Water Light Festival in Brixen

Brixen as a stage for magical moments

Brixen is a town where history, culture, and the alpine landscape of South Tyrol come together in a special way. Between historic alleys, Baroque buildings, and the mountain backdrop surrounding the Eisack Valley, an atmosphere unfolds that is both lively and peaceful. Thanks to the diverse events in Brixen, visitors experience the city with new eyes time and time again. One of the most impressive is the Water Light Festival in Brixen, which attracts guests from all over the world every two years and transforms the city into an enchanting interplay of water, light, and art.

Water becomes life, and light becomes art

The Water Light Festival takes place in Brixen from April 28 to May 16. Local and international artists create light installations – at fountains, along the Eisack river, in courtyards, and at cultural and historical sites. Water is omnipresent in Brixen. During the festival, it becomes a projection surface, a symbol, and a central element all at once.
Under the motto “Water becomes life, light becomes art,” an open gallery is created in the urban space. This light festival in Brixen is not only an aesthetic experience, but also a catalyst for ecological and social issues. As an impressive spectacle in the darkness, the artworks also reflect a current message about the responsible use of water.

Illuminated open-air gallery between the city and the monastery

More than twenty installations by over twenty-three artists characterize the Brixen Water Light Festival. Projections, interactive works, and immersive light and video shows give water locations and historic buildings a new context. The Neustift Monastery is also part of the parcours, extending the festival in Brixen beyond the old town.
Since 2015, the festival has been one of the special events in Brixen. Originating from an initial light and music production in the Hofburg, it is now an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.

Interesting facts about the Brixen Light Festival

The light show starts at 9 p.m. and runs until midnight. Most of the installations are freely accessible. A few selected stations are subject to a fee. A program schedule and a digital map make it easy to find your way around the Water Light Festival in Brixen.
The consistent use of green energy is noteworthy. The Brixen Light Festival thus combines visual luminosity with sustainability. The 2026 edition will also take place as part of IMAGINE PEACE, a project co-financed by the European Union that strengthens cooperation between five European light festivals. In addition to the Water Light Festival in Brixen, these include festivals in Copenhagen, Essen, Oslo, and Pula.

Evening walks in the light

During the festival, the perception of the city also changes. A stroll through the arcades, past the cathedral, and through the historic Stufels district becomes part of the experience. The Hofburg Palace and the Herrengarten appear in a new light, and the path along the Eisack River takes on a calm but powerful intensity. This event in Brixen needs no grand staging. It unfolds as you explore the city - step by step.

Right in the heart of it all with our central hotel in Brixen

Those who stay in the city center during the Festival of Lights can experience the city without any detours. The distances are short, and the impressive installations begin almost at your doorstep. Between two stops, there is time for a break, a glass of wine, and moments of wonder.
For the festival, fink offers a special package that makes your stay particularly relaxing. Included are access to fink Thermae, the Brixen Card, and use of the Acquarena and minibar. This makes the Water Light Festival in Brixen not only a cultural experience, but also a harmonious stay in the heart of the city.

Discover our offer for the Light Festival in Brixen

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