A crowd in front of the Festspielhaus in the city of Salzburg © Tourismus Salzburg
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Salzburg Festival

Concerts, Operas and Plays at the famous Salzburg Festival

Impressive festival seasons in Salzburg

The Salzburg Festival is an institution of classical music and the performing arts. For over 100 years, the world’s most important festival of its kind has taken place in Salzburg every summer in July and August.

Our recommendation

Experience shows that the hotels in our city are very well occupied during the Salzburg Festival. If you would like to visit the festival, it is best to book early.

The Festival

During the Salzburg Festival, Salzburg’s old town becomes a unique venue for top-class culture for six weeks. Every year in July and August, operas, plays and concerts offer a diversity between tradition and modernity that is second to none.

The world’s best in their field perform at the Salzburg Festival. The festival district resembles a catwalk where celebrities and culture lovers look forward to top-class artistic enjoyment in the City of Mozart.

History of the Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival celebrated its birth on 22 August 1920, when the legendary Jedermann was performed at Domplatz for the first time. With its founding, Hugo von Hofmannsthal was able to make an idea that had been in the heads of the Salzburg cultural icons for a long time a reality together with director Max Reinhardt.

In 1922, the first opera was added to the programme and the rest is history. The Salzburg Festival has long since established itself as one of the largest festivals of its kind, which is known among culture lovers all over the world.

Easter and Pentecost festival

Spurred by its success and the high demand for tickets, other festival dates were created: the Summer Festival is complemented by the Salzburg Pentecost Festival and the Easter Festival and here too, brilliant programme thrills the visitors.

Jedermann

The annual highlight of the Salzburg Festival in July and August is the Jedermann play. Several thousand spectators follow the history surrounding the death of a rich man against the impressive backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral. In bad weather, the play is performed in the Large Festival Hall.

The Jedermann is an outstanding work by Austrian playwright Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the co-founder of the Salzburg Festival.

Ihr Hotel Scherer inmitten der Salzburger Festspiele

Look forward to a unique Salzburg cultural summer at the famous Salzburg Festival! The employees at Hotel Scherer will be happy to provide you with more information on ticket sales and on all matters relating to your visit to the festival. Find the perfect holiday offer and spend your summer holiday at Hotel Scherer, which offers peaceful yet central accommodation just a few minutes from the historic centre and the festival halls. We look forward to receiving your non-binding request!

Frequently asked questions

What is the Salzburg Festival?

The Salzburg Festival is one of the world’s most important festivals for opera, theatre and classical concerts. It takes place every summer in Salzburg.

When does the Salzburg Festival take place?

The Salzburg Festival takes place every year in July and August and lasts for around six weeks.

What is performed at the Salzburg Festival?

The programme includes operas, plays and concerts of the highest international standard. A particular highlight is the play "Jedermann" on Domplatz.

What is "Jedermann" at the Salzburg Festival?

"Jedermann" is a play by Hugo von Hofmannsthal and is regarded as a central work of the festival. It is traditionally performed against the backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral.

Why is the Salzburg Festival so famous?

The combination of a historic setting, internationally renowned artists and a high-quality cultural programme makes the Salzburg Festival one of the most significant festivals in the world.

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