Council of Europe Delivers Decision on the Following Matter:
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 is set to take place in Austria, with the host city yet to be officially announced as of early August 2025. The two finalist cities are Vienna and Innsbruck, and the decision by the Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is expected on August 20, 2025[1][2][3].
Vienna, with its proven track record of hosting the ESC twice before (1967 and 2015), is considered the safer choice. Offering large venues like the Wiener Stadthalle, good transport connections, and ample hotel capacity, Vienna remains a strong contender[1][2][4].
Innsbruck, on the other hand, is offering a fresh alpine setting. The city's Olympiahalle can accommodate around 15,000 visitors for the semi-finals and final of the ESC[1]. The ESC week in Innsbruck aims to include the adjacent alpine backdrop with approximately 2,000-meter-high mountains[5]. Small events are planned in the mountains of Innsbruck during the contest, providing a unique experience for attendees[1].
Innsbruck, the fifth-largest city in Austria, has a population of 130,000 inhabitants[1]. Within a 25-kilometer radius of Innsbruck, tens of thousands of beds are available[1]. The city has sufficient space around the Olympiahalle for organization, events, and technology[1].
Innsbruck has extensive experience hosting large-scale events, such as the Olympics and world and European championships[1]. The regional economy of Innsbruck would greatly benefit from hosting the ESC, as it was attended by around 500,000 people in Basel last May[2].
However, Vienna has improved its infrastructure since it last hosted the ESC in 2015. The city now boasts a quarter more hotel beds (around 80,000), improved infrastructure, and professional event teams[6]. The Prater Stadium and the Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna offer opportunities for events and productions during the ESC[1].
Despite Innsbruck's strong bid, Vienna is the clear favourite in many analyses[1][2][4]. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce is confident that the ESC 2026 will take place in Vienna, with Walter Ruck, President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, stating that the ESC 2026 should be held in Vienna[6].
The decision between Vienna and Innsbruck for Eurovision 2026 will be announced mid to late August 2025, specifically on August 20, 2025[3][5].
[1] News Article 1 [2] News Article 2 [3] News Article 3 [4] News Article 4 [5] News Article 5 [6] News Article 6
Sports enthusiasts in Innsbruck, Austria, are eagerly anticipating the potential of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026, with the city's Olympiahalle offering a unique alpine setting for the semi-finals and final. Meanwhile, music lovers might prefer Vienna, the historical city that has already hosted the ESC twice before, boasting improved infrastructure and professional event teams, along with the Prater Stadium and the Schönbrunn Palace Park as potential venues. The decision between these two cities, both strong contenders, will be announced on August 20, 2025, offering entertainment for both sports and music fans alike.
