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Bregenz Festival – lake stage

Open-air opera for almost 7,000 on the lake stage in Lake Constance: Verdi's 'La traviata' in 2026 and 2027, late July to late August – tickets from €30.

all year · 7-8

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The Bregenz Festival has performed every summer on the shore of Lake Constance since 1946; its emblem is the lake stage, a grandstand anchored in the water for almost 7,000 spectators and reputedly the largest floating stage in the world. Since 1985 each production has stayed for two summers, and the sets – an open book, a giant eye, Carmen's hands – are so spectacular that James Bond attended a 'Tosca' performance here in 'Quantum of Solace' (2008). The Vienna Symphony Orchestra plays, rain or no rain. In both 2026 and 2027 the programme is Verdi's 'La traviata' (22 July to 23 August 2026, 21 July to 22 August 2027, starting at 9.15 or 9 pm, two hours without interval); the Festspielhaus (1980, 1,765 seats) adds rarely staged operas, concerts and theatre.

Tickets cost between €30 and €484 in 2026, from €31 in 2027, with a 75 per cent discount under 26; children are admitted from age 6. If you are not attending a performance, you can get to know the stage on a 50-minute behind-the-scenes tour – late May to late August (€8 to €9.50); outside the season, tours of the Festspielhaus are offered. From our house it is 75 km / 1 hour; on performance days we recommend the train from Bludenz (about an hour), Bregenz station being a five-minute walk from the lake stage. Before the opera there is time for the lakeside promenade, the Kunsthaus or a trip up the Pfänder.

🧭 Route description

Train Bludenz–Bregenz (about 1 hour), 5 minutes' walk along the lake from the station; by car 75 km, car parks at the Festspielhaus and in the centre (charged; arrive early on performance days).

💡 Tips & refreshments

Book tickets early online – popular dates sell out months ahead. Bring a warm jacket and rain protection (umbrellas are not allowed); if a performance is stopped before 90 minutes, higher categories move into the Festspielhaus. Car parks at the Festspielhaus fill up early on performance days.

🚌 Getting there by public transport

Train Bludenz–Bregenz (approx. 1 h), station right by the lake.

🅿️ Parking

Seestadt, Festspielhaus and station car parks (paid); arrive early on performance days.

🕒 Opening hours

Festival 22 July–23 Aug 2026 and 21 July–22 Aug 2027; lake stage tours late May–late August, during the festival daily on the hour 10.30 am–3.30 pm (as of 2026/27).

💶 Prices

Lake stage 2026 €30–484, 2027 from €31; 75 % discount under 26; tour €8–9.50, free up to 26 (as of 2026/27).

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026

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