European Capitals of Culture 2024: Our Favorites in the 3 Title Cities

By the AXA Schengen editorial team
Date: 06/19/2024 

Head to Europe and its treasures! Whether you're a fan of history, art, music, nature, or simply seeking new adventures, come explore the 3 European Capitals of Culture 2024: Bad Ischl in Austria, Bodø in Norway, and Tartu in Estonia.
Check out the special events each city has prepared for the occasion and take the opportunity to explore other hidden gems they hold... Always open, even after the festivities!

Follow the guide:

• European Capital of Culture: Everything You Need to Know About This Label
• Which Cities Are the European Capitals of Culture in 2024?
• What to Do in Bad Ischl, European Capital of Culture 2024?
• What to Do in Bodø, European Capital of Culture 2024?
• What to Do in Tartu, European Capital of Culture 2024?
• FAQ on the Upcoming European Capitals of Culture

European Capital of Culture: In 4 Questions

1- Since When Have the European Capitals of Culture Existed?

Believe it or not, they were not originally called that!
We need to go back to the 1980s to find the origins of this label, which was created by Melina Mercouri and Jack Lang (the respective ministers of culture in Greece and France at the time).
In 1984, the two politicians proposed to their counterparts in other EEC countries (the precursor to the EU) to annually designate: "The European City of Culture."

Athens (Greece) was the first to receive this title in 1985.
Then came:

• 1986: Florence (Italy)
• 1987: Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1988: West Berlin (FRG)
• 1989: Paris (France)
• 1990: Glasgow (Scotland – UK)
• 1991: Dublin (Ireland)
• 1992: Madrid (Spain)
• 1993: Antwerp (Belgium)
• 1994: Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1995: Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)
• 1996: Copenhagen (Denmark)
• 1997: Thessaloniki (Greece)
• 1998: Stockholm (Sweden)
• 1999: Weimar (Germany)

In 1999, the program was renamed "European Capital of Culture" and replaced the "European City of Culture."

Did you know? To mark the new millennium, no less than 8 cities were chosen to be European Capitals of Culture in 2000! Avignon (France), Bergen (Norway), Bologna (Italy), Brussels (Belgium), Helsinki (Finland), Kraków (Poland), Prague (Czech Republic), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Santiago de Compostela (Spain).

2- What Is the Purpose of a European Capital of Culture?

Supported by the EU, this initiative places culture at the heart of European cities.
For a year, and through a series of specially designed events, the title city celebrates art and creativity in all their forms.

According to the European Commission website, the "European Capital of Culture" label was created to:

• highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe
• celebrate the cultural characteristics shared by Europeans
• increase the sense of belonging of European citizens to a common cultural space
• promote the contribution of culture to urban development

Moreover, the experience has shown that this event is an excellent opportunity to:

• regenerate cities and enhance their international profile
• improve the image of cities in the eyes of their residents
• revitalize the city's culture
• stimulate tourism

Did you know?
The "European Capital of Culture" label leads to an average increase of 20 to 25% in visitor numbers compared to the year before its celebration.

3- When and how are European Capitals of Culture chosen?

The process is an adventure that begins 6 years in advance for cities aspiring to obtain this label. This competition is open to cities from the 27 EU member states, candidate countries (or potential candidates) for EU membership, and those who have signed the agreement on the European Economic Area (Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland).
To have a chance of being selected, each candidate city must meet several criteria, including proposing projects that highlight the diversity and common points of cultures in Europe.
A jury of about ten experts appointed by various EU institutions has the delicate task of awarding this highly coveted title.
The European Capitals of Culture are officially designated four years before the actual title year. This gives them some time to plan and implement the cultural year that awaits them!

Did you know? The EU supports each European Capital of Culture with a fund of €1.5 million.

4- How many European Capitals of Culture are there each year?

Since 2009, the label has been awarded to at least two cities: one from a "historical" member state and the other from a "newer" EU member state.
In addition to these two winners, a third city, sometimes from a third-party country aspiring to join the EU, may also be selected.
This was the case, for example, in 2022, when Novi Sad in Serbia (a candidate country since March 1, 2012) was named European Capital of Culture alongside Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg) and Veszprém (Hungary).

What are the European Capitals of Culture in 2024?

This year, there are 3... For three times the pleasure and discoveries! Head to Austria, Norway, and Estonia to take a deep breath of culture made in Europe.

1- Bad Ischl, the natural and historical Austrian gem

About fifty kilometers from Salzburg, nestled at the foot of the Alps, this Austrian spa town relies as much on its exceptional environment as on its rich past to stand out.
Looking for a nature destination? Bad Ischl, in the heart of Salzkammergut, the "region of 70 lakes," offers a multitude of outdoor activities: skiing, high-altitude swimming, dog-sledding, hiking, or for the more adventurous, climbing via ferrata routes.
Forgot your hiking boots or don't feel like climbing? Take the Katrin cable car. During a 15-minute ascent to the summit, this vintage gondola (dating from the 1950s!) will offer you an exceptional panoramic view.

Culturally, the town tells its story through its neo-baroque architecture, colorful facades, and historic sites and museums, including the City Museum. Among its iconic locations, you cannot miss the Kaiservilla, a beautiful Renaissance-style property, which was a wedding gift to Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife... the famous Sissi.
This villa, where the imperial couple liked to retreat in the summer, is now open to the public and offers guided tours as well as a charming café and a large English-style garden.

