It's all hot air: hundreds of colorful balloons take off at the Warsteiner International Montgolfiade (WIM), thanks to the thermals. Every two years in September, balloon pilots, their crews and fans of the colorful aerial vehicles come together at Germany's largest balloon festival in the Sauerland region. The eye-catchers in the sky include special balloon shapes such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Orient Express or a smiling sunflower. Among the 25 or so special shapes, some even celebrate their world premiere on the grounds above the Warsteiner brewery.
A mass balloon launch is scheduled twice a day: The fabric envelopes are filled with hot air at around 6.30 a.m. in the morning and between 5.30 and 7 p.m. in the evening. After dark, the giant balloons glow during the Night Glows on five of the nine days of the event.
Anyone who would like to fly a balloon themselves can fulfill this dream in Warstein. Visitors have the opportunity to ride along - and help out - if they book in advance. The Warsteiner International Montgolfiade is an event that offers a mixture of ballooning and an attractive supporting program for visitors.
