Salzburg Festival
Experience the world's most renowned festival of music and drama in Mozart's birthplace.
A Century of Musical Excellence
The Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) stands as the world's most prestigious celebration of opera, drama, and classical music. Founded in 1920 by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Max Reinhardt, and Richard Strauss, the festival was conceived as a celebration of European culture and peace following World War I, honoring the city's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Each summer from late July through August, the baroque city transforms into the global center of classical performing arts. Over 200 performances attract audiences exceeding 250,000 from around the world, making it the largest and most significant festival of its kind.
The Festival's Founding Vision
The founders envisioned Salzburg as the ideal location to revive the spirit of European high culture. The city's stunning Alpine setting, its rich musical heritage as Mozart's birthplace, and its magnificent baroque architecture provided the perfect backdrop for their ambitious artistic project.
From its first season featuring Hofmannsthal's play "Jedermann" (Everyman) on the Cathedral Square, the festival has maintained its commitment to presenting the highest caliber of artistic achievement while preserving important cultural traditions.
Festival Venues
The Great Festival Hall (Grosses Festspielhaus)
Opened in 1960, the Great Festival Hall was carved directly into the Monchsberg cliff, a remarkable engineering feat. With seating for 2,179, it hosts the festival's grandest opera productions. The stage, measuring 100 meters wide, is one of the largest in the world, allowing for spectacular scenic designs.
Haus fur Mozart
Originally the Small Festival Hall, this 1,580-seat venue was completely renovated in 2006 and renamed to honor the composer most associated with Salzburg. Its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere make it ideal for Mozart's operas and chamber works.
Felsenreitschule (Rock Riding School)
Perhaps the most atmospheric of all festival venues, the Felsenreitschule was originally built in 1693 as a summer riding school for the Archbishop's horses. Carved into the cliff face with 96 Renaissance arcades serving as a dramatic backdrop, it offers an unforgettable setting for opera and concerts.
Salzburg Cathedral Square
The annual performance of "Jedermann" takes place on the Cathedral Square, with the baroque facade of the cathedral serving as the stage backdrop. This tradition has continued almost unbroken since 1920 and remains the festival's signature event.
The Jedermann Tradition
Every summer, Hofmannsthal's morality play "Jedermann" (Everyman) is performed on the Cathedral Square, a tradition dating to the festival's founding. The play's climactic scene, where Death calls Jedermann to account for his life, features voices echoing from the cathedral towers and surrounding churches.
Festival Programming
The festival program encompasses three main artistic areas, each representing the highest standards of international performing arts:
Opera
Opera lies at the heart of the Salzburg Festival. Each season presents approximately six new productions featuring the world's leading singers, conductors, and stage directors. Mozart's works receive special attention, though the repertoire spans from baroque to contemporary opera. Recent seasons have featured acclaimed productions by directors including Romeo Castellucci, Christoph Marthaler, and Stefan Herheim.
Concerts
The festival's concert program brings together the finest orchestras and soloists. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is in residence throughout August, while other programs feature ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, and period instrument groups. Lieder recitals showcase the art of song in intimate settings.
Drama
The dramatic program, anchored by "Jedermann," includes productions from the German-speaking theater world's leading companies. The Young Directors Project nurtures emerging talent, while the drama program explores works from classical theater to contemporary plays.
Attending the Festival
Ticket Information
Festival tickets are highly sought after, with many performances selling out within hours of release. The booking process begins in January for the summer season, with programs announced in late autumn of the previous year.
- Ticket prices range from approximately 30 to 450 euros depending on event and seating
- Online booking opens in January at salzburgerfestspiele.at
- A limited number of tickets are released closer to performance dates
- Standing room tickets offer affordable access to sold-out performances
Planning Your Visit
Salzburg during festival season requires advance planning:
- Book accommodation 6-12 months in advance; hotels fill quickly
- The city is easily walkable; all festival venues are in the historic center
- Dress codes vary: formal evening wear for premieres, smart casual for most events
- Multiple performances daily allow intensive festival experiences
Beyond the Main Stages
The festival atmosphere extends throughout Salzburg. Free open-air screenings project performances onto large screens in the old town. The Siemens Festival Nights present opera broadcasts on a giant screen in the Kapitelplatz. Lectures, exhibitions, and young artists' programs complement the main events.
Festival Dates 2026
The 2026 Salzburg Festival runs from July 18 through August 31. Program details are typically announced in November of the previous year, with ticket sales beginning in January.
Salzburg's Musical Heritage Year-Round
While the summer festival is Salzburg's crown jewel, the city offers rich musical experiences throughout the year:
Mozart Week
Held annually around Mozart's birthday (January 27), this festival focuses exclusively on the composer's works, performed in venues associated with his life in Salzburg.
Easter Festival
Founded by Herbert von Karajan in 1967, the Easter Festival presents orchestral concerts and opera productions, traditionally featuring a major work with the Berlin Philharmonic.
Whitsun Festival
This more intimate festival focuses on baroque and early music, offering a refined program of concerts and staged works.
Practical Information
- Festival Office: Herbert von Karajan Platz 11, 5020 Salzburg
- Official website: salzburgerfestspiele.at
- Salzburg is 3 hours from Vienna by train, with frequent connections
- Munich Airport (90 minutes) often offers convenient international access
Quick Links
Festival Facts
- Founded: 1920
- Duration: Late July to late August
- Annual attendance: 250,000+
- Performances: 200+ per season
- Venues: 16 stages throughout Salzburg
Getting There
Salzburg is accessible by train from Vienna (3 hours), Munich (1.5 hours), and Zurich (5 hours). Salzburg Airport handles European flights, while Munich Airport offers broader international connections.