Salzburg Festival 2025 - music, theater and great history

When the curtain rises every year in July, Salzburg becomes the European Capital of Culture. The Salzburg Festival is much more than a classical festival - it is a complete cultural experience. From 18 July to 31 August 2025, great operas, impressive plays and thrilling concerts are once again on the program. For culture fans from all over the world, this is a fixed date in the calendar - and also a very special time for Salzburg itself.  

History of the Salzburg Festival  

The history of the Salzburg Festival begins in 1920 - at a time characterized by political upheaval and a new beginning in society. The theater director Max Reinhardt, the poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal and the composer Richard Strauss wanted to set an example with a festival: for peace, for the power of art and for a European cultural spirit. 

The first performance was Hofmannsthal's “Jedermann” - performed on the cathedral square. And to this day, this very play is the highlight of the drama program every year. With the backdrop of the baroque cathedral, “Jedermann” is a unique experience that combines Salzburg's past and present in a special way. 

What visitors can expect at the Salzburg Festival 2025  

The 2025 Festival offers a wide range of events - over 170 dates in total:  

• Opera: with 12 productions, including seven major stage productions, the opera division will, as always, take center stage.  
• Concerts: Numerous orchestras and soloists, including of course the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, create a top-class music program.  
• Drama: In addition to “Jedermann”, modern and classical plays are also part of the program.  
• Young & Everyone: The youth program also makes the festival accessible to younger generations and families.  

Special formats such as readings, discussions, musical border crossings and contemporary projects round off the program. The entire program can already be browsed on the official website.  

The venues - art meets history  

What makes the Salzburg Festival unique is not only the program, but also where it takes place. With its historic buildings, the city offers an extraordinary backdrop:  

• The Grosses Festspielhaus with its impressive acoustics   
• The Felsenreitschule, carved into the mountain - known from “Sound of Music”  
• The House of Mozart, modern and intimate at the same time  
• And of course the Cathedral Square, the setting for “Jedermann”  

These places are more than just stages - they are part of the production, part of the experience. 

Tickets & audience - something for everyone  

Ticket prices are designed so that as many people as possible can attend. They start at around 5 euros for standing room or basic categories and range up to around 465 euros for premium seats for top productions. Many events sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book early via the official website or authorized providers. The audience is international. In addition to classical music lovers and opera fans from all over the world, many culture enthusiasts from the region or curious visitors who simply want to be part of this special atmosphere also come.  

The special flair of the festival season  

The city changes during the festival weeks. There are discussions about theater in the cafés, musicians, actors or simply cheerful visitors in evening dress on the streets. Some wear dirndls and jackets, others come in tuxedos or elegant summer dresses. Performances are often framed by a visit to the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium or a walk along the Salzach - the Salzburg Festival is also a social event that combines art and joie de vivre. 

Short trip possible: day trip from Munich to Salzburg  

If you want to experience the special atmosphere of the festival season, you can also simply take a day trip from Munich to Salzburg - without any great effort. The journey is comfortable, stress-free and takes you right into the heart of the city. Once there, you'll have enough time for a relaxing stroll through the old town, a detour to the festival venues or a look at the Cathedral Square, where the stage is often set up or rehearsed during the day. In addition to the festival, Salzburg also offers plenty of culture away from the stage - from Mozart's residence and Hohensalzburg Fortress to baroque churches and winding alleyways. In our article on the 10 most beautiful sights in Salzburg, we give you some inspiration for a great day trip to Salzburg!  

Conclusion: The Salzburg Festival 2025 - a highlight that brings people together  

Whether for a weekend, an entire festival month or a short detour: the Salzburg Festival will once again be a highlight of the cultural summer in 2025. With over 100 years of history, a varied program and a unique backdrop, it offers more than just entertainment - it is a place of encounter, art and inspiration. For all those who love music, theater or simply special moments, Salzburg is the place to be during these weeks. And even if you only have one day, you can take a piece of the festival feeling home with you.