If you love classical music and are looking for a cultural experience in an extraordinary natural setting, the Gustav Mahler Festival in Dobbiaco, in the heart of Alta Pusteria, is an event not to be missed. Every summer, between late July and early August, this festival celebrates the great Austrian composer, who found inspiration and refuge here.
Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) was one of the greatest composers and conductors of the late Romantic period, known for his monumental symphonies and intense vocal compositions. In the last years of his life, between 1908 and 1910, he chose Dobbiaco, in Alta Pusteria, as his summer retreat. Here he found the peace and quiet he needed to compose some of his most profound works, including the Ninth Symphony and the Songs of a Wayfarer.
Even today, you can immerse yourself in his creative atmosphere by visiting the “Komponierhäuschen,” the small wooden hut where he worked, located near the San Candido Baths. Surrounded by woods and silence, it is an evocative place where time seems to have stood still, just as it did when Mahler sought authentic inspiration in these mountains.
Every year, the Mahler Festival offers a program of the highest caliber, with symphonic concerts, recitals, chamber music, and cultural events. The performances are mainly held at the Grand Hotel Cultural Center in Dobbiaco, an elegant and evocative location with excellent acoustics. Internationally renowned orchestras and soloists perform here, making the event a benchmark for classical music lovers from all over Europe.
In addition to concerts, there are also screenings, exhibitions, and conferences to explore Mahler’s life, his relationship with nature, and the cultural legacy he left to future generations.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Festival is its connection with the surrounding landscape. Before or after the concerts, you can explore the trails of Alta Pusteria, visit Lake Dobbiaco, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, or simply stroll through the silence of the woods. It is not uncommon to encounter spectators in concert attire taking an evening walk or relaxing on a bench surrounded by greenery before a performance.
We recommend checking the official program and booking in advance, especially for evening concerts, which are often sold out.
