For one evening each year, Christian places of worship in Vienna and throughout Austria throw their doors open to visitors for the Long Night of the Churches (German: Lange Nacht der Kirchen).
- Numerous churches and similar institutions participate
- Events typically range from ecclesiastical-themed gatherings to music recitals, tours & more
- 2027 date: June 4th
- Book a classical concert* in a church or palais
- See also:
What’s it all about?
(Poster advertising an earlier event)
The Long Night of the Churches aims to engage people with the work and role of religious institutions in modern society, but the event is not nearly as formal as that sounds.
Many of Vienna’s churches put on tours, concerts, readings, and recitals, for example. Others present their social and charitable projects. Some simply let you enjoy the evening ecclesiastical atmosphere.
(And that’s just scratching the surface of the variety of options available.)
The night cuts across all Christian denominations; evangelical and orthodox institutions join in with the Catholic churches, for example. Way over 100,000 people typical attend the events in and around Vienna.
2027 dates, tickets & tips
The 2027 Long Night of the Churches is set for Friday, June 4th. The bells usually ring in the start at just before 6pm.
The good news is that all the events are free. Though, obviously, you might want to dip your hand into your pocket and make a donation or two.
(The gorgeous Baroque Peterskirche joins in the event)
Highlights
Dozens of places in Vienna usually participate. Expect a considerable range of activities to choose from.
You might come across acapella jazz or a performance of a Beethoven string quartet.
Perhaps visit a dance workshop or an organ recital.
Taste food and wines from the orient, witness a live recording of a radio show, or enjoy views of nighttime Vienna from the balcony of a Baroque church. (You can see what I mean with variety.)
All depends on the year and what the churches choose to do, of course.
See the official website (Google translate is your friend) for the programme for the whole city: the database grows with time as institutions announce their plans.
English-speakers might feel most comfortable at events hosted by the interdenominational Vienna Community Church at Dorotheergasse 16, 1010 Vienna. Their contributions last time out included chamber music, a film presentation, and performances by the Bach-Händel choir.
And, if you just want to visit a few historical churches outside of the event, then browse my curated list.