International Guitar Festival of J. K. Mertz
Bratislava, Slovakia · Classical guitar competition
- Location
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Type
- Competition
- Event dates
- 21 June 2026 – 26 June 2026
- Frequency
- annual
Official website
Enter the pieces you play and Guitar Events instantly shows how your repertoire matches this competition's rounds, and which other events you qualify for.
Check your repertoire matchVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Bratislava
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, sits at a unique tripoint border with Austria and Hungary, a city rich in history and contrasts. It is here that the International Guitar Festival of J. K. Mertz, one of the oldest such events in Europe, annually celebrates the instrument in the birthplace of its namesake composer. Come to experience world-class guitar playing amidst a medieval old town, a hill-top castle, and the meandering Danube.
Getting there
The most direct route into Bratislava is via Bratislava Milan Rastislav Štefánik Airport (BTS), which primarily serves low-cost and charter airlines. From BTS, municipal bus No. 61 (or N61 at night) offers a direct connection to the Central Train Station (Hlavná stanica). For wider international connections, Vienna International Airport (VIE) is an excellent alternative, located just 50 kilometres away; Bratislava and Vienna are the closest pair of capital cities in Europe, easily connected by train or bus. Once in Bratislava, the city center and festival venues are readily accessible via the public transport network, or on foot if you stay in the old town.
Compare trains, buses & flights to Bratislava on Omio →
Slovakia runs on Type E sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.
These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay
Bratislava’s charm lies in its very pleasant medieval inner city, characterized by narrow, winding streets and historic architecture. Basing yourself in the Old Town, centered around Hlavné námestie (Main Square) and Hviezdoslavovo námestie, places you within walking distance of the festival venues, such as Primate’s Palace and Klarisky Hall. This area offers a range of accommodation options and puts you close to cafes, restaurants, and the Danube riverside promenade, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the city’s historical heart.
What you'll hear
The International Guitar Festival of J. K. Mertz, established in 1976, has grown to become one of the continent's most respected guitar events, drawing talent from around the globe. Attendees can expect a vibrant program of concerts, masterclasses, and of course, the competition rounds, which showcase the technical prowess and musicality of emerging and established guitarists. The festival is a prime opportunity to hear diverse interpretations of the classical guitar repertoire.
The festival honors Johann Kaspar Mertz, an Austrian guitarist and composer born in Pressburg (now Bratislava) in 1806. Mertz was active in Vienna, a city central to the classical guitar's development, and his compositions, such as the Bardenklänge, Op. 13, are renowned for their Romantic style, often reflecting the pianistic influences of composers like Liszt and Chopin. His unique approach set him apart from contemporaries like Sor and Giuliani. While Mertz’s burial place in Vienna remains unconfirmed, a pilgrimage to Vienna offers a visit to the confirmed grave of Anton Diabelli, another significant Austrian composer and publisher of guitar music, whose St. Marx Cemetery resting place is about an hour's journey from Bratislava.
The local table
Bratislava's culinary scene reflects its Central European heritage and its position along the Danube. While specific traditional dishes are not highlighted in the sources, the surrounding region is known for its farms and vineyards. Visitors can anticipate hearty regional fare, often accompanied by local wines, particularly the crisp white wines from the nearby Little Carpathians. Explore the old town's eateries for a taste of local produce and a relaxed dining experience.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Bratislava →
While you're there
Beyond the festival, Bratislava offers many attractions. Explore the medieval Old Town, wander through its charming squares, and visit the iconic Bratislava Castle, perched above the Danube, offering panoramic views of the city. St. Martin's Cathedral, where Hungarian kings and queens were crowned for centuries, is a significant historical site. For a different perspective, observe the contrast of the communist-era Petržalka housing estate across the river. The Little Carpathians to the north and east provide opportunities for rural excursions and vineyard visits. As Bratislava and Vienna are Europe's closest capital cities, a day trip to Vienna is highly recommended. The Austrian capital, just 50 kilometres away, offers world-class museums, historic palaces, and the confirmed grave of Anton Diabelli at St. Marx Cemetery, a relevant pilgrimage for any guitar enthusiast.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Bratislava →
Compare hotels and apartments near Bratislava for your dates.
Loads a third-party booking map (Stay22) only when you choose. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
This map centers on Bratislava in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
Also in June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição
Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.