The big success was only a few weeks ago.JJ won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), bringing Europe’s biggest music spectacle to Austria. The anticipation is growing and preparations for next year are already slowly getting underway, especially the application for the ESC. The most important question: where will the ESC 2026 take place? Vienna has now officially applied to host the event – as has Innsbruck. Which of the cities has the most realistic chances?
Vienna and Innsbruck want to host the ESC 2026
The official motto of the Song Contest has been the same for several years: “United by Music”. However, the bid for the ESC also includes the interested cities’ own motto: Vienna is applying with the motto “Europe, shall we dance?”. Innsbruck has chosen the slogan “Together on Top”.
Graz ultimately did not submit an application due to the expected costs, and the double application from Linz and Wels was also withdrawn due to the lack of technical possibilities. This sets up a duel between Vienna and the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck, both of which want to host the ESC in their halls.
What are the arguments in favor of Vienna as the venue?
The Austrian capital is well prepared for the ESC 2026. Vienna already has a wealth of experience in hosting major events and already hosted the music event in 2015 when Conchita Wurst won the Song Contest. This already gives the city the perfect seal of approval, as the organizers gave the organization of that year’s ESC top marks. The Stadthalle is ready to host the event.
Vienna is also well equipped for many visitors. There are around 82,000 beds in the 433 hotels and the infrastructure is known to be excellent. The city’s public transport network does not need to be rebuilt for a major event like the ESC, meaning that sustainability also speaks in favor of Vienna as a venue. Vienna is also much easier to reach for international visitors than Innsbruck, as direct flights from 65 countries land in the music metropolis. Vienna is also easily accessible by night train with 16 final destinations, more than from any other EU capital.
Vienna is also emphasizing its cosmopolitanism in the bid. Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig summarized: “We have proven many times in the past that Vienna is a cosmopolitan city that welcomes event visitors with open arms and offers them a wonderful stay. I am convinced that Vienna is the best location to represent Austria in the world.
When will the official decision be made?
The chances of Vienna being the next venue for the ESC are pretty good: Innsbruck can hardly compete with Vienna’s infrastructure and experience. However, the Tyrolean city is relying on other advantages in its bid. Innsbruck has short distances and a relaxed atmosphere. The city is located in the middle of the Alps and offers a unique backdrop for the ESC. The Olympic Hall there also meets the requirements for hosting the ESC.
The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) must now decide who will ultimately host the ESC 2026. The final decision on the venue should be made in mid-August. Then preparations for the big music spectacle can really get underway: Whether Vienna or Innsbruck, the 2026 ESC final will take place on either May 16 or 23.