Sky displaying a vibrant spectrum of balloons drifting overhead in Croatia
The fourth edition of the Prelog Hot Air Balloon Championship took place in 2025, marking a significant event in Croatia's cultural calendar. This popular late-summer tradition attracted thousands of locals and visitors from around the world.
The event was organised by Croatia's oldest Balloon Association, Balloon Club Zagreb, and featured up to 20 competition teams. The championship combined competitive races, fiesta fights, concerts, and a rich social program, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The history of hot air balloons dates back to 1783, when the first public demonstration took place in France. The inventors were French brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, who created the first inflatable balloon capable of carrying humans. The first untethered manned hot air balloon flight occurred on November 21, 1783, in Paris, France, by Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent d'Arlandes.
Hot air balloons, known as "thermal airships," are lighter than aircraft and propelled through the air rather than simply drifting with the wind. They consist of a large fabric envelope, a burner system, and a basket or gondola.
The 2025 Prelog Hot Air Balloon Championship saw the participation of pilots from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, among others. However, the name of the pilot who participated in the event is not publicly available.
A highlight of the event was the aerial display of vibrant, colourful hot air balloons in flight, as well as a replica of the Montgolfier brothers' first flight from the 18th century. This combination of competition and displays of ballooning history made the Prelog event truly unique.
The Prelog Hot Air Balloon Championship has become one of Croatia's key late-summer attractions, showcasing the country's rich heritage and love for aviation. As the event continues to grow, it promises to remain a beloved tradition for years to come.
