Montafoner Resonanzen: Alpine Music Festival in Austria
Montafoner Resonanzen, formerly known as Montafoner Sommer, is an annual music festival held in the Montafon valley in Vorarlberg, Austria. It presents a diverse program of high-quality performances spanning wind, chamber, jazz, folk, and organ music, all set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps.
The festival is organized by Montafon Tourismus GmbH and runs over six weekends during the summer, typically from early August to early September. For the 2026 edition, the official website lists performances from Thursday, 06 August to Saturday, 05 September, but dates are marked as 'weekly pending', so travelers should confirm the exact schedule on the official site.
Whether you're a classical enthusiast or a jazz lover, the festival offers a unique blend of music and nature. Concerts take place in authentic locations – from mountain huts to historic churches – making each performance an unforgettable experience.
History: From Montafoner Sommer to Resonanzen
The festival has a rich tradition in the Montafon valley, previously known as the Montafoner Sommer. Under its new name, Montafoner Resonanzen, it continues to bring artists of distinction to the region, preserving the spirit of the original series.
The rebranding reflects the festival's evolution while maintaining its core mission: to present music in settings that resonate with the Alpine landscape. The new name emphasizes the acoustic and emotional resonance that the valley provides.
Though the name has changed, the commitment to quality and authenticity remains. The festival has become a beloved institution among locals and visitors, who appreciate the blend of high-level musicianship and intimate, breathtaking venues.
Genres and Series Highlights
Montafoner Resonanzen offers a wide range of musical styles, from wind and chamber music to jazz, folk, crossover, and organ performances. This variety ensures there is something for every musical taste.
Highlights include jazz concerts at scenic locations like the Jazz Picknick at Kristberg or Jazz at the lake with the Vienna Dixie Collective, as well as folk music events that are often free but may require a lift ticket to reach the mountain venues.
Chamber music is performed by ensembles such as the ELMA Ensemble, while organ concerts showcase the region's rich organ heritage. The Montafon is home to 16 historical organs from four centuries, and the festival often features performances on eight different organs, from baroque to contemporary.
Venues: From Mountain Huts to Historic Organs
One of the festival's unique aspects is its choice of venues. Concerts are held in special locations that are authentic to the music, from the historic organ in the church of Tschagguns to open-air stages on the Rellseck and Bartholomäberg.
Jazz performances often take place in the mountains, by a lake, or in a mountain hut, creating an intimate atmosphere that blends with nature. For high-mountain venues, visitors may need to purchase a cable car ticket to reach the concert site.
Folk music events are typically held outdoors, in restaurants, or in inns, and may include a traditional holy mass on the mountain. These free-admission events are a delight for those who want to combine music with the Alpine experience.
Ticketing and Practical Info
Advance booking tickets for Montafoner Resonanzen are priced at EUR 15, and children and teenagers up to 15 years of age enjoy free admission. Ticket sales are available at all Montafon tourist offices, and it's best to book in advance to secure your spot.
Discounts are available for Ö1 Club members (20% reduction for the member and one accompanying person), Raiffeisenclub members (10% discount), and Starcard holders (1 plus 1 free). Note that folk music events are free but may require a lift ticket, and events with catering involve additional costs.
For the latest updates on dates, program, and ticket availability, always check the official Montafon website. The 2026 schedule was still marked as 'weekly pending' at the time of writing, so confirm before planning your trip.
How to Get to the Montafon Valley
The Montafon valley is situated in the westernmost Austrian state of Vorarlberg, near the borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The closest international airports are Zurich, Friedrichshafen, and Innsbruck, with train connections to Schruns or Bludenz.
By car, the A14 motorway leads to the Montafon, with exits at Bludenz or Schruns. The journey from major cities like Munich takes approximately 2.5 hours, while Zurich is about 2 hours away. Parking is available at the different village entrances, though using public transport is recommended during festival weekends due to limited parking.
The Montafon offers a well-connected bus network (Landbus) that links all villages, making it easy to hop between concert venues. If you're new to the festival, consider reading our guide for first-timers to make the most of your experience, and our packing list to prepare for the Alpine weather.
Plan Your Visit
Montafoner Resonanzen is more than a music festival; it's a celebration of music in harmony with the Alpine landscape. With its diverse program, unique venues, and family-friendly policies, it's a summer highlight in Vorarlberg.
Before you go, always confirm the current dates and program on the official Montafon website, as schedules can change. For ticket details and discounts, visit our dedicated ticket guide, and don't forget to check out our first-timer's guide for insider tips.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Montafoner Resonanzen?
Montafoner Resonanzen is an annual music festival in the Montafon valley, Austria, formerly known as Montafoner Sommer. It features classical, jazz, folk, and organ concerts in unique Alpine venues, from mountain huts to historic churches.
When is Montafoner Resonanzen 2026?
The 2026 edition is scheduled from Thursday, 06 August to Saturday, 05 September, but the official website marks these dates as 'weekly pending'. Always verify the exact dates and program on the official Montafon website before making plans.
What types of music are performed at the festival?
The festival covers a wide range of genres including wind music, chamber music, jazz, folk, crossover, and organ concerts. Performances are held by ensembles like the ELMA Ensemble and the Vienna Dixie Collective, among others.
Where do the concerts take place?
Concerts are held in authentic venues across the Montafon valley, such as the historic organ in Tschagguns church, mountain huts, lakesides, and outdoor stages at Rellseck and Bartholomäberg. Access to some venues may require a cable car ticket.