Chursächsischer Sommer — Bad Elster

Five Months of Culture in the Spa Region

Since its premiere in 1998, the Chursächsischer Sommer has developed into the largest cultural festival of the European Spa Region — a unique cultural landscape in the border triangle of Saxony / Bavaria / Czech Republic. Over five months, from May 1 to October 4, 2026, around 300 events of all genres will be spread across Bad Elster, Bad Brambach, and around 40 partner venues in four regions: Saxony, Bavaria, Bohemia (Czech Republic), and Thuringia. The patronage for 2026 will once again be held by the President of the Saxon State Parliament and the Czech Consul General in Dresden — a symbol of the cross-border tradition.

The Chursächsische Philharmonie as Festival Orchestra

The heart of the festival is the Chursächsische Philharmonie — the official festival orchestra. It accompanies the season with cross-border tours, performing in castles, churches, concert halls, and the Königliches Kurhaus in Bad Elster (with its famous König-Albert-Theater). In addition, the program features world-class soloists, chamber music ensembles, jazz combos, theater productions, readings, and open-air spectacles.

Festival Highlights 2026

The following major events stand out in the 2026 festival summer: the Brunnenfest (June 26–28) — the traditional Volksfest (folk festival) centered around the Bad Elster spring, with concerts, a parade, and fireworks; EQUIPAGE (May 24) — a festive open-air production with horses and music; the International Jazz Days (August 7–16) — one of the most important jazz festivals in Saxony's Vogtland region; and the Sächsische Meister-Classic (June 6) — a top-class classical music gala. In addition, there is the diverse wellness program of the Sächsische Staatsbäder, the spa park as a cultural living room, and the König-Albert-Theater as the central venue.

Saxony, Vogtland District, and the Sächsische Staatsbäder

Bad Elster and Bad Brambach belong to the Vogtland district in Saxony and together form the 'Sächsische Staatsbäder' — a tradition of health resorts dating back to the 17th century. Both towns are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Great Spa Towns of Europe' (together with, among others, Karlovy Vary, Baden-Baden, Bath, and Spa) — an award for unique European spa culture. The Chursächsische Sommer is the cultural link of this region, attracting visitors from all over Central Europe.