If you're heading to Vienna for Eurovision 2026 — or just enjoying the contest from afar — the host city has just launched one of the most creative fan-engagement experiences in recent Eurovision memory: the Eurovision Song Contest Challenge.
Launched on April 20, 2026 and running through May 31, 2026, the Challenge is a citywide treasure hunt accessible entirely through the free ivie official Vienna app. Check in at 6 Eurovision locations, answer quiz questions, and qualify for a weekend-in-Vienna grand prize. Here's exactly how it works.
How the Challenge Works: 6 Locations, 3 Questions Each, 30 Points Total
The mechanic is simple and satisfying:
- Download the free ivie app — available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). ivie is the official Vienna Tourist Board guide app, updated with Eurovision content for 2026.
- Visit 6 Eurovision locations in Vienna — curated spots connected to Eurovision 2026 and Eurovision history (the Wiener Stadthalle, Rathausplatz where the Turquoise Carpet begins, key Eurovision-themed venues, and more)
- Digital check-in at each location — use your smartphone's GPS and the app validates you're physically there
- Answer 3 quiz questions per location — Eurovision knowledge plus Vienna-specific facts
- Collect points — each correct answer earns points. The maximum achievable score is 30 points (6 locations × up to 5 points each, with bonus points for streaks)
- Qualify for prizes — hitting minimum thresholds unlocks rewards
The Prizes
400 Limited-Edition Eurovision Hand Fans
Reach the minimum points threshold and you're eligible to claim a physical Eurovision Song Contest hand fan. Only 400 fans are available — distributed first-come, first-served to qualifiers. Once the 400 run out, they're gone.
These fans are genuine official merchandise, not available for general sale. They'll become collectibles immediately after the contest — Eurovision limited-edition items consistently appreciate on resale markets.
Grand Prize: Weekend for 2 at Jaz in the City Wien
Reach the full 30 points and you qualify for the drawing for the grand prize:
- 2 nights for 2 people at the Jaz in the City Wien hotel
- Friday to Sunday booking window
- Jaz in the City is a stylish design-led Vienna hotel (part of the Steigenberger group), positioned between the First District and the Danube — walkable to most Eurovision venues
One winner will be drawn from all participants who reach 30 points. Given Eurovision 2026 is driving record tourism interest in Vienna, a free weekend in the host city is a genuinely meaningful prize.
The ivie App: Vienna's Official Host City App
ivie has been around for several years as the Vienna Tourist Board's official guide app but has been heavily updated for Eurovision 2026. Features:
- Interactive map of Vienna with Eurovision locations highlighted
- Eurovision fan zones — where to watch, where to party
- Event calendar — pre-shows, Turquoise Carpet, semi-finals, Grand Final, afterparties
- Audio guides for key Vienna tourist sites
- The Eurovision Song Contest Challenge (the main attraction for 2026)
- Multi-language support — English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Hungarian, Russian, Polish, Romanian, Czech, Japanese, Chinese
Notably, the app is free with no in-app purchases. Vienna Tourist Board funds ivie as a tourism infrastructure investment.
Which 6 Locations Can You Check In At?
The ivie app reveals each location when you arrive, but the 6 are curated across Vienna's Eurovision-adjacent landmarks:
- Wiener Stadthalle — Eurovision 2026 main venue (15th District)
- Rathausplatz — Location of the Turquoise Carpet opening ceremony on May 10
- Burgtheater — Starting point of the Turquoise Carpet walk
- Eurovision Village / Fan Zone — Central Vienna public viewing area (exact location revealed closer to show days)
- Secession Building — Tied to Florian Wieder's stage design inspiration (the Viennese Secession art movement)
- One surprise Eurovision-themed cultural location — revealed in-app
Each check-in prompts 3 multiple-choice quiz questions mixing Eurovision trivia and Vienna-specific knowledge.
