FAQ

About the Bregenzer Festspiele

Arrival, tickets, accommodation and food: everything you need to know before and during your visit to the Bregenzer Festspiele can be found here.

Ordering Tickets

  • How do I order?

    Tickets can be ordered online, by e-mail, by telephone or at the Ticket Center. Unless you provide your credit card details (card number, expiry date, CVC verification code) when you place the order, it is not binding until we receive the full payment. If you fail to pay on time, your order will be cancelled and the tickets will go back on sale without further notice.

     

  • When can I order tickets for next season?

    All you need to know about the advance sale can be found on our homepage at the end of the festival season.

  • When is the Ticket Center open?

    The Ticket Center is open at the times stated on the website (also for ticket bookings by phone). During the festival season, the Ticket Center remains open all day until the performance starts. For performances taking place at one of our off-site venues, the respective box office opens one hour before the scheduled start time.

  • I booked the wrong event / no. of tickets / ticket category. What can I do?

    Your order is automatically processed as soon as you finish it. You can check the status of your order by contacting the Ticket Center, preferably by phone +43 5574 4076. We are happy to help you with your questions.

Delivery

  • How are my tickets delivered?

    They are sent to you by the Austrian postal service as soon as we receive payment. If you choose the "print@home" option, tickets (or vouchers) will be sent by e-mail.

  • What are the delivery charges?

    We charge a delivey fee of EUR 6 for tickets, gift vouchers and merchandise items. Sending digital tickets or gift vouchers (print@home) continues to be free of charge. You may only pick up your tickets directly at the Ticket Center, if is not possible to deliver them on time.

  • Can the delivery address be different from the invoice address?

    Yes. Please send us an e-mail with the preferred delivery address (ticket@bregenzerfestspiele.com) as soon as you have placed your order. We will try our best to help you. We apologize in advance if we cannot process your request on time.

  • My tickets have not arrived. What should I do?

    Mail delivery times can vary considerably, so please be patient. The postal service needs up to six weeks to return undelivered items to us. If the tickets are neither delivered to you nor returned to us, we will of course provide replacement tickets. In this case please e-mail the Ticket Center at ticket@bregenzerfestspiele.com.

    In case you do not receive your print@home ticket, you can resend the e-mail with the attachments via your webshop profile. If you need any help, please send us an e-mail (ticket@bregenzerfestspiele.com).

  • I have lost my tickets. Can I attend the performance anyway?

    A replacement ticket can be issued, once only, if you loose your ticket. If you need replacement tickets please send an e-mail to ticket@bregenzerfestspiele.com. Replacement tickets can only be issued if you can prove which tickets you purchased, i.e. state the specific row and seat numbers. Anyone in possession of the original ticket must give the seat up to the holder of the replacement ticket.

Cancellation due to rain

  • Exchange & Refund

    The Opera on the Lake is an open-air performance, which accounts for much of the special atmosphere on the Seebühne. The majority of our guests is willing to take a certain weather risk. Therefore, our policy is to proceed with the performance, even if the weather looks inclement. Please be aware, that there is no weather hotline. Therefore, we highly recommend coming to Bregenz in any case, since the decision on whether or not to go ahead with the performance outside is taken only before its scheduled start. Despite today's high-quality forecasting technology, it is still difficult to determine exactly how the meteorological situation will develop. Therefore, the Bregenzer Festspiele always decides on the basis of the current weather situation at the time of the performance. From 8 p.m. onward, weather updates are broadcasted regularly via loudspeakers all around the festival grounds. There may be delays and interruptions due to bad weather. We therefore recommend guests to bring waterproof clothing.

  • Tickets in categories 1plus, 1, 2 and Festival-Lounge and Premium tickets

    ("gültig für See + Festspielhaus / keine Rückerstattung") are valid for the semi-staged version in the Festspielhaus | Großer Saal if the performance on the Seebühne is cancelled or plays for less than 90 minutes. These tickets are non-refundable. If a performance is cancelled and moved to the Festspielhaus | Großer Saal, Category 1plus and 1 seats are located in the stalls, Festival-Lounge and Premium seats as well as category 2 seats in the circle. Seats that are next to each other on the Seebühne may not be next to each other in the Festspielhaus | Großer Saal because of the different seating plan.

