Innsbruck looks forward to seizing significant prospects following the ESC decision - European Union's Future Favored by Committee of Regions Decision
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 is set to take place in Austria, with the final decision between Innsbruck and Vienna yet to be announced. As of August 13, 2025, both cities are in the running, having met the basic requirements for hosting the event.
Innsbruck, the picturesque Tyrolean city nestled amidst towering alpine peaks, proposes the Olympiahalle as its venue. If selected, this would be Innsbruck's first time hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. The Tourism Director of Innsbruck plans to incorporate the adjacent alpine backdrop into the events, promising a unique and breathtaking experience for guests. Access for guests to Innsbruck by plane, train, or car is straightforward, and all events are within a 15-minute walk.
Small events are also planned in the mountains around Innsbruck during the Eurovision Song Contest week, further emphasising the city's commitment to making the event a memorable one. Innsbruck's Mayor, Johannes Anzengruber, stated that the chances of securing the ESC 2026 are high.
On the other hand, Vienna, the capital of Austria, boasts a population of two million and has previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest twice (1967 and 2015). The city offers excellent infrastructure, including Vienna International Airport, and a proven track record of successful event hosting. Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle, with a capacity of around 16,000 seats, is the proposed venue.
Vienna is better equipped than in 2015 for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, with a quarter more hotel beds (around 80,000), improved infrastructure, and professional event teams. The Prater Stadium and the Schönbrunn Palace Park offer opportunities for events and productions during the Eurovision Song Contest.
The public broadcaster ORF will decide on August 20, 2022, whether the ESC will take place in Innsbruck or Vienna. The decision will be made jointly with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), taking into account factors such as venues, accommodation, logistics, and organizational capacity.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 promises to be a significant event for the winning city, with the potential to attract around 500,000 people, as it did in Basel, Switzerland, last May. Regardless of the final choice, Austria is gearing up for an exciting Eurovision Song Contest in 2026.
[1] DW.com: Austria bids for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 [2] The Local: Austria's Innsbruck bids for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 [3] Eurovision.tv: Austria submits bids for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 [4] The Local: Austria's Vienna ready for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 [5] Eurovision.tv: Vienna Airport ready for Eurovision Song Contest 2026
- In the heart of Austria, both cities, Innsbruck and Vienna, are vying for the opportunity to entertain a global audience during the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, having submitted their bids with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
- If chosen, Innsbruck, with its picturesque alpine surroundings, plans to amplify the event with unique music performances amidst the towering peaks and sports activities around the city, ensuring an unforgettable Eurovision experience.
