Bregenz Festival
Against a magical scenic backdrop, the Bregenzer Festspiele offers high calibre artistry – and not only outdoors.
Premiere on 22nd July 2026 - 21:15 on the floating stage
The curtain rises – let the show begin
Look forward to a programme of unforgettable operatic premieres and fantastic concerts in the Festival Hall, incredible examples of contemporary art in the Studio Theatre, or emotive pearls of of operatic literature in the Vorarlberger Landestheater. During the months of July and August this summer festival stages eighty performances which attract some 200,000 visitors to this area, on the borders of three countries between the Alps and Lake Constance. Artistic demand and a passion for the unusual have combined to create a magical experience on the shores of the lake.
2026/27 "La traviata"
In a swirling sea of champagne, dance, and elegance, Violetta Valéry enjoys the pulsating life of Parisian society. But behind the glittering facade is a woman whose heart seeks more than just glamour and pleasure. When young Alfredo Germont enters their world, another life seems within reach – one based on love and honesty. But in a world where money and social reputation are everything, there is little room for feelings.
With La traviata, Giuseppe Verdi created an opera of painful beauty – with moving arias, gripping choral scenes, and an orchestral sound that makes the longing and drama of this tragic love story palpable in every note.
Guided tours behind the scenes
How about a peek behind the scenes of this great cultural industry? A 50 minute guided tour will take you through the interior of the theatre complex, offering an insight into the technology behind the floating stage, the current productions and the Festival Hall.
Tickets may be purchased by phoning +43 5574 407 6 or directly from the box office.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GUIDED TOURS
Dates
From 1rd May to 17th July 2026 guided tours are available to interested visitors at 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
From 20th July to 23rd August 2026 guided tours are offered daily at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30. Please note that there may be deviations.
Founding and development
1946 – The first Bregenz Festival Week took place just one year after the end of the Second World War. Using two gravel barges – one for the stage set, the other for the orchestra – Mozart’s early work "Bastien et Bastienne"was performed on the lake.
Even in its very first year, visitors from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France secured the Festival a place of great international renown. From the very start the Vienna Symphony orchestra have played a leading part in the development and success of the Festival, and continue to do so right up to the present day.