The “World Balloon with Perfect View” (also known as the WELT-Balloon or Berlin Hi-Flyer) is one of the world’s largest helium balloons. Anchored near Checkpoint Charlie, it offers a silent, vertical ascent to 150 meters, providing one of the most unique vantage points in the German capital.
What to expect from World Balloon
- The Ascent: Unlike a roaring airplane or helicopter, the balloon rises in near-total silence. It is a “captive” or tethered balloon, meaning it is attached to the ground by a massive steel cable controlled by a winch. You will feel a gentle lift as you float up to 150 meters (492 feet) above the ground.
- The View: Once at the top, you get a 360-degree panoramic view. Because the gondola is open-air (protected by a sturdy net), there is no glass reflection to ruin your photos. You can see straight down to the Berlin Wall remnants, the Topography of Terror, and the Brandenburg Gate. On clear days, visibility extends to the city outskirts.
- The Gondola: The basket is ring-shaped, allowing you to walk around and see the city from all angles. It can hold up to 30 people, but there is usually enough space to move around comfortably.
- Weather Dependency: This is the most critical factor. The balloon is extremely sensitive to wind. If wind speeds at 150 meters exceed a certain limit, the balloon cannot fly, even if the weather on the ground seems calm. It is common for flights to be paused or cancelled on short notice.
Where to buy tickets
- Online (Recommended): Purchasing tickets online via the official website or major tourism platforms (like GetYourGuide or Viator) is the safest bet. This allows you to book a flexible ticket that can often be used at a later date if the weather is bad on your chosen day.
- On-Site Container: There is a ticket office (a converted container) at the launch site on Zimmerstraße. You can buy tickets here for the next immediate flight. This is a good option if you want to check the weather first, but you might face wait times on sunny weekends.
- Berlin WelcomeCard: If you have the Berlin WelcomeCard, you can usually buy a discounted ticket at the on-site counter.
WELT-Balloon Berlin tickets
- Standard Tickets: These are the general admission tickets for a single 15-minute ascent. They are “Anytime” tickets in the sense that you book a date, but the exact time depends on the wind conditions when you arrive.
- Reduced Tickets: These are available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. You must present valid identification at the entrance to claim this rate.
- Family Tickets: Special bundles are available for families (typically 2 adults and 2 children), offering a significant saving compared to buying individual tickets.
- Gift Vouchers: The operator sells vouchers which are popular gifts. These are valid for up to 3 years and offer maximum flexibility regarding the date of the visit.
World Balloon with Perfect View tickets
- Adults (18+): The price is approximately €29.00.
- Reduced (Students/Disability): The price is approximately €20.00.
- Children (3–10 years): The price is approximately €10.00 – €12.00.
- Children (Under 3): Free admission.
- Note on Pricing: Prices can vary slightly between third-party booking sites (where it is often listed as “World Balloon with Perfect View”) and the direct gate price. Online tickets sometimes include a small service fee but offer free cancellation policies.
How to reach
The balloon is located at Zimmerstraße 95-100, 10117 Berlin, right on the corner of Wilhelmstraße.
- By U-Bahn (Subway): Take the U6 line to Kochstraße / Checkpoint Charlie. From the exit, look up—you will likely see the balloon. It is a 2-minute walk.
- By Bus: The M29 bus stops at Kochstraße / Checkpoint Charlie. The 200 sightseeing bus stops at Stadtmitte, which is about a 5-minute walk down Friedrichstraße.
- By S-Bahn: The closest S-Bahn station is Anhalter Bahnhof (S1, S2, S25), which is about an 8-minute walk away.
Opening hours
- Summer Season (approx. April – October): Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Winter Season (approx. November – March): Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or until sunset).
- Crucial Note: These hours are strictly theoretical. The balloon does not fly if it is too windy. It operates all year round, but wind is the boss. You should always check the status before heading there.
How long does World Balloon with Perfect View take?
- Flight Time: The actual time in the air is roughly 15 minutes. This includes the ascent, about 10 minutes hovering at the peak height, and the descent.
- Total Experience: Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. This accounts for ticket checking, boarding, the safety briefing, and the flight itself.
- Wait Times: On busy summer weekends, you might wait 20–30 minutes for the next available gondola slot.
Essential information
- Wind Hotline: Before you travel to the location, call the official Wind Hotline at +49 30 5321 5321. A recorded message will tell you if the balloon is currently flying. This saves you a wasted trip.
- Temperature: It is colder at 150 meters than on the ground, and there is often a breeze. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. In winter, dress very warmly.
- Accessibility: The balloon is wheelchair accessible. The gondola has a door that opens to allow wheelchair users to roll in.
- Luggage: Large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the gondola. You must leave them on the ground (space is limited, so travel light).
- Safety: If a storm approaches or winds pick up suddenly, the pilot will bring the balloon down immediately. Safety is the top priority.
