When was the hot air balloon invented?
The hot air balloon, the enormous aerostatic balloon we’ve dreamed of riding since childhood, was born in late 18th century France. Its invention is credited to the Montgolfier brothers, who drew inspiration from the phenomenon of burnt paper rising in a chimney due to the Archimedes' principle, concerning object volume and the possibility of flight under specific conditions, such as those involving heat.
The first hot air balloon flight in history dates back to 1783 in the French village of Annonay. However, the first to enjoy the experience were animals—a rooster, a duck, and a sheep—while the first human flight occurred ten years later.
Interestingly, the Italian language is the only one that retains the name "mongolfiera", paying homage to its inventors.
What is a hot air balloon made of?
A hot air balloon consists of three key components: the envelope, which in modern aerostats is made of nylon—a lightweight fabric with excellent mechanical resistance; the burner, also called the balloon throat, which channels hot air to keep the balloon aloft; and finally, the gondola, more commonly known as the basket, where the pilot and passengers stand.
The most frequent question—and the greatest fear associated with hot air ballooning—concerns potential flight accidents and their consequences. Suppose a bird punctures the envelope: the nylon’s durability would prevent the tear from expanding, ensuring the balloon remains stable.
How does a hot air balloon flight work?
Before takeoff, the balloon is filled with air to inflate it. This air is later replaced by hot air, generated by the burner through combustion, adhering to Archimedes' principle. The burner is what lifts the balloon.
And then? A hot air balloon can only move up and down, unlike a dirigible, with which it’s often confused. Dirigibles have engines, allowing horizontal movement and steering—unlike balloons, which rely heavily on weather conditions and the pilot’s skill to harness winds for unusual, scenic trajectories.
To descend, the process is reversed: the air inside the envelope must be cooled by releasing hot air through the vent valve. Typically, both ascent and descent are extremely smooth, gradual processes, letting passengers enjoy panoramic views fearlessly from unique vantage points.
A hot air balloon’s maximum altitude is 1,300 feet, with speeds averaging 22 km/h.
Hot air ballooning in Italy
You don’t need to travel to Cappadocia or far-flung exotic locales to book a hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking views. Yumping partners with operators across Italy to deliver unforgettable experiences—from the north (e.g., Cuneo with Giroinmongolfiera), to central Tuscany with Vastano Mongolfiere, all the way to the "heel" of Italy near Bari with Puglia Escursioni.
Moreover, hot air ballooning in Italy is affordable, with prices ranging from €170 to €350. Flights are conducted safely by certified pilots using balloons registered with ENAC (Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority).
Live your ballooning adventure and capture its best moments with photos and videos from the basket as you soar over Italy’s skies. Ready? Book your next hot air balloon experience on Yumping.it.