Why This Matters: Vienna's Tourism Strategy
Hosting Eurovision is one of the largest tourism opportunities any European city can win. Vienna expects Eurovision 2026 to generate over €100 million in direct economic impact. The Challenge app is part of that strategy:
- Distributed footfall — instead of all visitors clustering around the Wiener Stadthalle, the Challenge spreads fans across 6+ city locations
- Extended visit duration — completing the Challenge requires a full day (or more) of exploration, keeping fans in Vienna longer and spending more
- Data collection — Vienna Tourist Board learns which Eurovision locations are most popular, informing future campaigns
- Post-contest engagement — the app stays on visitors' phones after Eurovision, driving return visits
What to Do in Vienna During Eurovision Week
Beyond the Challenge, Vienna has built an extensive Eurovision experience across the city:
Eurovision Village (Fan Zone)
A central Vienna public viewing and entertainment zone. Expect large LED screens, food and drink vendors, Eurovision merchandise, and live DJ sets throughout contest week. Free to attend.
Euro Club
The nightly official Eurovision fan club — open throughout contest week, featuring DJ sets and occasionally live performances from Eurovision artists. Usually requires a fan pass rather than show tickets.
The Turquoise Carpet (Sunday, May 10)
The opening ceremony at Rathausplatz, free and open to 30,000 spectators. All 35 delegations walk from the Burgtheater to the Rathaus with live music from the Woodstock Allstar Band and the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Public Viewing Parties
Multiple Vienna venues host free or paid public viewing of the semi-finals and Grand Final. ivie's event calendar lists them all.
The Secession Tour
Vienna Tourist Board has launched a Secession-inspired walking tour tied into Florian Wieder's stage design concept — visit the Secession Building, the Otto Wagner Pavilion, and other landmarks from the art movement that shaped the 2026 production.
Is the Challenge Worth Doing if You're Not Going to Vienna?
The Challenge specifically requires physical presence in Vienna — the GPS check-ins can't be faked. So if you're watching Eurovision 2026 from the UK, US, Australia or elsewhere, you can't directly participate.
However, the ivie app is still free to download and useful as:
- A reference for Eurovision venue locations and fan zone information
- A way to follow along with the Challenge's scheduled events
- Trip planning for post-Eurovision visits to Vienna (the app stays useful long after the contest)
Practical Tips if You're in Vienna
- Download the app before you arrive — avoid fighting airport Wi-Fi on arrival
- Budget a full day — travelling between the 6 locations takes hours if you're seeing other Vienna sights too
- Start early — the 400 hand fans will be claimed faster than people expect
- Group play is fine — each phone counts as a separate entry, so travelling couples or families all qualify separately
- Finish before May 31 — the Challenge closes at the end of May and you won't earn points afterwards
- Keep notifications on — the app pushes alerts about new Eurovision events in Vienna throughout the contest
Combine the Challenge with Live Betting
If you're in Vienna during semi-finals or Grand Final, many local bars and fan zones offer live Eurovision viewing with fast WiFi. Ideal conditions for combining the show with live betting — odds at Betfred move sharply during the voting window and on-the-ground viewers often spot momentum shifts (strong applause for specific entries, crowd-favourite moments) before the online market fully reacts.
18+. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eurovision Song Contest Challenge app free?
Yes — the ivie app and the Eurovision Song Contest Challenge are 100% free with no in-app purchases. Vienna Tourist Board funds the app as tourism infrastructure.
Do I need to be in Vienna physically to play?
Yes — the Challenge uses GPS-based check-ins at 6 specific Vienna locations. You cannot check in remotely. However, the ivie app is still useful outside Vienna as a Eurovision 2026 trip-planning resource.
What's the grand prize?
A weekend for two at the Jaz in the City Wien hotel, Friday through Sunday. One winner is drawn from all participants who reach the full 30 points.
How long does the Challenge run?
From April 20, 2026 through May 31, 2026 — giving fans throughout contest week (and for two weeks after) a chance to participate.
How can I check in to all 6 locations?
Budget approximately half a day of travel around Vienna. The Wiener Stadthalle sits in the 15th District (U-Bahn accessible), while Rathausplatz and Burgtheater are in the 1st District centre. Vienna's public transport system covers all 6 locations efficiently.
Are the 400 hand fans free?
Yes — the hand fans are free to qualifiers, first-come-first-served. Once 400 people have claimed theirs, they're gone.