The program of Bad Ischl, European Capital of Culture 2024

"Culture, the salt of Europe" ("Kultur Salzt Europa" in the original language), this is the slogan the Austrian town has chosen to celebrate its European title.
A nod to the "white gold," whose extraction, dating back over 7,000 years, contributed to the fame and wealth of the Salzkammergut region.
Among the many cultural events that will fill the city's 2024 calendar, Bad Ischl and about twenty surrounding towns have chosen to showcase their musical heritage with performances of operettas and classical music, as well as events celebrating Austrian popular culture, both past and present.

To learn more and plan your visit to Bad Ischl – Salzkammergut: please visit the Austrian tourism office website

2- Bodø, the bold and wild Norwegian city

Follow your compass pointing north and head to the top of your map! For the first time since the creation of the label, a European Capital of Culture has been chosen in the Arctic.
Located on the coast of Nordland, Bodø is a city like no other, celebrating contrasts. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, this "mini-metropolis of Norway" invites you to explore a chest full of activities and experiences that range from urban to outdoor adventures.

On your to-do list, you'll find: a street art tour through the corners of the port city, a ticket to the Parken Festivalen, a music festival featuring local and international artists each year (the 2024 lineup includes Keane, Pixies, and The Cardigans), a reading break at the Stormen library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, and a visit to the Norwegian Aviation Museum, where you'll sit in the old airport control tower!

Being in the land of "friluftsliv" ("outdoor life," as it is known), you can go kayaking on the fjords, join a snowshoeing excursion, or hike to Saltstraumen, the world's strongest maelstrom. Still have some time? Book a cruise to the Lofoten Islands.
In the summer, you’ll stay up under the midnight sun, and in winter, you’ll hunt for the spectacular northern lights. A destination to explore all year round.

The program of Bodø, European Capital of Culture 2024

Because every season in Norway has its own special charm, the special program "European Capital of Culture 2024" has been designed around the variations of light experienced in the Arctic throughout the year. 
No less than 1,000 events have been planned: exhibitions, concerts, art installations, festivals, sports events, conferences, culinary experiences, theater performances, dance shows … 
These productions highlight the unique aspects of this region of the world: its almost symbiotic connection with nature, its fascinating and still largely unknown history, Sami culture and traditions, and an imagination without limits. 

To learn more: visit the official Visit Bodø website

3- Tartu, the eternal Estonian student city

Anchor 5 Tartu, the second-largest city in Estonia, didn’t wait for 2024 to shine, even eclipsing its big sister Tallinn, the "real" capital of the Baltic state! 
Known as "the cultural and intellectual capital of the country," it fully embodies the spirit of its campus, shaped around the motto: "A university in the city, a university in the park." 
Whether artistic, humanistic, historical, scientific, or botanical, knowledge will catch your attention at every corner, in every building, and within its many green spaces. 
With nearly a quarter of its population made up of students, many enrolled at its prestigious university founded in 1632, Tartu is an ideal destination for those seeking to quench their thirst for knowledge. 
To trace the course of history, step into the Tartu Ülikooli muuseum (University Museum), housed in the walls of a former 17th-century cathedral. As for the AHHAA Science Center, it offers interactive exhibitions and immersive experiences where adrenaline is guaranteed. A must-see for families and science and technology enthusiasts. 
By bike, you can take one of the many cycling paths to uncover the dozens of poetic, literary, or humorous statues scattered throughout the parks, streets, squares, or along the Emajõgi River, which winds through the city. And above all, resist the temptation to kiss the giant bronze pig sculpture !

The Tartu 2024 European Capital of Culture Program

Thirteen years after Tallinn, this is the second time a city has been designated European Capital of Culture in this EU member state (since 2004) and Schengen Area member (since 2027). 
For the occasion, 19 other municipalities from southern Estonia have teamed up with Tartu to showcase their various heritage and creativity through the theme "Arts of Survival." This theme serves as a red thread linking culture and environmental protection to better prepare for the future. 
Among the thousand attractions planned throughout this special year, you will discover local and eco-responsible designers at the Estonian Fashion Festival, attend numerous concerts, including a performance by Jacob Collier accompanied by the jazz vocal ensemble Take 6, or take part in workshops focused on artistic creation and biodiversity. 

To learn more about the program: tartu 2024

Don't travel without us!

The three European Capitals of Culture 2024 are located in the Schengen Area, meaning that most third-country nationals (non-Schengen citizens) need to apply for a Schengen visa. 
To obtain this visa, it is mandatory to have a travel health insurance that complies with European requirements. 

Our 3 travel insurance packages for travelers in Europe are valid in Norway, Estonia, and Austria, and suitable for all Schengen visas. 
They provide the best comprehensive coverage for your stays in Europe. 
Simply sign up online and travel with peace of mind. 

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• EURO 2024: 10 German cities to discover

FAQ

What will be the European Capitals of Culture in 2025?

In 2025, Chemnitz (Germany) will be the European Capital of Culture, along with Nova Gorica - Gorizia (Slovenia and Italy), which will form a cross-border European Capital of Culture.

What will be the European Capitals of Culture in 2026?

In 2026, Trenčín (Slovakia) and Oulu (Finland) will be the European Capitals of Culture in 2026.

Which French city will be the next European Capital of Culture and when?

Bourges (a commune in the Cher department) will be the next French city to be European Capital of Culture, in 2028. It will share this status with the cities of České Budějovice (Czech Republic) and Skopje (North Macedonia).