    Please note that the performance on the Seebühne may last up to 90 minutes. In case the performance is transferred inside the Festspielhaus we provide a checkroom for your rainwear. 

  • Tickets in categories 3 to 7

    ("gültig nur für die Seebühne") are valid only for the performance on the Seebühne. If the performance is cancelled or plays for less than 60 minutes, the tickets are fully refunded. Alternatively, ticket holders can exchange their tickets to another date (subject to availability).

    FINAL REHEARSAL
    The general regulations for a cancellation due to rain do not apply to the final rehearsal. The performance is not transferred to the Festspielhaus | Großer Saal. You can, however, apply for a refund if the performance is cancelled within 60 minutes. Please contact your ticket seller for more information about the refund. 

    YOUNG PEOPLE'S NIGHT
    The general regulations for a cancellation due to rain do not apply to the Young People’s Night. The performance is not transferred to the Festspielhaus |Großer Saal. The ticket price includes workshops, guided tours, entry to the Kunsthaus Bregenz and the vorarlberg museum and more. Therefore, the tickets are non-refundable.

Tickets

  • How much does a ticket cost?

    The ticket prices for the various events can be found here.

  • Are there any discount tickets available?

    The Bregenzer Festspiele offers a number of discounts. Find out more here.

  • Do I need a ticket for my child?

    Every guest needs a ticket and a seat of their own. Children under the age of six are not allowed to attend any of the events of the Bregenter Festspiele (proof of age required) except those specifically aimed at children.

  • I have a reduced-price ticket but I need a full-price one!

    You can pay the price difference at the Ticket Center (in the Festspielhaus, next to the Seebühne) on the day of the event. This does not apply to the Junge Festspiele programme.

  • Can I cover up the ticket price?

    Please do not cross out the price on the ticket. Instead cover it with an adhesive label that can be removed.

  • Can I buy a gift voucher?

    Yes. You can choose the value of the voucher yourself. Our vouchers are valid for three years (online). After three years you can still use them for bookings by phone or at the ticket center. If you want to buy a voucher, let us know the value and give us your full address and telephone number. Then, we will send you an invoice. As soon as we receive payment, we will send the voucher to the given address. If you need the voucher sooner, you can also pay by credit card and choose delivery by e-mail. For more information click here.

  • Do you offer introductory talks?

    Yes.
    For the Opera on the Lake at the Festspielhaus at 7 and 7.30 p.m. on the day of the performance.
    For the Opera at the Festspielhaus at the Festspielhaus 45 minutes before the performance begins.

    PRICE EUR 8,00

    Introductory talks for the orchestral concerts start 45 minutes before the performance and are free of charge.

Return | Loss of tickets

  • Can I return my tickets?

    Changes in the cast or programme do not entitle ticket holders to return or exchange their tickets. In the event of such changes, we will try our best to inform all ticket buyers.

    If a performance is sold out, tickets can be returned for resale without guarantee and on commission. The commission fee is 20% of the ticket value. Please note that we need a photo/scan or the original PDF document of your ticket and your bank information. Please send it to us by e-mail to ticket@bregenzerfestspiele.com. 

Guided Tours

  • Where do the guided tours start?

    The meeting point for the guided tours is outside the main entrance of the Festspielhaus (Platz der Wiener Symphoniker 1, 6900 Bregenz) at the big red "B".

  • Can I take a look inside the Festspielhaus?

    The Festspielhaus with the Große Saal and the Festspiel-Lounge is generally part of the guided tour. During the festival season however, the Festspielhaus is used for a variety of events and projects. Therefore, it is possible that not all rooms can be visited during the tour. Restrictions or changes in the tour program do not entitle the ticket holder to return the tickets or change to another tour.

