The cities of Linz and Wels, located next to each other in Upper Austria near the Czech border, have officially announced their joint bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled for either May 16 or 23. This event is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide, following the surprising victory of JJ with “Wasted Love” at Eurovision 2025. The Austrian broadcaster ORF has launched the bidding process, and the host city (or cities) will be announced on August 8, along with the final date for the grand final.

The competition to host Eurovision in Austria is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious in Europe. According to the European Broadcasting Union’s criteria, the host city must provide a modern arena with a capacity of at least 10,000 spectators, full availability for eight weeks, excellent international transportation links, and a wide range of hotels. This year, Linz and Wels are proposing a unique model: Wels would host the performances at the new Messe Wels arena, set to open in March 2026, while Linz would provide accommodations, infrastructure for major events, and cultural venues.

This is a model never before attempted in Eurovision history—never have two cities jointly hosted the contest, but this year it seems possible. The proximity of the two cities makes the concept feasible, and we may see, for the first time, a dual-city hosting arrangement.

In recent years, hosting Eurovision has become not only a musical highlight but also a strategic opportunity for cities and countries. From my experience as a regular viewer and close follower of the contest, it’s clear that host cities benefit from global exposure, infrastructure upgrades, a tourism boom, and increased investment—alongside logistical, security, and technological challenges. The EBU’s standards require closed arenas with at least 10,000 seats, eight weeks of availability, advanced public transportation, and a broad hotel offering. This year’s selection process includes two stages: submitting a statement of interest and submitting formal bid documents, with ORF maintaining secrecy until the official announcement.

The following cities and towns have announced that they are considering or planning to submit a bid to host Eurovision 2026:

• Ebreichsdorf – A town located close to Vienna, mainly known for its equestrian centers.

• Graz – Austria’s second-largest city, the capital of Styria, with a rich cultural tradition and advanced performance venues.

• Innsbruck – The capital of Tyrol, a picturesque mountain city best known for hosting the Winter Olympics and modern sports facilities.

• Linz & Wels – Two neighboring cities in Upper Austria, offering together large performance venues, hotels, and advanced transportation infrastructure.

• Oberwart – A relatively small town in southeastern Austria, but with an innovative convention and event center.

• St. Pölten – The capital of Lower Austria, a modern city with convenient public transport and state-of-the-art performance halls.

• Vienna – Austria’s capital and largest city, home to Wiener Stadthalle – one of Europe’s largest and most advanced performance venues, which previously hosted Eurovision in 2015.

Generally, large cities – especially Vienna – are considered the leading candidates due to their advanced infrastructure, high hotel capacity, and proven experience hosting international events. However, in recent years, Eurovision has seen a trend toward smaller and medium-sized cities also getting a chance, reflecting a desire to spread the economic and cultural impact across the country.

In 2015, when Austria last hosted Eurovision, Vienna was chosen as the host city, but Graz and Innsbruck also competed for the title. This time, the race may be even tighter, especially with the entry of cities such as Linz, Wels, and Oberwart, which are seeking to present an innovative and efficient alternative.

Austria to Host Eurovision for the Third Time

This will not be the first time that Eurovision is held in Austria:

Eurovision 1967 – Vienna, Großer Festsaal der Wiener Hofburg

In 1967, the 12th Eurovision Song Contest took place in Vienna, the capital of Austria, following the country’s victory the previous year. The event was held at the Großer Festsaal der Wiener Hofburg – the grand ballroom of the historic Hofburg Palace, one of the most impressive and symbolic buildings in the city center. The palace, which previously served as the residence of the emperors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is considered an important cultural site and a hub for state events. The hall itself features high ceilings, classical ornamentation, and an elegant atmosphere, accommodating hundreds of spectators in an intimate and sophisticated setting. Eurovision 1967 was the last contest to be broadcast in black and white, and the event had a festive and stately character, emphasizing Vienna’s tradition and history.

Eurovision 2015 – Vienna, Wiener Stadthalle

In 2015, after Conchita Wurst’s victory, Vienna once again hosted Eurovision – this time at Wiener Stadthalle, a large and modern performance venue in the west of the city. The main hall (Hall D) of the complex can accommodate approximately 16,000 spectators and is equipped with some of Europe’s most advanced lighting, sound, and production systems. During Eurovision, a massive stage was installed, press areas, VIP zones, and experiential fan areas were built, and the entire venue was transformed for the event. The city celebrated with dozens of side events, public viewing areas, and a variety of activities for visitors and fans. The event was considered one of the most ambitious in the contest’s history and highlighted Vienna’s ability to host international events to a high standard.