Multitudes throng in a sizzling street procession in Zurich
As the countdown to Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 begins, the anticipation is building as Austria prepares to host the much-loved event next May. The final decision, however, is yet to be made, with two Austrian cities vying for the honour – Vienna (Wiener Stadthalle) and Innsbruck (Olympiahalle).
The Olympiahalle in Innsbruck, a multifunctional arena capable of accommodating up to 12,000 visitors, boasts an expansive space of 45,000 square meters. This compact event area, with short distances and ample infrastructure, has been approved for hosting the ESC by the city council, should Innsbruck be selected.
Vienna, on the other hand, presents the Wiener Stadthalle as its candidate. Although it offers a captivating setting, some sources suggest it may have less "freely available" space compared to Innsbruck.
The decision regarding the ESC final location is expected to be announced on August 20, 2025. The city that secures the title will join the prestigious list of Eurovision hosts, following in the footsteps of cities like Rotterdam, Tel Aviv, and Lisbon.
Meanwhile, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, which has been the location for Germany's largest New Year's Eve party for many years, will not host the celebration this year. The focus, however, shifts to a prime-time TV event hosted by Heidi Klum, which brings together Schlager stars and pop legends. Despite the excitement surrounding this event, the location remains undisclosed.
As the Eurovision Song Contest final location decision draws near, the race between Innsbruck and Vienna heats up. Stay tuned for the official announcement, expected on August 20, 2025, which will reveal the host city for ESC 2026.
The competition between Innsbruck (Olympiahalle) and Vienna (Wiener Stadthalle) for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has escalated, with both venues offering possibilities in the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment. Innsbruck boasts an expansive event area, suitable for hosting the ESC, should it be chosen. On the other hand, Vienna presents a compelling location, albeit with some space limitations compared to Innsbruck.
