Ö3 GASTEIN SOUNDS 2026

The Winter Open-Air Hit in the Salzburg Region

Ö3 Gastein Sounds is the winter open-air event in Bad Hofgastein in the Salzburg region. On December 11 and 12, 2026, the festival will once again combine live music with the opening of the ski season, marking its second edition following a successful premiere that drew around 10,000 attendees.

Performing on stage at the Schlossalmbahn valley station this year are Pizzera & Jaus, folkshilfe, Paul Palkbrenner, and KARL. The lineup ranges from dialect music to indie and Austropop to Berlin techno.

All the details about Ö3 Gastein Sounds 2026 at a glance

  • Dates: Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12, 2026
  • Location: Schlossalmbahn Valley Station, Bad Hofgastein (Salzburg Region, Austria)
  • Doors open: starting at 6:00 p.m.
  • Concert starts at 7:00 PM
  • Lineup: Pizzera & Jaus, folkshilfe, KARL, Paul Kalkbrenner

Save the Date!

Lineup & Program 2026

Friday, December 11

Schlossalmbahn Valley Station | Bad Hofgastein

6:00 p.m. Doors open
7:00 p. m. Start

Pizzera & Jaus & Community Assistance

When Pizzera & Jaus and folkshilfe join forces, dialect meets humor, depth, and plenty of emotion. Under the motto “Hau di her & eine ins Leben!” (Come on over & let’s get this party started!), the two bands take the stage together to perform their music.

 


KARL

KARL from Vienna blends Viennese wit, indie guitar, and Austropop with heartfelt storytelling. His songs tell of long nights, encounters in local bars, hangovers, and intense emotions—sometimes raw, sometimes melancholic, but always drawn straight from life.

Saturday, December 12

Schlossalmbahn Valley Station | Bad Hofgastein

6:00 p.m. Doors open
7:00 p. m. Start

Paul Kalkbrenner

Paul Kalkbrenner is one of the most influential artists in electronic music. The Berlin-based techno pioneer gained international recognition with “Berlin Calling” and “Sky & Sand.” His unmistakable live sound has been filling festivals and arenas for years—and on December 12, 2026, he’ll bring it to Ö3 GASTEIN SOUNDS in Bad Hofgastein.

Tickets

Join us live on December 11 and 12, 2026, when Bad Hofgastein once again becomes the stage for Ö3 GASTEIN SOUNDS. Get your day pass for Friday or Saturday —or a combo ticket for both days of the festival—now.

Exclusive Packages for the Ski Opening in Gastein

Combine Ö3 Gastein Sounds with a winter vacation in the Salzburg region. The various packages include concert tickets, ski passes, spa admissions, and accommodations—flexibly tailored to a weekend in Gastein that suits your tastes.

Top offers and packages

Paul Kalkbrenner LIVE in Bad Hofgastein

from € 180,00 per Person
  • from 2 overnight stays
  • Concert ticket Paul Kalkbrenner - 12.12.2026

Paul Kalkbrenner LIVE inkl. Ski & Thermenticket

from € 290,00 per Person
  • from 2 overnight stays
  • Concert ticket Paul Kalkbrenner - 12.12.2026
  • 1x 1-day ski pass & 1x 4-hour ticket Alpentherme Gastein

Pizzera & Jaus & folkshilfe, Karl - LIVE

from € 170,00 per Person
  • from 2 overnight stays
  • Concert ticket Pizzera & Jaus & folkshilfe, Karl - 12.11.2026
Planning Made Easy:

GASTEIN SOUNDS: Create Your Own Customized Stay

Tickets, ski passes, and suitable accommodations: Send a non-binding inquiry and receive a personalized quote for the festival weekend.

Accommodations & Travel

Find the Right Accommodation

From wellness hotels to apartments: Find the perfect place to stay for a weekend in the Gastein Valley.
If you combine the Ö3 Gastein Sounds festival with an afternoon on the slopes or at the thermal spa, you can turn your festival visit into a full winter vacation.

 

Plan Your Trip

The Ö3 Gastein Sounds festival grounds are located at the valley station of the Schlossalmbahn in Bad Hofgastein. To ensure a stress-free trip, you should check in advance whether you’ll be traveling to the event by train, bus, car, or shuttle .

Nature, Relaxation, and Event Highlights in the Alps

Winter in Bad Hofgastein

Nestled amid the impressive Gastein mountain landscape , Bad Hofgastein combines winter sports, thermal waters, alpine nature, and events in the Austrian Alps.

Between a day of skiing, the Alpentherme, and the Ö3 Gastein Sounds, you can tailor your festival weekend to your own preferences.

Winter in Gastein – More Than Just Music

Turn the festival weekend into a winter vacation

In addition to Ö3 GASTEIN SOUNDS, there’s plenty to do in Gastein during the day as well: skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, or tobogganing —and then a dip in the warm thermal waters. That way, a visit to the festival turns into a whole winter weekend in the mountains.

FAQs About Ö3 Gastein Sounds

What is Ö3 Gastein Sounds?

Ö3 Gastein Sounds is a two-day winter open-air event in Bad Hofgastein. The event combines live concerts at the Schlossalmbahn valley station with winter sports in Gastein and officially kicks off the ski season.

When and where will the Ö3 Gastein Sounds 2026 take place?

The Ö3 Gastein Sounds will take place on Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Schlossalmbahn valley station in Bad Hofgastein. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. each day, and the concert begins at 7:00 p.m.

What is the lineup for Gastein Sounds 2026?

On Friday, December 11, 2026, Pizzera & Jaus will perform alongside folkshilfe and KARL. On Saturday, December 12, 2026, Paul Kalkbrenner will take the stage.

What ticket categories are available?

There are various ticket categories for Ö3 Gastein Sounds 2026.

  • Day tickets: Standing room or Front of Stage ticket
  • Combined tickets: for 2 days, standing room or front-of-stage ticket
  • VIP tickets: Premium tickets with a separate fast lane, grandstand seating with a direct view of the stage, and a private bar

What packages are available for the Ski Opening in Gastein?

You can customize your festival weekend package to include a concert ticket, a one- or two-day ski pass, and accommodations. You can also request a personalized quote using the inquiry form .

Is the Ö3 Gastein Sounds also the Ski Opening in Gastein?

Yes, this weekend marks the official start of ski lift operations throughout the Gastein ski area. Since conditions vary daily, you should check which lifts and slopes are actually open based on snow and operating conditions.

 

Are there any age restrictions for Ö3 Gastein Sounds?

Yes, the provisions of the Salzburg Youth Protection Act apply to attendance at the Ö3 Gastein Sound event .

What are the admission and venue guidelines?

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on both days, and the concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Please have your ID and ticket ready. In addition, specific safety and conduct rules apply to the open-air event area. For example, large bags and dangerous items are not permitted.

How do I get to the Ö3 Gastein Sounds Festival?

The festival grounds at the lower station of the Schlossalmbahn can be reached by car, train, bus, or shuttle service. Be sure to check specific transportation options, parking areas, and shuttle schedules in advance.

Where can I stay?

In Bad Hofgastein and throughout the Gastein Valley, there are guesthouses, apartments, and hotels available for lodging.
We recommend booking early for the festival weekend.

Where can I buy tickets for Ö3 Gastein Sounds 2026?

Concert tickets are available online at oeticket.com and in person at the Bad Hofgastein Tourism Association.

Get your tickets for Ö3 Gastein Sounds 2026!

Available starting August 24, 2026 (11 a.m.)