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

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

Wels, Österreich - Wels and Linz have big plans! On June 5, 2025, the application team of the two Upper Austrian cities officially announced that they apply for the execution of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026. This exciting news was published on Wednesday and brings a breath of fresh air to the domestic cultural scene. Mayor Andreas Rabl from Wels and Dietmar Prammer from Linz are convinced that their cities can meet the necessary requirements for this international event.

Together, Wels and Linz Upper Austria want to move into the European spotlight. The application team is made up of experienced forces: In addition to the two mayors, the members Peter Jungreithmair from Wels Marketing & Touristik GmbH, Marie Luise Schnead arrow from Tourismus Linz, and the magistrate directors Ulrike Huemer and Peter Franzmayr. The support of the state of Upper Austria is also an important factor in your project.

infrastructure and unique selling points

What are the two cities so special? Wels scores with its modern indoor infrastructure, while Linz has valuable experiences from the organization of major events. In particular, the lively cultural scene and the urban rooms of Linz enable an attractive environment for public viewing and eventful framework programs. Linz is advertised with over 8,500 guest beds, good accessibility, including its own airport and ICE connection, and a focus on sustainability and creative solutions.

The application should also set a sign of cultural diversity and innovative strength. Linz tries to high environmental standards and plans measures for sustainable mobility, regional gastronomy and energy -efficient event planning. "With our concept we want to convey the values ​​of innovation, quality of life and openness, which the ESC also embodies," emphasizes Mayor Dietmar Prammer.

application process and requirements

interested cities that want to apply for the ESC 2026 must meet the criteria specified by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The application process is two -level: First, the cities must submit their expression of interest. The detailed documents then follow after early expression of interest. The deadline for the final application documents ends on July 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (CEST).

The minimum requirements should not be underestimated: the venue must be available exclusively for at least eight weeks and can be able to grasp a public volume of around 10,000 people. This means that a good hand for organization and security is required to successfully get this big event. However, the library of requirements also seems to offer scope for creative solutions to accept this exciting challenge.

with Wels and Linz in the race for the ESC 2026 are imminent times. Both cities not only show determination, but also the vision of putting Upper Austria in a new light. Will you manage to win the competition? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the ESC 2026 could be a big step for regional cultural and tourism development. There is more information about the application details here and here.