Accessible hot air balloon ride

The Reichshof Ballooning Club, in cooperation with the Bergisches Land Nature Park and "Das Bergische," offers barrier-free hot air balloon rides. For this purpose, the Bergische Balloon has been equipped with a special basket. This service is particularly beneficial for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to board a standard basket.

The new basket is easily accessible via a door and features a pre-installed seat with a seatbelt. With the seat installed, an additional passenger can be accommodated alongside the pilot and the person with a disability. Without the seat, a maximum of three passengers and the pilot can participate in a balloon flight. 

The ride in the accessible balloon is comfortable and safe. Even a bumpy landing is no problem for seated passengers thanks to the four-point harness and secure seat fastening. Accessible balloon flights take place exclusively in calm weather, preferably in the morning. This is because the air is still calm from the night before, allowing for safe boarding without any disruptive basket movements. Only boarding for evening flights can be more challenging, as thermals can create gusts of wind.

Our Process

After the welcome, the balloon is inflated together, which takes about 30 minutes. Once the balloon is ready and the guests are on board, the balloon flight begins. Masks are mandatory in the basket. During this time, the balloon is carried by the wind and floats peacefully over the landscape. At the end of the one to one and a half hour flight, the pilot selects a suitable meadow where he safely lands the balloon. We then await the chase team and your additional companion with their car to assist us. Afterward, the balloon is packed away and loaded. This is followed by the traditional balloonist christening, during which you will receive a personal certificate of nobility.

companions

Ballooning is teamwork; the crew and the pilot take care of the balloon.

Therefore, it is compellingly necessaryThe disabled person must be accompanied by someone who can assist with transferring and fastening their seatbelt and who will look after them during the balloon flight. As the vehicles are not designed to safely transport disabled persons, we ask that you arrange your own return transport from the landing site.

local mobility

The launch site in Eckenhagen is a level meadow that is easily accessible by wheelchair. Parking is available directly at the launch site. An accessible toilet is located approximately 100 meters away in the Monte Mare leisure pool. 

limitations

Hot air ballooning is an outdoor sport and therefore weather-dependent. To avoid risks, balloons only take off in perfect weather conditions. Most balloons land gently, but landings can sometimes be a bit bumpy. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor to determine if a balloon flight in an accessible basket is suitable for you. In summer, when temperatures are higher (above 25°C), the combined weight of both passengers (the person with a disability and their companion) must not exceed 210 kg. 

Registration
Please note before booking: 

• that the offer of barrier-free balloon rides is only aimed at people whose freedom of movement is restricted. 
• that for every person booking an accessible balloon ride, a place for the accompanying person must also be booked via this form. 
• Each booking costs €200, just like a 'normal' trial membership. 

Here you will find the booking form.

Information on accessibility can be found in the section: "Files and Downloads". A detailed description can be found on the page. www.reisen-fuer-alle.de