Floating Over Vilnius: a hot air balloon experience that feels almost unreal

If there’s one experience in Europe that feels straight out of a dream, it’s this: floating above Vilnius. Not metaphorically. Literally.

Vilnius is one of the very few capitals in the world where hot air balloons are allowed to fly directly over the city. And once you’re up there, watching rooftops, churches, forests, and rivers slowly pass beneath you… you understand why this is something people talk about for years.

I had seen it online, saved it, thought “maybe one day.” And then, somehow, that day actually happened.

👉 Check out my article about the city of Vilnius.

The idea: one of those “she’ll say no” moments

This whole experience started in a very casual way.

I was traveling with my friend Maya, and at some point I suggested:“Should we do a hot air balloon ride?”

Fully expecting her to say no.

It’s one of those ideas that sounds amazing… but also slightly insane. Waking up early, depending on weather, floating in the air in a basket? Not exactly everyone’s first choice.

And yet - she said yes.

Just like that.

We originally planned to do it in the morning (which is usually the best time), but because we arrived in Vilnius quite late the night before, we had to switch to an afternoon flight. That meant one thing: waiting.

Waiting to see what the weather would do. Because with hot air balloons, everything depends on it.

Meeting point: where the experience already begins

We met at Bernardine Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in the city.

If you’ve seen photos of Vilnius, you’ve probably already seen it: the green space right by the river, with elegant walking paths, fountains, and - most recognisably - the stairs leading up towards Gediminas Hill and the tower.

It’s one of those places that already feels a bit special, even before anything happens.

And that’s where it all started.

First impressions: excitement… and a bit of fear

We met the crew from Smile Balloons and the other passengers, and honestly, that part was unexpectedly nice. There’s something about sharing this kind of experience with strangers that makes it even better. Everyone is a mix of excited, slightly nervous, curious.

You don’t really know each other, but you’re all about to do the same slightly crazy thing together.

Inflating the balloon: more fun than expected

Before you even get in, there’s a whole process.

The balloon needs to be inflated.

And it’s not just something you watch, you’re right there, close to it, seeing it come to life. At some point, a guy we met ended up helping hold part of the balloon while it was filling with air, which made the whole thing feel even more real (and honestly, a bit cute).

It starts flat. Then slowly, it rises. And suddenly, it’s enormous.

That’s the moment when it hits you: “Ah… we’re actually going up in that.”

Take-off: the strange mix of fear and wonder

Getting into the basket is… an experience.

You climb in, find your spot, and then you notice one thing very clearly: the flame. It’s right above your head. Loud, sudden, powerful.

At first, it’s a bit intimidating. You feel the heat, you hear the burst of fire, and your brain is like:“Are we sure about this?”

But then something shifts.

Slowly, without even noticing it, you stop focusing on the noise… and start looking out.

The view: Vilnius, but completely different

And that’s when it becomes something else entirely.

Vilnius from above is… beautiful in a way that’s hard to explain. The rooftops, the churches, the soft green areas, the river, everything feels calm, almost painted. You’re not rushing, not walking, not navigating.

You’re just… floating.

Hair in the wind, warm light all around, silence broken only by the occasional flame.

It’s one of the most beautiful emotions I’ve ever felt.

A very unique detail: flying near the airport

One of the most interesting parts of the experience is something you don’t expect at all.

Vilnius airport is very close to the city, which means hot air balloons don’t just go up freely, they need clearance.

At any point during the flight, our pilot was in contact with the control tower. And because of that, he could actually tell us what planes were nearby.

“This one is going to Rome.” “This one Sto arrives from Tallin.”

It added this completely surreal layer to the experience: floating quietly in a balloon… while commercial planes are flying not too far away, following their routes.

It makes you realise how unique this experience really is.

Letting the wind decide

One thing you quickly understand: you’re not in control.

The direction, the path, the landing, it all depends on the wind.

We floated over a mix of landscapes: fields, forests, small roads, even horses running below us at one point. And then the city again. It’s not a fixed route. It’s more like… a journey you surrender to. Our flight lasted about 1 hour, and honestly, it felt both long and incredibly short at the same time.

Landing… somewhere unexpected

Eventually, you start descending. Where exactly? You don’t really know. That’s part of the experience.

We landed outside the city, in a more open area, and from there, a van picked us up and brought us back. It’s all organised, smooth, and part of the overall experience.

The ending: a small celebration

Back on the ground, there’s one last moment. We received a flight certificate (which, of course, we loved) and celebrated with a glass of sparkling wine. Simple, but perfect.

It felt like the right way to close something that already felt a bit unreal.

Why you should do it

There are many things to do in Vilnius.

Beautiful streets, history, food, day trips…

But this? This is different.

And if you’re hesitating?

Take it from me, I suggested it thinking it would never happen. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions of this and most of my trips.

Organise your balloon ride!

Vilnius is one of the very few capitals in Europe where balloons can fly directly over the city center. If you want to see those iconic red roofs from above, here is what you need to know.

The Best Time to Fly

The season runs from mid-April to October.

• For the smooth riders: Summer (June–August) offers the most stable weather. Flights happen at sunrise or sunset to avoid midday heat.

• For the aesthetic seekers: September and October are magical. The "Belle Époque" gold of the Lithuanian forests is unbeatable from the air.

• Pro Tip: Balloons are 100% weather-dependent. Always book your flight for your first day in the city so you have backup days if the wind doesn't cooperate!

Spotlight: Smile Balloons

I recommend checking out Smile Balloons. They are pros at making the experience feel personal rather than just a tourist trap.

• The Experience: It’s a 3–4 hour adventure. You’ll help inflate the balloon, fly for about an hour, and finish with a traditional "first-timer baptism" involving sparkling wine and a certificate.

• The View: You can choose between the Vilnius Old Town (urban spires) or Trakai (a fairytale castle surrounded by lakes).

Practical Checklist

• Cost: Expect to pay around €140–€160. This usually includes hotel transfers and insurance.

• Dress Code: Even in summer, it’s chilly at 5:00 AM. Wear layers and, most importantly, flat, closed shoes. You'll likely land in a grassy field!

Ivanka’s Take: As someone who gets a bit of pre-trip anxiety, I found that the calm, slow ascent of a balloon is actually much more relaxing than a flight on a plane. It’s the ultimate "slow travel" experience!

Small tips (learned along the way)

💡 Be flexible with timing, weather decides everything

💡 Morning flights are ideal, but afternoon can be just as magical (especially with sunset light)

💡 Don’t overdress, it’s not as cold as you think up there

💡 Trust the process (even when the fire above your head feels… intense at first)

Vilnius from the ground is beautiful.

Vilnius from the sky? Something else entirely.

Ciao ciao, e al prossimo viaggio!