Circus Magic in Innsbruck: Krapoldi Festival

At the Krapoldi Festival , Innsbruck once again becomes a place full of magic. On August 21 and 22, as well as from August 25 to 30, international circus and performing arts groups, together with local artists, will transform select locations in the city center and Rapoldipark into a colorful world of theater and circus. There will be dancing, acting, balancing acts, juggling—and above all: wonder. If you don’t want to miss these performances, you can secure tickets in advance. However, many events are also free to attend.

When I think of the circus, images immediately come to mind: a big top, impressive acrobatics, music, and people holding their breath in anticipation. At the Krapoldi Festival in Innsbruck, however, things are a little different. Here, a stage can be anywhere—in a circus tent, in a park, in a square, or right in the middle of the city.

How do you become an acrobat?

To learn more about it, I’m meeting Elina Batruel. The acrobat lives in Völs, and her roots are in Vorarlberg. She’s been part of the Krapoldi Festival for more than two years, so she’s familiar not only with the spectacular performances but also with the special atmosphere behind the scenes.

And as she tells me about her journey into the world of the circus, it quickly becomes clear: her story began long before Krapoldi.

Elina had been doing gymnastics since she was a child. So movement, body control, and acrobatics weren’t entirely new to her. She took the decisive step toward the circus during her college years. At the University Sports Institute ( USI ), she took a course in circus arts—initially, probably just out of curiosity. But that course turned into something more.

Elina delved deeper and deeper into the scene, met the right people—from whom she learned new techniques—and discovered just how diverse the circus can be. That initial course evolved into a passion that remains with her to this day.

Over the past two years, she has performed her solo act “Das Kartenhaus” (The House of Cards) at the Krapoldi Festival. It’s a performance that piques my curiosity just from the title alone. Using acrobatic maneuvers and with the help of the audience, Elina builds a house out of playing cards that are half the size of a person. “The highlight is a handstand on top of the house of cards, high above the audience’s heads,” the artist tells me. I can easily imagine how spellbound the audience must be as they look up at that moment.

This year, we’ll get to see Elina in a slightly different role: She’ll be performing together with the Innsbruck Circus Associationand will also be part of the big Krapoldi Parade.

Throughout our conversation, I keep asking myself what exactly makes this festival so special. The answer isn’t that simple—and perhaps that’s precisely what makes it so appealing.

After all, Krapoldi is far more than a traditional circus. “It offers a space for everyone,” Elina says of the festival. Whether well-known or unknown, a large group or a solo performer, from Austria or abroad: Krapoldi has room for a wide variety of artists. Major international artists and groups come together with acrobats, actors, dancers, and other performers from Innsbruck and the surrounding region. The diverse program showcases just how varied circus and the performing arts can be. Dance, theater, acting, and contemporary circus art blend together. “You don’t often get to see such a wide selection all in one place, especially not at such a high level. That’s what makes the festival so special,” says Elina.

And there’s often much more to the performances than meets the eye. Artistic performances tell stories or explore profound themes. Sometimes they make you laugh, sometimes they amaze you—and sometimes they leave you pondering long after the show is over. A common theme often runs like a thread through a performance. That’s exactly what I love about Krapoldi: You can just let yourself be swept up in the performance, enjoy it, and be amazed—and at the same time, perhaps take away something that you’ll continue to reflect on later.

What I find particularly exciting is that the festival doesn’t take place in just one location. At the Downtown Street Arts Festival on August 21 and 22, the performances are spread out across various squares in Innsbruck and are repeated throughout the afternoon.
This transforms the city as well. Suddenly, a street becomes a stage; acrobats perform in a square; or artists balance high above the rooftops of the Old Town. You can go out of your way to see a specific performance—or simply stroll through Innsbruck and let yourself be surprised.
For me, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. And I can well imagine that it’s especially exciting for visitors, too: Anyone visiting Innsbruck during Krapoldi not only gets to see the famous sights but also experiences just how creative, lively, and diverse the city is.

What I also like is that Krapoldi appeals to a wide variety of people. Children are amazed by the acrobats and clowns, families spend time together, and adults enjoy moments full of magic away from the stresses of everyday life. The events are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or physical abilities. I think that fits perfectly with the festival’s vision: art should take place right in the heart of the city and bring people together.

The circus festival in Rapoldi Park from August 25 to 30 also offers a diverse program where there’s something for everyone. The Krapoldi Parade on August 25 and the opening show that follows—both with free admission—will have you wanting more right from the start.

All across Rapoldipark, you’ll find spots where performances are taking place. The Island of Stories, the Meadow of 100 Games, and the Environmental Island invite young and old alike to participate, listen, and linger. In the Tirolizelt and the large circus tent, national and international artists will perform their extraordinary shows. If you don’t want to miss these performances, you can secure tickets in advance.

The festival culminates with the Park Festival on August 28 and 29, where you can enjoy clowning, acrobatics, and music—all free of charge.

After my conversation with Elina, I certainly see the Krapoldi Festival in a different light. It’s not just a series of circus performances, but a festival that brings together different art forms, people, and cultures. And perhaps the best part is that you can just let yourself get swept up in it.

On August 21 and 22, as well as from August 25 to 30, Innsbruck will once again become a stage. International artists will mingle with the local scene, acrobats will take over squares and parks, stories will be told, and the city will take on a very special magic for a few days.

In any case, I’ll be keeping my eyes open. Because who knows—maybe on my next stroll through Innsbruck, I’ll suddenly come across a performer, a dancer, or an entire parade.

And that’s exactly what Krapoldi means to me: a little bit of circus magic right in the heart of Innsbruck.

More articles on the Krapoldi Festival:

• The first edition of the Krapoldi Festival
• Krapoldi in the Park 
• A celebration for everyone