In Gersthofen in Swabia, you can explore the world of ballooning and aviation over more than 1,200 square metres in the former water tower and the connected new museum building. The centrepiece of the Balloon Museum is the faithful replica of the “Erdlieb” balloon, with which Freiherr Maximilian von Lütgendorf made several unsuccessful attempts in 1786, initially from Augsburg and later from Gersthofen, to be the first German to make a balloon ascent.
In keeping with the theme, you climb further and further up around the balloon and, on the different levels, find out how long ballooning has existed, how a hot air balloon actually works or how it is produced. The visitors can find out both about the dangers associated with ballooning and the tragic accidents in the history of ballooning and about the spectacular adventures of famous balloonists.
Thus, in 1932, Auguste Piccard managed to ascend into the stratosphere with his balloon and a pressure capsule, and his grandson Bertrand Piccard achieved the first circumnavigation of the globe in a hot air balloon without a single stop in 1999. A number of pictures, films, radio plays and interactive stations, as well as models and walk-in replicas delight children and adults alike and bring the adventure of ballooning to life.
For opening times and admission prices please visit the original website.
