34% of Austrians would like Eurovision 2026 to be held in their capital, Vienna — according to a comprehensive national survey published this week. Alongside Vienna, Innsbruck and Wels-Linz also expressed official interest in hosting the contest, though one prominent contender has already dropped out. The final decision is expected in mid-August, just ahead of the official preparations for the world’s biggest song competition.

While Vienna enjoys governmental backing and significant cultural prominence, the contest to host Eurovision is still wide open. The national broadcaster in Austria will receive formal submissions until July 4, and behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway — one shaped by political, logistical, and financial considerations.

Survey Results Show Clear Public Preference

The survey, conducted by TQS Institute among 1,000 Austrians aged 16 to 65, found that Vienna is the top choice to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, earning support from 34% of respondents. Innsbruck came second with 11%, followed by Graz with 10% — although the latter has since withdrawn its bid. Wels and Linz, representing the Upper Austria region, garnered 9% of the public’s support.

One small surprise came in the form of Oberwart, a town of 8,000 residents in Burgenland, which briefly campaigned to host the event in its local exhibition hall. Despite eventually stepping back, 2% of survey participants still supported hosting Eurovision there. Interestingly, 29% of respondents had no preference at all — a high percentage that may reflect either general detachment or public trust in the contest’s success regardless of the host city.

Cultural and Economic Impact of Hosting Eurovision

Hosting Eurovision isn’t just a matter of national pride — it’s a massive economic engine. According to EBU data, Eurovision 2023 brought over £40 million to the city of Liverpool, while Basel saw profits exceeding €64 million in May 2025. Vienna, which previously hosted the contest in 2015, experienced a boom in tourism, global media exposure, and investments in cultural infrastructure.

In an era where European cities compete fiercely for international audiences, Eurovision can serve as a powerful economic springboard for any host. The fact that the Austrian government has already included Eurovision hosting in its coalition agreements emphasizes just how seriously Vienna views this opportunity on the national level.

Analysis: Between Tradition and Fresh Perspective

Social media is abuzz with enthusiasm over Vienna’s potential comeback. Many recall the 2015 edition fondly — regarded as one of the most polished and emotionally resonant productions in recent years. Still, questions arise: is it truly justified to bring the contest back to the same city, or could lesser-known contenders like Innsbruck offer a fresher experience?

From our extensive experience covering previous contests, one of the recurring dilemmas in host city selection is the balance between logistical accessibility and creating a unique narrative. For organizers and fans alike, a new or unconventional location can inject new energy. Yet for the EBU, Vienna represents a reliable choice — with proven infrastructure, strong diplomatic relations, and an eager local audience.

Forecast: Is Vienna on the Fast Track to Win?

Despite the current numbers and widespread support, Vienna’s success is far from guaranteed. The selection involves multiple complex factors — including budget, transportation, broadcast facilities, and a commitment to uphold EBU standards.

According to the official timeline, all cities must submit their proposals by July 4. The final decision is expected in mid-August. Until then, all parties involved are bound by strict confidentiality — and the public will have to keep guessing until the announcement.

The Hosting Race: Major Cities vs. Smaller Towns

The attention shifts attention to four of Austria’s largest and most central cities – Vienna, Innsbruck, St. Pölten, and the joint bid of Wels and Linz – all of which remain in contention for the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The contest’s requirements, which include advanced logistics, proximity to an international airport, and facilities for thousands of guests, present a significant challenge for smaller towns.

• 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.
• 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.

Preparations for Eurovision 2026: Dates, Hosts, and Anticipation

Eurovision 2026 is expected to take place in May, with the grand final scheduled for either May 16th or May 23rd – the final decision will be announced alongside the host city on August 8th, 2025. JJ, who won Eurovision 2025 for Austria with his song “Wasted Love”, has expressed interest in hosting the contest alongside Conchita Wurst, who won Eurovision 2014 with “Rise Like A Phoenix” – a pairing that has generated significant excitement among fans. Even before JJ’s victory, a video was released featuring the two singing Wurst’s song together, then transitioning to JJ’s.

Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are already underway, with high logistical and infrastructural demands and a tight competition among the leading cities.