Festspielhaus


North of the Hauptbahnhof, the main venue for Bayreuth’s annual Wagner Festival is the Festspielhaus, constructed in 1872 with King Ludwig II’s backing. The structure was specially designed to accommodate Wagner’s massive theatrical sets, with three storeys of mechanical works hidden below stage. It's still one of the largest opera venues in the world. To see inside you must join the daily tour.

Take bus 305 to Am Festspielhaus.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Markgräfliches Opernhaus

1.08 MILES

Designed by Giuseppe Galli Bibiena, a famous 18th-century architect from Bologna, Bayreuth's opera house is one of Europe's most stunningly ornate baroque…

2. Maisel's Bier-Erlebnis-Welt

1.15 MILES

For a fascinating look at the brewing process, head to this enormous museum next door to the brewery of one of Germany’s top wheat-beer producers – Maisel…

3. Neues Schloss

1.24 MILES

Opening into the vast Hofgarten, the Neues Schloss lies a short distance south of the main shopping street, Maxmilianstrasse. A riot of rococo style, the…

4. Richard Wagner Museum

1.31 MILES

In the early 1870s King Ludwig II, Wagner's most devoted fan, gave the composer the cash to build Haus Wahnfried, a pleasingly symmetrical minimansion on…

5. Altes Schloss

2.15 MILES

Within the Erimitage stands the Altes Schloss, King Frederick the Great of Prussia and his wife Wilhelmine’s summer residence. Visits to the palace are by…

6. Eremitage

2.18 MILES

Around 6km east of the centre lies the Eremitage, a lush park girding the Altes Schloss, the summer residence that belonged to 18th-century margrave…