  • Can i visit the Seebühne?

    Visiting the Seebühne and taking a look backstage is a central part of the tour. However, due to rehearsals, construction work or inclement weather it might not be possible to visit the Seebühne. We kindly ask for your understanding that restrictions or changes in the tour program do not entitle the ticket holder to return tickets or change to another date.

  • Are the tours fully accessible?

    Wheelchair and walking aid users are welcome to participate in our guided tours. The Festspielhaus is fully accessible. The Seebühne, however, is not fully accesssible. Therefore, we offer a waiting area for wheelchair and walking aid users.

  • Can I take my dog to the guided tour?

    Animals, except assistance dogs with an appropriate certificare, are not permitted during the tour.

  • Can I bring a stroller to the guided tour?

    It is not possible to bring strollers to the tour. Due to safety reasons there is no checkroom at the Festspielhaus.

  • Can I take pictures/film during the tour?

    Taking pictures and filming during the tour is allowed for private use only. 

  • How can I book a tour?

    More information on how to book a tour can be found here.

How to get there

  • I arrive by car - where can i park?

    If you arrive by car, there are several big car parks in Bregenz (parking charges apply) for you to use. Please pay attention to the parking management system of the city: it will guide you to free spaces. The Festspielhaus and the Seebühne are only a short walk away (see map). More information about parking, public charging stations for electrical cars, caravan parking and bus parking can be found here: https://visitbregenz.com/en/planning/getting-here/parking-in-bregenz   

    Please note | You need to buy a "Vignette" (motorway toll sticker) to travel on the motorway in Austria. There is an exception to the compulsory Vignette usage, namely the toll road A 14 Rheintal/Walgau Autobahn between the national border at Hörbranz and the Hohenems junction. More info at: https://www.asfinag.at/en/.

    Parking spaces for the disabled | There are some parking spaces for the disabled located right beside the Festspielhaus on Parkplatz Ost, but they are public and cannot be reserved in advance.

    parking map

    directions

  • Is public transport included in the ticket price?

    If your ticket is labelled with "vmobil" you can use the bus and train service within the Vorarlberg public transport network on the day of the performance. The central bus and train station are only a short walk from the festival venue. For more information go to vmobil.

  • Is it possible to arrive by ship?

    From Lochau | Kaiserstrand

    When therer is a performance on the Seebühne, a passenger ships takes you from Lochau/Kaiserstrand to Bregenz. For tickets please contact Vorarlberg Lines at +43 5574 42868230 or online.

    Bodensee Schiffsbetriebe

    If you want to travel from Lindau to Bregenz, there is a transfer ship leaving Lindau at 7.30 p.m.
    Another transfer ship leaves Bad Schachen at 7.55 p.m. to take festival guests to Bregenz. 
    Both of these transfers include a ride back to the respective home ports after the show. The ships stop directly at the Seebühne. For tickets, please contact the Bodensee Schiffsbetriebe (www.bsb.de).

    Travel to the the Bregenzer Festspiele on board of the motor ship "Graf Zeppelin" departing from Konstanz at 4.40 p.m.. The shop stops in Meersburg and Friedrichshafen and docks directly at the Seebühne. A festival dinner is included. After the show the motor ship will pick you up at the Seebühne and take you back to Konstanz.
    Alternatively, you can take the passenger ship to come to Bregenz. A bus will take you back after the performance (from/to Meersburg).

    Lindau T +49 8382 27584-0
    Konstanz T +49 7531 3640-0

    info@bsb.de
    www.bsb.de

    Paddle steamer Hohentwiel

    Start your evening leisurely aboard the paddle steamer "Hohentwiel". The cruise lasts three hours – from 6 pm to 9 pm – and includes a 4-course festival dinner followed by a cheese buffet. The ship docks directly at the Seebühne.

    Click here vor a video of the paddle steamer.

