The Burgtheater

Austria’s National Theatre

Noteworthy for: This is one of Europe’s oldest theatres. Created in 1741, the Burgtheater (or simply the ‘Burg’) is an iconic and extremely important playhouse in the world of German language theatre. The Burgtheater has gone through several phases and locations since its inception. After being moved into a Neo-Renaissance structure at the end of the 19th century, it survived, and thrived until the bombing raids of the Second World War. The theatre suffered extensive damage during the hostilities, and had to be rebuilt after the fighting ended.
These days, the theatre hosts a wide variety of dramas, many from international playwrights, but of course homegrown Austrian artists are given special consideration, with authors such as Arthur Schnitzler and Johann Nestroy among the house favourites.

If you’re a theatre buff, and can speak a bit of German, then the Burgtheater just might be for you. Regardless, it’s a very attractive building, inside and out, and worth a visit.

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