Ballonmuseum Gersthofen
Municipal museum of the technology and history of ballooning in Gersthofen near Augsburg – with a walk-in balloon basket and a replica of the Piccard gondola.
About the museum
The Ballonmuseum opened in 1985 in Gersthofen's former water tower, built in 1906. Its core was the aeronautics collection of Augsburg balloonist Alfred Eckert, displayed on five cramped floors of the tower. Gersthofen remains a well-known launch site for gas balloons and regularly hosts competitions.
In 2003 a new domed building was added, connected to the tower via the basement, which expanded the exhibition space to around 1,200 square meters. At its center hangs a model of the balloon with which Freiherr von Lütgendorf made one of the first attempted ascents in Germany in 1786.
A spiral ramp leads visitors through several levels: from the beginnings of ballooning to technology, manufacturing and sport, and on to balloons in science and the military, record-breaking flights and disasters. Hands-on stations such as a freely suspended basket, a replica of Auguste Piccard's stratospheric gondola and audio stations also appeal to families. The museum is run by the City of Gersthofen and offers an extensive museum education program with its own lab; the water tower with the Eckert collection is currently closed for renovation.
Highlights
- Model of Lütgendorf's balloon “Erdlieb” from 1786 beneath the dome
- Walk-in, freely suspended balloon basket
- Replica of Auguste Piccard's stratospheric gondola
- Audio stations with accounts by famous balloonists
- Experiment lab for children and school classes
- Children's audio guide with Graf Schaf (Count Sheep)
Permanent exhibitions
- Ballonfahrt – Geschichte und Technik – Several levels tell the story of early ascents, balloon technology, balloon sport, scientific and military uses, and records and disasters – with many stations to try out.
- Founded
- 1985
- Operated by
- Stadt Gersthofen
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50School students, university students, apprentices, people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 5 · Children and teens aged 6 to 17 |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3.50Reduced admission |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50School students, university students and apprentices |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3.50 per personAdults in groups of 10 or more €3.50, children's groups of 10 or more €1 per child |
| Families | –No family ticket listed |
| Group tour in German (during opening hours, flat rate) | €55max. 25 people per guide, approx. 60 min. |
| Tour in a foreign language or outside opening hours (flat rate) | €70outside opening hours, plus a fee based on effort |
| Museum education program for daycare/schools (flat rate) | €80plus €1 admission per child; Wed–Fri |
| Children's birthday party (up to 8 children) | €160plus €1 admission per child |
Public Sunday tours are free with regular admission. Children's birthday party (ages 6–10, up to 8 children, 2.5 hrs.) €160 plus €1 admission per child; at least two accompanying adults free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
An elevator and a spiral ramp connect all exhibition levels; wheelchair-accessible restroom in the basement; accessible parking space at the back. The water tower (currently closed) is not accessible. Tours for visually impaired visitors on request.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Dedicated children's audio guide; walk-in balloon basket, replica of the Piccard gondola as well as listening and viewing stations. Museum education program for children and families; children's birthdays for 6- to 10-year-olds (approx. 2.5 hrs., Fri–Sun).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Rathausplatz
Bus 56/57 from Gersthofen station to Rathausplatz (approx. 5 min.); from Augsburg Hbf (main station), tram 4 to Augsburg-Nord, then bus 51–54 to Rathausplatz or Strasser.
By car
Free parking
Parking directly behind the museum (Ludwig-Thoma-Straße, 2 hrs. free with a parking disc) with an accessible parking space; Stadthalle underground garage (just under 150 spaces) and City-Center parking garage (approx. 400 spaces), each 3 hrs. free with a parking disc.
- Accessible parking
Near the A 8, B 17 and B 2; approx. 15 min. from downtown Augsburg.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
Museum shop with books, models and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
According to the FAQ, the museum can be rented as a venue; the basement serves as a forum for events. Details on request.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN, FR) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours can be booked individually (approx. 60 min., also in English and French). Audio guide for adults (German/English/French) and a separate children's audio guide. Programs for daycare centers and schools including a lab visit, Wednesday to Friday. |
