Andreas Gabalier Unplugged
Experience the Volks-Rock'n'Roller acoustic set at the Großes Festspielhaus.
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Salzburg Festival
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Landmark
The Salzburg Festival is widely regarded as the most important festival for opera, music, and drama in the world, turning the Baroque city into a lively global cultural stage every summer. It was founded in 1920 by Max Reinhardt, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Richard Strauss, who envisioned the festival as a project of peace and cultural renewal in the aftermath of World War I. The inaugural performance of 'Jedermann' (Everyman) in Cathedral Square established a tradition that remains the festival's centerpiece, set against the monumental backdrop of the Salzburg Cathedral. The festival's venues are exceptional, ranging from the Large Festival Hall to the Felsenreitschule (Summer Riding School), which is carved directly into the rock of the Mönchsberg mountain, providing a unique acoustic environment. Under the long-term guidance of figures like Herbert von Karajan, the festival achieved unparalleled international acclaim, consistently attracting the world's finest conductors, singers, and actors. With the Vienna Philharmonic as its resident orchestra, the festival presents a diverse program of over 200 events, blending traditional masterpieces with groundbreaking contemporary works. Beyond its artistic excellence, the Salzburg Festival is a significant social occasion that defines the identity of Salzburg as the 'City of Mozart,' blending high art with the city's unique historical atmosphere.
- Location: Salzburg, Austria
- Top sights: Haus für Mozart · Stefan Zweig Center · Felsenreitschule
- Nearby: Wals-Siezenheim (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 72 | 84 | 72 | 136 | 158 | 146 | 153 | 113 | 90 | 69 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Hofstallgasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
Hours
Depending on the schedule
Entry
Prices vary greatly depending on the performance
Website
Transit
Bus 1, 8, 10 (Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz)
Parking
Altstadtgarage B (Mönchsberg), discounted with ticket.
Accessibility
Venues are largely barrier-free.
Photos
Strictly prohibited during performances.
Best time
During the festival in July and August.
Audio guide
no
Geography
Facts
- Founding year: 1920
- Resident orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic
- Main theater capacity: 2,179 seats
- Number of annual events: approx. 200
- Signature play: Jedermann (Everyman)
- Location: Salzburg Old Town
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Salzburg Festival (10)
Romanischer Saal🏛 museum
Hall in St. Peter's Abbey, used for concerts and events.
Katakomben🏛 museum
Early Christian burial chambers in the Mönchsberg, part of St. Peter's Abbey.
Stiftskirche Sankt Peter
Church of the oldest monastery in the German-speaking area, with Romanesque and Baroque elements.
Franziskaner Kirche
Gothic church in Salzburg, featuring a Baroque high altar.
Galerie Welz
Art gallery in Salzburg, specializing in modern and contemporary art.
Erzabtei Sankt Peter⛪ monastery
Benedictine monastery in Salzburg, founded around 696, with a cemetery and library.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When does the Salzburg Festival take place?
The festival takes place every year in July and August.
What is the most famous play of the festival?
Hugo von Hofmannsthal's 'Jedermann', which is traditionally performed in the Cathedral Square.
Is evening dress required?
Festive attire is highly appreciated at the performances and is common.
Where does the festival take place?
The venues are spread throughout Salzburg's old town, with the Festspielhaus as the centerpiece.
Are there last-minute tickets?
There may be remaining tickets at the box office, but many shows are sold out months in advance.
Salzburg Festival: where is it located?
Salzburg Festival is located in Salzburg, Austria.
Salzburg Festival: what is there to see?
Highlights include Haus für Mozart, Stefan Zweig Center, Felsenreitschule.
Salzburg Festival: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Salzburg Festival: why is it worth visiting?
The Salzburg Festival is widely regarded as the most important festival for opera, music, and drama in the world, turning the Baroque city into a lively global cultural stage every summer.
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