Opera by the sea during Birgit Nilsson Festival in Båstad

In August, Båstad once again transforms into an international opera center during the Birgit Nilsson Festival. The highlight of the festival is Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, which will be staged on August 8 at the Tennis Stadium, with the Kattegat Sea as its backdrop. At the same time, Hotel Skansen is launching several experience packages for visitors who want to combine world-class opera with gastronomy and accommodation by the sea.

During the Birgit Nilsson Festival, August 3-8, some of the world’s leading opera singers gather on the Bjärehalvön, together with both Swedish stars and new talents. One of this year’s new additions is Opera on the Menu, a lunch experience held in the Congress Hall at Hotel Skansen, where opera and gastronomy meet in an intimate and vibrant format. Chef Tobias Millqvist from restaurant Flora at Thora Vineyard has created a three-course lunch inspired by local ingredients, the sea and Birgit Nilsson’s favorite flavors. During the meal, opera singers perform arias between the tables – an experience where the music literally comes close to the guests.

– This is a fantastic example of how culture and destination can collaborate in the very best way. We are proud that Hotel Skansen can play a central role in the Birgit Nilsson Festival and contribute to the overall experience. The combination of world-class opera, a seaside setting and the vibrant meeting place that Båstad becomes in August makes this truly unique, says Marina Olmarker, Hotel Manager at Hotel Skansen Båstad.

The Flying Dutchman, August 8, 2026
Under the open sky, The Tennis Stadium hosts a unique opera performance featuring world-class artists, a 100-voice choir and the Helsingborg Symfoniorkester in Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. This fully staged outdoor production features Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid in the role of Senta.

Cast:
Christopher Maltman (The Dutchman), Elisabet Strid (Senta), Günther Groissböck (Daland), Stanislas de Barbeyrac (Erik), Martina Dike (Mary) and Tobias Westman (The Steersman). Helsingborgs Symfoniorkester och choir from Skåne conducted by Henrik Nánási.

Opera packages for a complete experience
With the concert arena just outside the door, world-class opera is combined with a seaside hotel stay in the heart of Båstad’s vibrant atmosphere. The experience includes everything from relaxing moments in the spa and the classic cold bathhouse to dinner at Restaurant Sand. After dinner, front-row seats await at the festival’s main performance at the Tennis Stadium.

The Birgit Nilsson Festival take place August 3–8, 2026. Explore the full program here: https://birgitnilsson.com/festival/en/english-program/