When Germany’s best hot-air balloon pilots come together, it’s not about leisurely scenic flights over the countryside. At the German Hot-Air Balloon Championship, the focus is on precision, tactics, and piloting skills. That’s exactly why participating in the 2026 German Championship in the Tegernsee Valley was such a special experience for our team from the Bad Griesbach Balloon Port.
From May 20 to 23, Germany’s top pilots gathered in the beautiful Tegernsee Valley to compete against one another in a series of races. Our pilot Lukas Wimmer was also there, accompanied by three crew members and a film crew from Bayerischer Rundfunk.
Hot-air ballooning as a precision sport
Many people associate hot-air ballooning with peace, relaxation, and a breathtaking view. However, competitive ballooning reveals a completely different side of the sport.
In a championship, pilots must complete a wide variety of tasks as precisely as possible. This involves, for example, flying to specific waypoints or throwing marker bags as accurately as possible onto target crosses laid out on the ground. Each task is scored and contributes points toward the overall standings.
During a competition run, participants usually have to complete several tasks in succession. They don’t receive the exact instructions until shortly before the start. That’s why tactical preparation begins as early as the morning briefings.
Getting up early, long days
A balloon championship isn’t just demanding on the pilots. The crew is also on the job from morning till night.
The day often began as early as 3:30 in the morning. After the briefing, weather data was analyzed, strategies were discussed, and the tasks for each flight were planned. Then it was time to set up the balloon, launch it, and provide support throughout the flight.
The work was far from over after landing. The crew tracks the balloons from the ground, organizes their retrieval, and brings the pilot and balloon back safely. Often, everyone involved was on their feet until late in the evening.
Teamwork is the key to success
Even if the pilot ends up in the basket, ballooning is always a team effort.
Our crew helped Lukas Wimmer set up and take down the balloon, plan the tasks strategically, and, of course, retrieve it after landing. Especially in competitions, good decisions on the ground can make all the difference.
Spectacular maneuvers over Lake Tegernsee
The championship treated spectators to stunning views against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tegernsee Valley.
Competitive ballooning is considered one of the most challenging forms of ballooning. The balloons used are often smaller and therefore significantly more agile than large passenger balloons. Pilots sometimes ascend and descend very quickly to take advantage of different wind layers and reach their destinations as precisely as possible.
Many of these maneuvers would never be performed during a regular passenger flight. Landings, too, can be significantly more dynamic than on a typical sightseeing flight.
Bayerischer Rundfunk is following our pilot
A particular highlight was a visit from a film crew from Bayerischer Rundfunk. The reporter accompanied Lukas Wimmer during a race right inside the balloon basket.
The result was a fascinating glimpse into the world of competitive hot-air ballooning. Among other things, the segment features a typical competition task: throwing a marker bag onto a target cross laid out on the ground. This seemingly simple task requires the utmost concentration, perfect timing, and a great deal of experience.
You can find the full report from Bayerischer Rundfunk below this article.
A stroke of luck with the weather after a difficult start
Not all of the planned runs could be completed. The first competition run had to be canceled due to weather conditions. After that, however, the Tegernsee Valley showed itself at its best.
With near-perfect conditions, the remaining competition flights were able to take place, providing impressive views of Lake Tegernsee, the surrounding mountains, and the launch sites in Warngau and Bad Tölz.
We congratulate the new German champion
At the end of the championship, Dieter Ackermann prevailed against strong competition and secured the title of 2026 German Champion. Uwe Schneider took second place, followed by Bastian Schwarz in third.
We congratulate all participants on their achievements and thank the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors for a superbly executed event.
Experience hot air ballooning
The German Hot Air Balloon Championship is a striking demonstration of just how versatile the sport of hot air ballooning can be. While our passenger flights focus on the natural surroundings, the tranquility, and the unique views, competitions showcase the athletic and technical aspects of hot air ballooning.
If you’d like to experience the thrill of a hot-air balloon ride for yourself, we look forward to welcoming you soon for a flight with Ballonhafen Bad Griesbach.
BR Report: German Hot Air Balloon Championship
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