Fodor's Expert Review Wagner Festival

Opera lovers swear that there are few more intense operatic experiences than the annual Wagner Festival in Bayreuth. The festival is held in July and August and you'll do best if you plan your visit several years in advance. It is nearly impossible to find a hotel room during the festival: try finding a room in a surrounding town instead of Bayreuth. Since tickets are now available online, it is easier than ever to experience Wagner on his home turf. For tickets, register on the website of the Bayreuther Festspiele Kartenbüro ( ticketshop.bayreuther-festspiele.de/en). The Festival releases its schedule in January and sends a notification to all the registered users who can then try to book tickets. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis.