Salzburg Festival
Country: Salzburg, Austria
When: 22nd July- 30th August 2016
History
Salzburg has a long and loving history with the Arts- best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- and so it comes as no surprise that the Salzburg festival is one of the best of its kind, and also very rich in its history. Established in 1920, the festival was devised by poet Hermann Bahr, Max Reinhardt and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and became most notable for Hofmannsthal’s Jedermann performance, which is now an annual component of the festival.
Unfortunately, during WWII the festival faltered due to the prejudice of the Nazis against its Jewish and intellectual founders. It was revived after the war, with the support of the American forces, though many of the original artists had been exiled or even killed.
Through the 20th century the festival began to involve more world premieres, international acts, and a wider range of performances, and though it has never really escaped political controversy, it has continued to flourish and grow.
Today, the festival takes place over 45 beautiful Austrian summer days, with almost 300 performances held in 14 different venues around the city. It features opera, concerts and plays from over 70 nations, and attracts nearly 300 000 visitors annually.
Festival events are priced separately, but they do sell out early so make sure you book them several months ahead of your trip.
Festival Videos
Key Highlights
Don’t miss the annual performance of the Jedermann (Everyman) dramatization by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the play where the Salzburg festival started. A cornerstone of the Salzburg performance art canon, it explores modern uncertainties and, according to the festival’s website, “combines the sensuality of performance with the spiritual task of literature”.
Where is it
Salzburg, Austria
How to get there
Salzburg Airport is a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre.
You can also get the train to Salzberg from anywhere in Europe very easily, arriving in Salzburg Hauptbahnhof Train Station, which is conveniently located in the middle of Salzburg.
Where to Stay
The inner city is the best place to stay, with its proximity to the festival events, and its old-world charm. Cheap hotels are around $80-$150 AUD per night, and there are plenty of Air BnB spots available, for around $50 AUD per night.
More information on Salzburg Festival:
http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/whitsun
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/austria/salzburg
