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Bregenzer Festspiele: A Dazzling Lakeside Spectacle

Experience world-class opera and theatre on a breathtaking floating stage at Austria's Bregenzer Festspiele. A summer cultural highlight!

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The Bregenzer Festspiele is a renowned opera, music, and theatre festival held annually in July and August in Bregenz, Austria. Its most striking feature is the Seebühne, a massive floating stage on Lake Constance, offering a unique blend of artistic performance and natural scenery.

A brief summary to Bregenzer Festspiele

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets and accommodation well in advance, especially for weekend performances, as the festival is very popular.
  • Consider attending a classical concert or drama production for an alternative to opera.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the Seebühne is an open-air venue.
  • Take advantage of the free bus and train travel within Vorarlberg on the day of your event ticket.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Bregenz railway station and the bus station are a short walk from the Festspielhaus. From the station, follow the signs to the Festspielhaus, approximately a 5-minute walk. An admission ticket to a Bregenz Festival event entitles the holder to free travel by bus and train within the Vorarlberg Public Transport Network on the day of the event.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bregenz. A taxi ride from Bregenz city center to the Bregenzer Festspiele takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares start at approximately €0.80 per kilometer. Expect to pay around €8-€12 for a short trip within the city.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, follow the 'Parkleitsystem' (parking guidance system) to available public car parks in Bregenz. Several large car parks are located near the Festspielhaus. Parking fees are approximately €7.90 per day at the 'East' and 'West' parking lots. Metered parking spaces are also available closer to the Festspielhaus. From July 7th, 2025, the first half-hour of parking is free in the entire city area, except for bus parking.

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Discover more about Bregenzer Festspiele

The Bregenzer Festspiele transforms the city of Bregenz into a vibrant hub of culture every summer. Since its inception in 1946, the festival has captivated audiences with its innovative productions and stunning lakeside setting. The festival's main draw is the 'Spiel auf dem See' (Performance on the Lake), staged on the Seebühne, the world's largest floating stage. Each year, a different opera or theatrical work is presented with elaborate sets that often defy imagination, set against the backdrop of Lake Constance. The Wiener Symphoniker serves as the festival orchestra, ensuring high-quality musical performances. Beyond the Seebühne, the festival extends to other venues, including the Festspielhaus, Werkstattbühne, and Theater am Kornmarkt, offering a diverse program of concerts, plays, and contemporary music theatre. The festival has become known for its innovative use of technology, including a special amplification system for directional hearing, ensuring optimal acoustics for the audience. The Bregenzer Festspiele attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, drawn by the unique combination of artistic excellence and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Constance. The festival typically runs from mid-July to mid-August, offering a packed schedule of performances and events. In 2025, the festival will take place from July 16th to August 17th and will feature Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischütz.

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