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Espace Ballon

Espace Ballon is an interactive museum in Château-d'Œx, Switzerland, dedicated to the history of balloons and the invention of human flight. Its permanent exhibition "The Invention of Flight" traces the story from Pilâtre de Rozier's first human flight in 1783 to Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones' round-the-world balloon flight in 1999. Visitors can enjoy the 4D Balloon Flight, an immersive ride through the four seasons of the Pays-d'Enhaut, and a unique virtual hot-air balloon flight simulator. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and offers guided tours.

Families and Kids

Espace Ballon welcomes children and families with Maestro, the bearded scientist from the "Once upon a time..." series, who accompanies young visitors on an adventure with a brochure and six collectible stamps. Fun activities include the take-off of a mini hot-air balloon, and the 4D Balloon Flight is a highlight shared with family and friends. Younger visitors (6-12 years) get a brochure with stamps, while teenagers (12-16) can take a quiz.

Information

  • Visit duration: 120min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Price range: $$
  • Topic: Science and technology
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:30, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 17:00.
Monday
09:00-12:00 / 13:30-17:30
Tuesday
09:00-12:00 / 13:30-17:30
Wednesday
09:00-12:00 / 13:30-17:30
Thursday
09:00-12:00 / 13:30-17:30
Friday
09:00-12:00 / 13:30-17:30
Saturday
10:00-12:30 / 13:00-17:00
Sunday
10:00-12:30 / 13:00-17:00

Admission fees

18 CHF
Adult admission
9 CHF
Children aged 6 to 15
0 CHF
Children aged 0 to 6
15 CHF
Students and AVS/AI
15 CHF
AVS/AI (seniors)
15 CHF
Indigenous residents of the Pays-d'Enhaut region
12 CHF
Groups of 10 people or more, per person
5 CHF
School groups, per child; first accompanying adult free, then CHF 12.00
0 CHF
Free admission on presentation of Raiffeisen Member Plus card or Swiss Museums Passport

Contact

Webpage
ballonschateaudoex.ch
Email
info@espaceballon.ch
Address
Ch. des Ballons 21, 1660 Château-d'Œx

Access

Nearby stops

  • Château-d'Oex300 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
1h 37m
Martigny
1h 44m
Thun
1h 52m
Sion
1h 59m
Interlaken Ost
2h 9m

FAQ

  • Is the 4D Balloon Flight included in the admission ticket?
    Yes, the 4D Balloon Flight is included in the admission ticket. It lasts 8 minutes and is accessible to all, including people with reduced mobility.
  • Is the Balloon Flight Simulator included in the admission ticket?
    No, the Balloon Flight Simulator is not included in the admission ticket. An initiation flight with an instructor costs CHF 35 for a 20-minute flight and includes admission to Espace Ballon. The simulator is accessible from age 16, or 14 when accompanied by an adult.
  • Is the exhibition accessible to people with reduced mobility?
    Yes, both exhibition floors are accessible by elevator. The 4D Balloon Flight is accessible without restriction, and wheelchair users can enter the gondola or remain seated on the access gallery. In the flight simulator, however, you must stand up.
  • Is there an age limit for the 4D Balloon Flight?
    There is no age limit for the 4D Balloon Flight. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The gondola can accommodate up to 8 passengers.
  • Is there parking available near Espace Ballon?
    Parking du Centre and parking de la Coop are both less than 200 m away and are subject to a charge. Parking spaces in the village center are limited in time.
  • How long does a visit to the exhibition last?
    The duration of the visit to the interactive exhibition is 1 to 3 hours. The exhibition is presented in French, German and English.

Included in