Linz and Wels in ESC fever: Together for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026!

Linz and Wels in ESC fever: Together for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026!

Linz, Österreich - On June 4, 2025, the cities of Linz and Wels took an important step to apply for the orientation of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Upper Austria. The official application was submitted to the ORF on Wednesday and encounters broad support from the state government and the mayor of Linz, Dietmar Prammer, and Wels, Andreas Rabl.

An experienced team of tourism and administration experts from both cities work on the application and meets all minimum requirements of the ORF. This includes a suitable event location, adequate hotel capacities, international transport connections and detailed organizational concepts. The aim of this initiative is to put Upper Austria into the European spotlight and to position them as a modern, cosmopolitan event region.

special strengths of Linz and Wels

The application benefits from the individual strengths of both cities. Wels scores with its modern indoor infrastructure, while Linz has extensive experience with major events and urban cultural areas. The city offers numerous options, especially in the public viewing and supporting program. Mayor Prammer emphasizes that Linz relies on creativity, hospitality and sustainable solutions.

with over 8,500 guest beds and excellent accessibility, which also includes an airport and an ICE hub, Linz has a solid basis for an event of this size. In addition, the city is committed to high environmental standards as part of the application, which is underlined by planned measures such as sustainable mobility, regional gastronomy and energy -efficient event planning.

The application should set a sign of cultural diversity, innovative strength and a future worth living. Linz Tourism supports this process and also brings competence in event marketing, visitor service and destination management.

background of the esc

The Eurovision Song Contest is the most viewed music spectacle in the world and attracts millions of viewers every year. The current ESC is to become the most sustainable of history, with objectives that go beyond the pure entertainment. In the current event in Basel, measures were taken to avoid food waste, and a high value is placed on ecological aspects.

The decision about the venue for the ESC 2026 is made after several test phases. Linz and Wels are ready to present themselves on this occasion as the ideal host and will put both the cultural heritage and the innovative future of Upper Austria in the right light.

For further information on the application and the initiatives of Linz and Wels, interested parties can be the detailed reports from [5min.at] (https://www.5min.at/5202506041554/oberoesterreich-will-den-2026-Linz-und-wels- Reiten-ein/), linz.at and [Deutschlandfunk] (https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/diesjaehriger-esoll-der- sustainable-wisten-werden-deutschland-auf-startplatz-100.html)