European Union's future direction finds support from the Committee of Regions.
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 is set to take place in Austria, but the host city remains a mystery as of mid-August 2025. The two contenders in the running are Innsbruck and Vienna, with the decision expected to be revealed on August 20, 2025, by the Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Innsbruck, the fifth-largest city in Austria, boasts a significant advantage with its extensive experience as an Olympic city, hosting large-scale events. Within a 25-kilometer radius, there are tens of thousands of hotel beds available, and the city's Olympiahalle, in top condition, can accommodate around 15,000 visitors for the ESC semi-finals and final. All events in Innsbruck can be reached within 15 minutes on foot, and the city plans to include the breathtaking alpine backdrop with approximately 2,000-meter-high mountains in the ESC events.
On the other hand, Vienna, a "safe bet" with extensive Eurovision hosting experience, offers the Wiener Stadthalle arena, which seats around 16,000 people, and excellent transport connections via Vienna International Airport and public transit. The Prater Stadium and the Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna provide opportunities for events and productions. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce is confident that the ESC 2026 will take place in Vienna.
Peter Paul Mölk, tourism chief of Innsbruck, hopes for the decision-makers to try something new by choosing Innsbruck for ESC 2026. The ESC in Innsbruck would be a highly welcome impetus for the regional economy, with small but fine events planned in the mountains around the city.
As the decision date approaches, both cities are under final evaluation by ORF and EBU, with scoring based on multiple criteria before the final announcement. The decision will be announced on August 20, 2025, so the wait continues for Eurovision fans to find out whether Vienna or Innsbruck will host the ESC 2026 in Austria. The ESC final is scheduled for May 16 or 23, 2026.
[1] ORF News - Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Vienna and Innsbruck in the race for the title host (August 1, 2025) [2] EBU - Austria announces its bid cities for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 (July 30, 2025) [3] Wiener Stadthalle - The Wiener Stadthalle (accessed August 14, 2025) [4] Innsbruck Tourism - Innsbruck: The Olympic City (accessed August 14, 2025) [5] The Local - Innsbruck and Vienna battle it out to host Eurovision 2026 (August 10, 2025)
- With the Wiener Stadthalle arena, Vienna offers a "safe bet" for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to its prior experience, excellent transport connections, and capacity to seat around 16,000 people.
- On the other hand, Innsbruck merges entertainment possibilities with sports and nature, promising small but fine events in the mountains, utilizing its extensive experience as an Olympic city and the breathtaking alpine backdrop for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, should it be chosen as the host city.
