Watch: German slackliners break world record by walking between hot air balloons at 2.5 km altitude

In a jaw-dropping display of skill, courage, and precision, two German slackline athletes, Friedi Kuehne and Lukas Irmler, have achieved a new world record that has left viewers in awe. The pair successfully walked a slackline suspended between two hot air balloons at an astonishing height of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), breaking their own previous record of 1,900 meters set in Brazil in 2021. This daring feat, captured in a viral video, shows the athletes maintaining flawless balance while walking across the slackline high above the clouds. Their remarkable achievement has captured the attention of extreme sports fans worldwide, cementing their place as pioneers in the world of slacklining .




Kuehne and Irmler set new slacklining world record at 2,500 meters



According to the International Slackline Association , this new record pushes the limits of slacklining to a new extreme. Kuehne and Irmler not only walked a slackline at a previously unheard-of height but did so in an environment where wind, movement, and altitude presented immense challenges. The slackline itself was tethered between two massive hot air balloons, providing both breathtaking views and significant risks. While the athletes are seasoned slackliners with multiple records to their names, this stunt is hailed as one of their most ambitious.

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In a statement shared by Brut America on Instagram, the duo expressed their pride in surpassing their own limits. "Friedi Kuehne and Lukas Irmler set a new world record by walking a slackline suspended between two hot air balloons at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), breaking the previous record of 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) set in Brazil in 2021,” the post noted. The video of the stunt quickly went viral, drawing praise and astonishment from slackline enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.





Kuehne and Irmler’s record-breaking slacklining journey – from longest distance to highline feats



Both Kuehne and Irmler are no strangers to breaking records. Irmler had previously set a world record for the longest distance walked on a slackline — an impressive 2 kilometers — in 2019. Kuehne, meanwhile, earned recognition for his highlighting feats, which involve balancing on a slackline without any safety devices. One of his notable achievements came in 2017 when he walked a 110-meter-long slackline at a height of 250 meters, further cementing his status as one of the best in the sport.


Kuehne reflected on the difficulty of obtaining permission for such extreme stunts, especially in Germany, where regulations for high-risk activities are strict. He also shared his personal dream of skydiving off the slackline as part of the stunt. Looking back on the experience, Kuehne called it "the craziest slackline world record Lukas and I have done together so far," highlighting the significance and excitement of their latest achievement.



What is slacklining ?


For those unfamiliar with slacklining, it is a sport that involves walking or balancing on a flat webbing line suspended between two points. Similar to tightrope walking, slacklining requires extraordinary balance, strength, and focus. There are several types of slacklining, including highlining (walking at great heights), waterline (slacklining over bodies of water), tricklining (performing tricks on a slackline), and yoga line (combining yoga and slacklining). Slacklining has evolved from a recreational activity to an extreme sport, with athletes continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible.




A slackline world record with daring hot air balloon stunt by Kuehne and Irmler



This latest record by Kuehne and Irmler is a testament to both their individual talents and their ability to collaborate as a team. The stunt not only highlights the thrill of slacklining but also emphasizes the courage and dedication required to achieve such feats. As their video continues to circulate online, it's clear that their latest achievement has inspired people around the world, some expressing their awe in comments such as, “This will feature in my nightmares” and “I’d need more than rope to attempt this – a parachute would be ideal!”
Kuehne and Irmler’s incredible feat stands as a reminder of the astonishing human potential to conquer fear and achieve the unimaginable.






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