Salzburg Festival★★★€€€
The Salzburg Festival (end of July to end of August) is the most important classical music festival in the world — founded in 1920 by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Max Reinhardt, and Richard Strauss. For six weeks, Salzburg becomes the world stage: opera, drama, concerts, and readings at over 15 venues, with the best artists in the world.
★★★ Jedermann at Domplatz
The heart of the festival: Hugo von Hofmannsthal's "Jedermann" (The Play of the Rich Man's Death) has been performed outdoors at Domplatz since 1920. When Death calls and his "Jedermann!" call echoes from the church towers of the old town, even the most hardened spectators get chills. One of the most impressive theater experiences in Europe.
Tickets 30–450 €. Performances: approx. 15 performances in July/August. Advance sales from November of the previous year — sought-after dates sell out quickly.
★★★ Great Festival Hall
The largest opera stage in the world (100 m wide!) was blasted into the Mönchsberg in 1960 — an architectural masterpiece. Here, the Vienna Philharmonic conducts, the greatest opera singers in the world perform, and the most prestigious premieres take place. Even outside the festival, a tour (8 €, daily 2 PM) through the vast rooms is worthwhile.
Experience the Festival — Even on a Budget
The festival is expensive (opera tickets 80–450 €), but there are ways:
Jedermann Broadcast: The premiere is broadcast live on a big screen at Kapitelplatz — free!
Siemens Fest>Spiel>Nights: Every evening, operas and concerts are shown on a big screen at Kapitelplatz — free, with sausage stand and festival atmosphere.
Children & Youth Program: Discounted tickets from 10 € for under 27s.
Last-Minute Tickets: On the day of the performance from 9:30 AM at the ticket office (Hofstallgasse 1), there are last-minute tickets with up to 50% discount.
Festival Season Practical
During the festival, Salzburg is expensive and crowded: hotel prices double, restaurants are fully booked, the old town is teeming with evening gowns and tuxedos. Those who want to experience the festival should book 6+ months in advance. Alternative: Stay in Berchtesgaden or at Lake Fuschl (30 min. away, half as expensive) and drive to Salzburg in the evening.
💡 Tipp
The best way to experience festival atmosphere for free: Come to Kapitelplatz in the evening, sit on the grass, watch the live broadcast on the big screen, and enjoy the sound of the fortress-illuminated old town. Bring a blanket and picnic!
