The wait will soon be over. After a months-long bidding process that saw hopeful cities fall by the wayside, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Austrian national broadcaster ORF will finally announce which city will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. The race has come down to a two cities, Vienna and Innsbruck.
The journey to this point began with a moment of surprise and elation in Basel last May. When countertenor JJ lifted the winner’s trophy for his song “Wasted Love,” he didn’t just win a music competition; he handed Austria the prestigious, and demanding, task of hosting the world’s biggest live music event.
What followed was a flurry of interest from across the nation. Graz, Linz, Wels, and Oberwart all threw their hats into the ring, eager to capture the global spotlight. But one by one, the realities of hosting an event of this magnitude set in. The immense costs, stringent security requirements described as “airport-level,” and uncompromising technical specifications from the EBU proved too high a hurdle.
The joint bid from Linz and Wels was the last to fall, stumbling on the strict demands for their new exhibition hall. “The required ceiling loads were ‘unusually high’,” explained Peter Jungreithmaier of Wels’ city marketing, who lamented that they had hoped to score with “charm, sympathy, and a pragmatic approach, not with superlatives.” His conclusion was telling: “In my world, only one location fully meets the conditions.”
That location, many assume, is Vienna.
Vienna
The capital city enters the final day as the clear frontrunner, and for good reason. Vienna isn’t just bidding on a promise; it’s bidding on a proven track record. The city flawlessly hosted the contest in 2015 following Conchita Wurst’s victory, and the infrastructure is not only in place but has been battle-tested.
The Wiener Stadthalle is the city’s crown jewel. It easily surpasses the EBU’s requirements, boasting a capacity of 16,000, generous ceiling height, and a roof capable of supporting the 100 tonnes of lighting and sound equipment that Eurovision demands. Crucially, investments made in 2015 mean the venue is essentially ready to go, a strong argument for both sustainability and financial prudence.
Beyond the arena, Vienna’s logistics are unmatched in Austria. With direct flights from nearly 200 destinations, an extensive public transport network, and over 82,000 hotel beds, the city is built to absorb the influx of tens of thousands of artists, journalists, and fans.
Public support is also firmly behind the capital. A representative poll showed 34% of Austrians favouring Vienna, far ahead of Innsbruck’s 11%. Mayor Michael Ludwig is confident, stating, “We have proven many times in the past that Vienna is a cosmopolitan city that welcomes event visitors with open arms.”
Innsbruck
While Vienna represents the logical choice, Innsbruck represents the romantic one. The Tyrolean capital is pitching a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the first-ever Eurovision set against a dramatic Alpine panorama. As Tyrol’s Economic and Tourism Councillor Mario Gerber pointed out, “The ESC has never been held in the middle of a mountain panorama.”
This unique selling point is the core of Innsbruck’s confident bid. The city, renowned for hosting major sporting events like the Winter Olympics, sees Eurovision as a golden opportunity to rebrand itself as a major cultural destination. “Innsbruck is so far known primarily as a city of sports,” cultural strategist David Prieth noted. “With the Song Contest, we can also present ourselves as a location for culture.”
The proposed venue, the Olympiahalle, meets the core EBU requirements with a capacity for 10,000 spectators. And while its airport is smaller, the bid smartly highlights its proximity to major international hubs like Munich and Zurich. The city’s compact, walkable nature, where the urban and the natural are deeply intertwined, is presented as an intimate and unforgettable alternative to a sprawling metropolis.
Mayor Johannes Anzengruber is convinced they have a winning formula. “We have submitted a very good concept with broad support,” he stated after concluding negotiations with ORF. “We are 100 percent ready.”
The Final Decision
The final decision will be announced by the EBU on their YouTube channel this morning.
The choice before ORF and the EBU is a fundamental one about the identity of the 2026 contest. Do they opt for the guaranteed professionalism, logistical power, and grand scale of Vienna, ensuring a seamless and spectacular event? Or do they take a chance on Innsbruck’s breathtaking vision, offering the world a Eurovision that is visually unique, deeply charming, and utterly unforgettable?
After weeks of secret negotiations and site visits, the decision has been made. Today, either Mayor Ludwig or Mayor Anzengruber will receive the call that sets in motion a frantic eight months of preparation. For one city, it will be a moment of immense pride. For the other, a disappointment. For Austria, and for Eurovision fans across the globe, the final note of a long-fought contest is about to be sung.