    T +43 5574 63560
    F +43 5574 635633
    office@hohentwiel.com
    www.hohentwiel.com

    MS "Alpenstadt Bludenz"

    "Small but powerful" is the motto of the newest passenger ship of Vorarlberg Lines. A modern and exclusive interior mirrors today's Zeigeist. If you like the extravaganr, this is the ship for you. 

    T +43 5574 42868
    info@vorarlberg-lines.at
    www.vorarlberg-lines.at

  • Is there an airport in Bregenz?

    Unfortunately not, but Altenrhein Airport is only 30 minutes away from Bregenz. People's, the Austrian regional airline based in Altenrhein, offers up to four direct connections from Vienna to Altenrhein, whch is in the vicinity of Vorarlberg, every day. The regional airport of St. Gallen-Altenrhein is an international hub for commercial, business & private aviation. www.peoples.at

    Other airports:
    Bodensee Airport in Friedrichshafen, 32 km | Allgäu Airport in Memmingen, 75 km | Zurich Airport, 120 km

Accessability

  • I'm a wheelchair user. Are there special seats for me?

    The Bregenzre Festspiele offers a number of seats for wheelchair users and the person accompanying them.

    Opera on the Lake
    These seats are located in the first rows in the middle of the seating area and can be accessed via entrance H. There are tickets valid only for the outdoor performance and tickets valid for the outdoor and the semi-staged indoor performance (subject to availability).

    Other performances (except guided tours and introductory talks)
    The Bregenzer Festspiele does also offer discounted ticktets for wheelchair users and the person accompanying them for all other events except guided tours and introductory talks.

    PRICES | There is a 75% discount on tickets for wheelchair users. The person accompanying the wheelchair user (max. one person) is granted a 50% discount.

    Please note that the Bregenzer Festspiele does not offer wheelchairs for rent. Wheelchair users may take part in the guided tour and the introductory talk (no discount). For organisational reasons, seats for wheelchair users can only be booked by telephone +43 5574 407 6.

  • I need to use a mobility aid. Are there special seats for me?

    No, but if you have a walking aid, let us know when you make your booking. We will take your needs into account and help you select the best seats for you (subject to availability).

    Please note that your walking aid cannot remain in the seating area during the performance. Please ask our staff for help. They will be happy to help you and store the walking aid for you during the performance.

    Please note that the Bregenzer Festspiele does not offer walking aids or wheelchairs for rent.

  • Is there accessible parking?

    Right in front of the Festspielhaus, at Parkplatz Ost, there are a number of parking spaces for the disabled, but they are public and cannot be reserved in advance. We therefore advise guests to arrive early. The distance from Parkplatz Ost to the main entrance of the Festspielhaus is about 200m. Due to safety regulations, the access road to the main entrance cannot be used because it has to be kept clear at all times for the emergency vehicles.

    Parking Map

Wireless device for guests with impaired hearing

  • Do you offer any services for people who are hard of hearing?

    We offer several different hearing enhancement solutions. One device can provide an unimpaired hearing experience for guests, both in the Festspielhaus and on the Seebühne.

    If you already have a Sennheiser EW 300 bodypack transmitter, then you can use your own device. The transmission frequency is 518.400 MHz.

    If you don't have this device, please speak to staff members at the main entrance.

    The receiver is worn on the user's body and is operated by an on/off switch and volume control.

    Guests can choose between the following two options:

    • Ring or neck loop
      It is worn like a necklace and transmits the signal to the hearing device. It can also be worn under a shirt or blouse.

    Please note that it must be possible to switch the hearing device to "induction" (T position).

    • Headphones
      Hi-fi headphones provide acoustic support for guests with slightly impaired hearing but are also suitable for people who are not hard of hearing. The volume is restriced to avoid damage to the hearing. You can ask for walkman headphones.

Guidance system for the partially sighted

Venues

  • What am I not allowed to take inside the venue?

