Whether you visit in 2010 for the Oberammergau Festival in Germany or the Grand-Prix-Motorcycles World Championship in the Czech Republic, do not miss the chance to cross the borders and discover more than one country. Travel between the six CEE countries, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, is easy and affordable. For less than $100 per night – including accommodation – there is plenty to do, see and experience.
Gustav Mahler Anniversaries, Vienna, Austria
Throughout the year
Gustav Mahler (1860–1911), the genius of the fin de siècle, is a music pioneer of his time and influenced many composers. Music lovers all over the world celebrate him over a span of two years: 2010 marks his 150th birthday, 2011 his 100th anniversary of death. Learn more.
Ruhr2010 - European Capital of Culture, Germany
Throughout the year
The Ruhr Region was nominated European Capital of Culture 2010. With outstanding festivals throughout the year, Germany's cultural focus will be on this fascinating urban area, attracting visitors with a multitude of events. Learn more.
Giacomo Orefice "Chopin", Wroclaw, Poland
January 2010
Chopin is a four-act opera based on the life of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. The composer was Giacomo Orefice. He uses quite a bit of Chopin's piano music in his score, including his mazurkas, nocturnes, and the Fantasie on Polish Airs, Op. 13. Learn more.
Dogsled racing, Slovakia
February 2010
Dogsled racing is an interesting sports event with a unique atmosphere reminding of Alaska during the period of gold rush, famous mainly from Jack London’s novels. Learn more.
Bohemian Carnevale, Prague, Czech Republic
February 5th – 16th, 2010
Don’t miss the Bohemian Carnevale - a festival which highlights include the Ballerian fashion party, Feb.6; The masked Crystal Ball in 18th-century dress, Feb.13 and the float-jammed Fat Tuesday Parade and fireworks finale on the medieval Charles Bridge, Feb.16. Learn more.
Pécs 2010, European Capital of Culture, Pécs Spring Festival, Hungary
Mar. 19th – Apr. 9th, 2010
This event is a celebration of classical and contemporary arts. Its main endeavor is to present the best of the cultural and artistic values of Europe and Hungary. Learn more.
The 7th Misteria Paschalia Festival, Kraków, Poland
April 2010
The first edition of the Misteria Paschalia festival took place in 2004; since its inauguration, it has presented music linked thematically with the period of Holy Week and the Easter Holidays. Learn more.
International festival of ghosts and monsters, Bojnice, Slovakia
Apr. – May 2010
The international Festival of ghosts and monsters at the Bojnice castle is the largest event of its kind in Slovakia, offering a unique spooky-humorous atmosphere and boasting of a vast number of visitors. Learn more.
Schubertiade, Schwarzenberg, Austria
May – Oct. 2010
A series of truly high-level orchestral and chamber music concerts, piano, and lieder evenings amid the charming setting of the Bregenzerwald. Learn more.
Prague Spring - International Music Festival, Czech Republic
May 12th – Jun. 4th, 2010
The annual Prague Spring International Music Festival has become a must-see for classical music lovers. The festival welcomes international artists and ensembles, which join the Czech Republic's great orchestras, singers and players. Learn more.
Oberammergau Passion Play 2010, Germany
May 15th – Oct. 3rd, 2010
The Passion Play in the breathtaking town of Oberammergau in Bavaria dates back to 1633, and is held only once every 10 years. Learn more.
Budai Gourmet Wine, Champagne & Cheese Festival, Budapest, Hungary
May 20th – 24th, 2010
At Budapest’s Millenáris Park, famous Hungarian, French, Italian and oversea top shelf wine producers, noted restaurants and cheese makers offer their best to entertain visitors, meanwhile, on-stage, funky bands will guarantee the moodiest jazz in town. Learn more.
Bach Festival, Leipzig, Germany
June 11th – 20th, 2010
Every year, the Bach Festival in Leipzig presents the immortal music of the great erstwhile cantor of St. Thomas' Church in locations where he lived and worked. Learn more.
Summer on the Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Jun. – Aug. 2010
On the hottest summer weekends the Chain Bridge of Budapest is closed for traffic and visitors can walk from the Danube Promenade up to the Buda Castle. Along the way, interesting shows, concerts and handicraft displays, an all-round colorful cultural palette paired with a beautiful view, await them. Learn more.
Life Ball, Vienna, Austria
July 17th, 2010
Vienna’s Life Ball is one of Europe’s most fun and flamboyant AIDS charity events and has grown to be a renowned society gathering. Learn more.
Grand-Prix-Motorcycles World Championship, Brno, Czech Republic
August 13th – 15th, 2010
In August, Czech Republic’s second largest city, Brno, will host the World Motorbike Championship. Since 1987 the newly built Masaryk Circuit has offered racing fans one of the premier venues in the world, which recently won the IRTA trophy for “Best Grand Prix” in 2007. Learn more.
Grafenegg Festival, Lower Austria
Aug. 19th – Sep. 12th, 2010
The Grafenegg Festival will have a stunning line up for next year. Details will be announced Nov 4th. Learn more.
Jewish Summer Festival, Budapest, Hungary
Aug. – Sep. 2010
This festival is one of Hungary’s most important, most visited and most interesting cultural art events. Visitors may gain a glimpse into a culture they’re not really familiar with and can become part of it. Learn more.
Coronation celebrations, Bratislava, Slovakia
September 2010
The Coronation celebrations in Bratislava are a spectacular three-day event, when a medieval atmosphere full of kings and queens, nobility, troubadours and thousands of curious spectators enlivens the city. Learn more.
Palava Wine Festival, Mikulov, Czech Republic
Sep. 10th – 12th, 2010
Wine aficionados; don’t miss the harvest time in Moravia! You can enjoy the festivities in Mikulov offering wine tastings, folklore and music. Learn more.
Fryderyk Chopin Competition, Warsaw, Poland
Oct. 2nd - 23rd, 2010 6th
International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. Renowned Jury, extraordinary concerts and – traditionally – great excitement at the Warsaw Philharmonic. Learn more.
Festival of Lights, Berlin, Germany
Oct. 19th – 31st, 2010
Berlin will sparkle as a range of illuminations and projections light up landmarks and spaces, including Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral and the radio tower. Learn more.
International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography PLUS CAMERIMAGE, Łódź, Poland
Nov. – Dec. 2010
PLUS CAMERIMAGE is an extraordinary event where art and technology meet creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere at the Grand Theatre in the film capital of Poland. Learn more.
Christmas Markets, all CEE countries
Usually Last Week of November until 24th of December
Sparkling Christmas lights and decorations adorn the streets of Central Europe’s cities and villages. Visitors can savor local specialties from thin potato pancakes to mulled wine.
New Year’s Eve Gypsy Concert, Budapest, Hungary
December 30th, 2010
New Year’s Eve celebration starts early on 30 December 2010 featuring the “Hundred Member” Gypsy Orchestra. Welcome the New Year with Gypsy and Hungarian folk music! Learn more.