Linz and Wels: Joint application for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026!

Linz and Wels: Joint application for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026!

The anticipation for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is increasing, because the cities of Wels and Linz have officially registered to host the popular music event. This was recently announced by the Austrian Radio ORF, which accepts the applications. This means that they are the second cities that give their expression of interest for the 70th edition of the contest, and they put great hopes in their joint presentation.

The Mayor of Wels, Dr. Andreas Rabl, and the Mayor of Linz, Mag. Dietmar Prammer, launched a committed BID team. This team also includes the managing director of Wels Marketing & Touristik GmbH, Peter Jungreithmair, as well as the managing director of Linz Tourismus, Marie Luise Schnurpfeil. In addition, the municipal directors are Dr. Peter Franzmayr and Ulrike Huemer. Together they work on putting your cities in the best light to increase the chance to bring the ESC 2026 to Austria.

a cultural signal for Upper Austria

The application aims to present Upper Austria in the European spotlight. Wels can score with a modern indoor infrastructure that belongs to the Wels trade fair, while Linz can fall back on his extensive experience in the implementation of major events and cultural events. Linz also brings over 8,500 guest beds and scores with its high accessibility, including an airport and an ICE node. The city has retained a modern, urban flair and has a lively cultural scene with a strong focus on sustainability.

"With this application we want to set a cultural signal and convey our values ​​of innovation and quality of life, which also embodies the ESC," emphasizes Mayor Prammer. Linz and Wels plan to comply with high environmental standards as part of the event. Measures such as sustainable mobility, regional gastronomy and energy -efficient event planning are in the foreground.

a common undertaking

The ESC 2026 is more than just a music event; It could serve as an example of regional cooperation and cultural diversity. Linz Tourism actively supports the application and brings specialist knowledge in event marketing and service for visitors. The cities not only hope to organize the competition from the tender, but also to send a strong message for a future worth living.

If Linz and Wels win the coveted tender, it would be the first time that the Eurovision Song Contest is organized together by two cities. The cities hope that the spectators will be enthusiastic about the unique combination of urban flair and the warm hospitality of the region.
The application will take place after the victory of Austria at the last contest entitled "Wasted Love". The success of the past few years, including the previous profits in 1966 and 2014, gives unimagined buoyancy.

The next steps are now clear: Linz and Wels are received by ORF and have a month to compile all the necessary information for the evaluation. Stay tuned to learn more updates about this exciting development.

For more details you can do the information on Eurovoix.com ooe.orf.at and linz.at read.