    For safety reasons and to guarantee fast and easy entry, please note the following entry regulations

    You CANNOT bring the following items with you:

    • food    
    • professional photography or video equipment (all telephoto and additional lenses, tripods and photo bags) and sound recording equipment
    • selfie sticks, laser pointers, laptops and tablets (exception: mobile phones)
    • suitcases, trolleys, bicycle and motorbike helmets, umbrellas, child seats, booster seats and bulky items of any kind
    • knives and all items defined under the Austrian Weapons Act
    • animals (exception: certified assistance dogs / please notify us in advance)

    Please note: The outdoor seating area offers little space for objects brought in by guests. For security reasons, there is no storage capacity inside the Festspielhaus. Lockers can be found at Bregenz central railway station (5-10 minutes' walk).

     

     

  • What am I allowed to take inside the venue?

    You can bring the following items with you:

    •     bags (will be searched at the entrance)
    •     bottles (no glass)
    •     cushions and blankets
    •     all articles from the Festival Shop
  • When do doors open?

    The doors normally open one hour before the performance on the Seebühne starts and half an hour before curtain-up in the Festspielhaus. Admission may be delayed if the production team judges it necessary.

    Guests who arrive late may only go in during an interval or accompanied by staff.

  • Is smoking permitted during the performance?

    Smoking and vaping is permitted only in designated areas. 

  • Can I film the performance or take photos?

    It is not allowed to make sound or image recordings of the performances for copyright reasons and because it may disturb performers or other audience members. We also want to point out that guests who disregard this rule can be ejected from the venue without entitlement to a refund.

  • What happens to lost items?

    Items of any kind that are found on the festival grounds must be handed in at the porter's office. If you have lost anything on the festival grounds, please also contact our porter at +43 5574 407 0.

Around and about the Bregenzer Festspiele

  • Are there any package deals (tickets plus hotel)?

    Looking for a package deal? Attractive all-inclusive offers and arrangements can really round off your holiday experience.

    Our partners Bodensee-Vorarlberg-Tourismus and Bregenzerwald-Tourismus offer great arrangements. Contact them for more information.

    Bregenzerwald Tourismus, Impulszentrum 1135, 6863 Egg
    T +43 5512 2365 or info@bregenzerwald.at

    Bodensee-Vorarlberg-Tourismus, Römerstraße 2, 6900 Bregenz
    T +43 5574 43443 or office@bodensee-vorarlberg.com

  • Is there anything else I should not miss?

    Discover the unique symbiosis between culture and nature with an opera on the world's largest lake stage, the Kunsthaus Bregenz, a cruise on Lake Constance, a visit to Mainau, the island of flowers, a cable-car ride up Pfänder mountain behind the town, hiking in Bregenz Forest and much more besides. For more information contact the regional tourist board Bodensee-Vorarlberg Tourismus, T +43 5574 43443 or Stadtmarketing Bregenz, T +43 5574 49590.

    If you're looking for the perfect way to round off your day at the festival, you might want to try your luck at the Casino Bregenz. Enjoy an elegant casino evening with a dinner at the Falstaff restaurant or go casual at the Jackpot Casino in the afternoon. Info at T +43 5574 451 27 or at www.casinos.at.

  • Where can we eat at the festival?

    Make the most of your evening and set the mood for the festival with a generous buffet in the gourmet tent or with a delicious meal in the à la carte restaurant "buehnedrei"!

    Opening hours: Gastronomiepark from 17 July to 18 August 2019, from 6 p.m. on event days. Restaurant „buehnedrei“ from 11 a.m. Reservations: T +43 5574 407 279 or office@eventz-hospitality.com

    Other restaurants in Bregenz are listed here.

Any Questions we Haven't Answered?

If you can't find what you're looking for in our FAQs, please contact us. Find our office hours here.

Bregenzer Festspiele GmbH
Sales Department | Ticket Center
Platz der Wiener Symphoniker 1
6900 Bregenz, Austria

T +43 5574 407 6