Vienna, August 20, 2025 - Vienna has been officially selected to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. With the bid submitted on July 3, 2025, the city was able to successfully assert itself, once again confirming its reputation as one of Europe's leading destinations for international events, culture and hospitality.

Fans from Germany, Europe and all over the world can make a note of three crucial dates: On May 12 and May 14, the two semi-finals will take place in the Wiener Stadthalle, with the grand final on May 16. Thousands of fans from numerous countries and more than 1,500 accredited media representatives will travel to the Austrian capital for the world's biggest entertainment event.

Norbert Kettner, Managing Director of the Vienna Tourist Board, emphasizes the perfect symbiosis between the city and the event: "Vienna and the Eurovision Song Contest bring together what belongs together: the cosmopolitan cultural metropolis and world capital of music and the world's biggest music show with maximum luminosity. Now it is time to shine once again as host for Europe and the world and to organize an unforgettable 70th Eurovision Song Contest next year. Vienna wants to leave a lasting impression on the international stage - we are looking forward to it!"

The Austrian capital has a unique blend of strengths: World-class infrastructure, extensive experience with major events, excellent accessibility and a cosmopolitan, welcoming atmosphere. These attributes once again make Vienna the ideal host city for Europe's most popular music competition, which the city already successfully staged in 2015.

More than 6,000 congresses and corporate events take place in Vienna every year. With over 82,000 beds in 433 accommodation establishments, the city is well prepared to accommodate the expected artists, journalists and fans. The connections are also impressive: Vienna can be reached by direct flight from 195 cities in 65 countries and has the leading overnight train network in Europe.

What sets Vienna apart is not only its logistical strengths, but also its values. As a city with a clear focus on sustainability, the ESC can be realized without any new infrastructure. Vienna already received the highest praise for its future-oriented approach in 2015: 79% of media representatives rated the Song Contest in Vienna as "better" or "much better" compared to previous editions - particularly in the categories of friendliness, accessibility and atmosphere.

In 2026, the ESC will return not just to a city, but to a vibrant, international metropolis that stands for cohesion, creativity and openness. With Vienna as the host city, Europe will once again be united through music - together, sustainably and in style.