5 Best Performing Arts in Vienna Woods, Lake Neusiedler, and the Danube River, Austria

Fertőrákosi Barlangszínház

Fodor's choice
For a unique entertainment experience, it's hard to beat this cave theater, carved out of a limestone quarry eight kilometers (five miles) northeast of Sopron. The 760-seat theater has amazing natural acoustics, which make for memorable classical music performances, pop and rock concerts, and musical theater productions. Arrive an hour early to enjoy the walking trail around the quarry, with lovely lookout points over the southern shore of Lake Neusiedl and a fun paleontological exhibition.

Landestheater Linz

Fodor's choice

Designed by British architect Terry Pawson and considered Europe's most state-of-the-art opera house, the Landestheater—also known as the Musiktheater am Volksgarten—is now the stage for hit musicals and orchestra and choir performances, along with hosting a youth theater. The Main Hall seats 1,200 with several smaller halls seating up to 270 each. The remarkable Sound Foyer was created in cooperation with Ars Electronica Future Lab. Visitors to the theater, whether they see a show or not, are welcome to stop in and experience the technological wonder of the so-called sound path.

Oper im Steinbruch

Fodor's choice

Three kilometers (two miles) west of Rust, outside the tiny village of St. Margarethen, is Römersteinbruch, a delightful rock quarry used for outdoor opera performances for six weeks during July and August. It's one of the three largest outdoor opera venues in Europe, seating 7,000 nightly. The opera changes annually—previous operas have included Puccini's Turandot and Bizet's Carmen, with a Passion play running every fifth year—and performances also include a dazzling fireworks display. Ticket prices range from around €40 up to nearly €150. It's a good idea to bring a seat cushion, if possible, to soften the metal chairs. Bus trips from Vienna and back to see performances can be arranged through several tour agencies. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket office in Eisenstadt.

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Brucknerhaus

A vast array of concerts and recitals are presented in the noted Brucknerhaus, the modern hall on the south bank of the Danube. Every September it's home to the International Bruckner Festival. The venue also hosts some events for Ars Electronica, a festival that explores art, science, and society.

Slovenské národné divadlo

Whether at the grand, 18th-century, Neo-Renaissance building in the heart of the Old Town, or at the shiny, art-filled, 21st century building downriver, the Slovak National Theater knows how to put on a show. The regular, high-quality operas, ballets, and drama performances are typically around €20 a ticket.