Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia - an adventure of a lifetime

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is an adventure to remember for the rest of your life. The landscape of Cappadocia is fabulous even from the ground. When you see it from above, along with hundreds of balloons, you have to pinch yourself to realise that it is real.

Hot air balloon in Cappadocia

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia has become very popular and early every morning, weather and wind permitting, a large number of hot air balloons rise into the sky.

The area is breathtakingly beautiful, like something out of a fairy tale or fantasy story, and is part of the UNESCO heritage site 'Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia'. The landscape was created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, and weather conditions have since shaped the distinctive peaks. The easily worked stone has also long been used by humans to build caves, homes, churches and entire cities, both above and below ground.

Cappadocia is a landscape located in central Turkey, about 350 kilometres southeast of Ankara. We made the balloon flight near the town of Göreme.

Here you can read our story about hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. Further down you will find "questions and answers" with facts about the balloon rides.

Time for adventure!

It was our first morning in Cappadocia. A minibus picked us up outside the hotel just after 05:00 in the morning and we headed to the starting point. What greeted us was magical: a dark and icy morning, jagged mountains in the darkness and large dormant balloons slowly coming to life. At first, we could hardly see anything. We only heard the mighty sound of balloons growing.

Then what we didn't want to happen happened: the balloons went silent and the air started to seep out. Our guide confirmed that the project was probably cancelled for the day, that there was too much wind. We were of course disappointed, but decided to go back. But why didn't the guys go back to the minibuses? Well, because they had been told to wait half an hour and see how the winds would develop ...

We waited in the cold, entertaining ourselves by studying the view and nibbling on sun-dried raisins, from the grape vines that grow naturally in the area. And then, all of a sudden, we heard air being pumped into the balloons again. It was going to be a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia! The sky turned morning pink behind the mountains and our balloon was getting ready.

It was now that I (Helena) had to decide. I am so afraid of heights, who hates lifts and constantly sends Peter up high towers alone. Should I fly or not?

The balloon was turned right and we were welcomed on board. I climbed on board with the others, without any problems. Then I started thinking about the dizzying heights, and while everything was being organised, I made the decision. I jumped off.

Some balloon guys caught up with me, and I thought they would show me to a good place to wait. They didn't. They led me back to the balloon. I was so surprised that I forgot to protest, and then we took off!

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia - taking to the skies

The balloon rose softly and gently into the sky. I did not look out, but sat down on the floor and pretended I was somewhere else.

The feeling was not unpleasant in any way, but knowledge that we were going up was scary. From the voices of the other passengers, I realised that the view was getting more and more amazing.

Up in the air - the world from a different perspective

It took a while before I dared to look out. Many said before that "the height is not felt", but I can't fully agree with that. The feeling is not at all as dizzying as standing in a tall building, and the climb itself was almost difficult to perceive. However, the knowledge if the height is still felt throughout the body.

For part of the journey I closed my eyes, but when I looked out, the view was absolutely stunning.

The landscape and mountains look like something out of a fairy tale. And when the sky is filled with all these balloons... it's magical!

After a while, we got closer to all the dramatically shaped mountains, and it was fascinating how smoothly we slid past the peaks.

On the ground again!

Finally it was time to land, and although I (Helena, who is afraid of heights) really enjoyed the trip for a while, I can only say that it was a bit nice to have solid ground under my feet again.

The rehearsed landing position (squatting and holding onto rope handles) was never needed. The balloon landed so softly that it was barely noticeable. Afterwards, bubbles, applause and diplomas awaited.

At the same time we were able to watch the other balloons around us, which one by one came in for soft fine landings.

Films from the hot air ballooning adventure in Cappadocia

Here you can watch some short films from the hot air balloon adventure in Cappadocia.

Frequently asked questions about hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Here we have tried to gather some info and facts for those who are curious about flying a hot air balloon in Cappadocia.

1. When is the best time to fly?

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is possible all year round, but it can be best between April and October. During the summer, flights are least likely to be cancelled. During the winter, cancellations are much more common. However, we have heard that it can be beautiful even in winter, when there can be snow.

2. How long does a hot air balloon ride last?

A standard tour lasts about one hour. There may be slightly shorter tours and there are longer tours. For the whole tour, together with the pick-up, waiting, celebration afterwards and the drive back, you may need around three hours.

3. Which company to choose?

There are many different companies flying hot air balloons in Cappadocia. We flew with Rainbow balloons and were very happy with our tour. You can find even more companies on Tripadvisor, for example, where you can also find recommendations.

4. What does it cost to fly a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?

The price of hot air ballooning varies depending on the company, the type of tour and also the season. Expect to pay around SEK 1000 per person, or perhaps a little more.

5. How to book a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?

You can book through company websites, and it is good to book as early as possible. Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is a popular activity, and places can be limited. If you are staying for several days in Cappadocia - book the tour on the first morning, so there is a chance to rebook for the next day. If the winds are not right, all flights are cancelled for safety reasons.

6. What happens if the hot air balloon ride is cancelled?

If it is raining, too cloudy or too windy, hot air balloon rides are cancelled for safety reasons. If there is space and opportunity, the booking can be carried over to the next morning. If the flight does not take place, the money will be refunded.

7. How high do you fly?

We asked our pilot about the altitude, and when we were at the very top we were 850 metres above the ground. The maximum height that balloons are allowed to rise to is 1800 metres, which is regulated by Turkish Civil Aviation.

8. Who can fly a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?

Anyone who is at least 6 years old can fly a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. There is no upper age limit or other requirements.

9. Is it safe to fly a hot air balloon?

Flying a hot air balloon is one of the safest ways to travel in the air, and serious hot air balloon accidents are very rare. In Cappadocia, balloon flights are cancelled if the weather is not good, in order to maintain a high level of safety. To avoid injury in the event of a hard landing, people may need to adopt a safety position when landing, i.e. crouch down and hold on to ropes that act as handles.

10. Can you fly a hot air balloon in Cappadocia if you are afraid of heights?

I (Helena) am extremely afraid of heights, but still flew a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. To be honest, I found it quite scary, but that was mostly due to my imagination. You don't feel the height in the same way as in a building, and the ride is smooth.

11. What is the best way to prepare for a balloon ride?

It's good to be prepared for the fact that you never know if the balloon ride will happen or not - it depends on the weather. Also prepare to go up very early. You will usually be picked up about an hour before sunrise. It is also a good idea to dress for the weather and to bring any camera and film equipment you wish to use.

12. What to wear?

What is appropriate to wear during a balloon ride depends on the season. The balloon rides start early in the morning, when it can be chilly. When we arrived before sunrise in October, it was only 6 degrees, so it was nice to have a windproof jacket, hat and scarf. As the sun rose (and the balloon's burner went off) it got much warmer. Feel free to dress in layers so you can adjust!

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

When you find yourself in fairytale-like Cappadocia there is of course much more to see and experience. For example, you can visit the scenic valley of the Ihlara Valley, the historically interesting Monastery of Selime, the underground city Derinkuyu or outdoor museums over areas of caves and cave monasteries.

You can also horse riding at Cemal RanchTry wine at the Turasan winery or join a cookery class. There are also plenty of restaurants serving Turkish specialities. If you want your accommodation to be an experience as well, we recommend staying in a cave hotel, such as one of the following amazing Kayakapi Premium Caves.