probably not as smooth and relaxed.

But hey, you only live once, right? I think I’ll give it a shot. After all, I survived the Krakow observation balloon. And if you want my honest opinion, I really recommend it! You need to know, it’s an experience worth trying.

References:

• https://balonwidokowy.pl/en/pricing/
• https://www.wyjatkowyprezent.pl/prezent/lot-balonem-nad-krakowem-krakow/