Crossed by the Salzach River, whose name derives from its role as the “river of the salt route”, Salzburg was destined to become the “Rome of the North”. Renowned for its music, charming historic centre and stunning lake landscapes, it attracts countless music lovers every year. The Hohensalzburg Fortress offers magnificent panoramic views over the city and its surroundings.

The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg still resonates with and radiates the spirit of the Austrian genius.

Pentecost Festival
Under the artistic direction of Cecilia Bartoli, the 2026 Whitsun Festival invites audiences to a celebration of opera inspired by the theme of musical travel. The new production of Il Viaggio a Reims by Gioachino Rossini, staged by Barrie Kosky, brings together an exceptional cast including Cecilia Bartoli, Marina Viotti, Edgardo Rocha and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, exploring the cosmopolitan spirit of Europe. Alongside this bel canto masterpiece, dance performances, concerts and gala evenings enrich an elegant programme, making this edition an outstanding vocal and theatrical experience.

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival presents three new productions that stand among the highlights of the season. Carmen by Georges Bizet, conducted by Teodor Currentzis and starring Asmik Grigorian and Jonathan Tetelman, redefines the legendary heroine. Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss features Elīna Garanča in the title role in a bold new staging, while the monumental Saint François d’Assise by Olivier Messiaen is conducted by Maxime Pascal and staged by Romeo Castellucci. Beyond these new productions, the season also features the return of Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged by Christoph Loy, as well as Il Viaggio a Reims, first presented at the Whitsun Festival, completing this essential operatic event with elegance.

Mozart Week
The highlight of the 2027 Mozart Week is a new stage production of Così fan tutte, conducted by Ivor Bolton with the Camerata Salzburg. This production will complete Rolando Villazón’s Da Ponte cycle, following Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni.

Easter Festival
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Salzburg Easter Festival marks the occasion with the return of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Kirill Petrenko. At the heart of the festival stands a major new production of Die Walküre, staged by Kirill Serebrennikov.

The programme is further enhanced by the presence of Martha Argerich, conducted by Lahav Shani, as well as two masterpieces of the sacred repertoire: Messiah by George Frideric Handel and the Missa solemnis of Ludwig van Beethoven, performed under the direction of Emmanuelle Haïm and Kirill Petrenko.