Lower Austria cinemas draw 11 percent more visitors
Saturday 12th September 2026 on 15:15 in
Austria
Lower Austria’s cinemas recorded about 1.2 million visits in the first eight months of 2026, an increase of 11 percent from the same period last year, ORF reported. The nationwide Cinema Festival on Saturday is expected to provide an additional boost to the industry.
According to the Lower Austria Economic Chamber, cinemas in the province have attracted significantly more visitors this year. Mario Hueber, the cinema sector’s spokesman at the chamber, attributed the increase to several factors, including successful blockbusters such as “Die Odyssee,” “Spider-Man” and “Steckerlfischfiasko.”
Hot summer weather also helped draw people to cinemas, Hueber said, as air-conditioned auditoriums offered an attractive leisure option on particularly hot days. He said the heat was not the main reason for the increase, however.
Hueber said cinemas were investing continuously in the latest technical systems, including modern picture and sound equipment and premium formats, creating an experience that could not be replicated at home. Cinema was also seen as a shared leisure activity and, despite inflation, a relatively affordable option.
More regular film releases had provided a broader and more reliable programme after years of disruption caused first by the pandemic and then by Hollywood strikes, he said.
Visitor numbers have also risen elsewhere in Austria. Nationwide attendance was up 13 percent in the first eight months, according to the chamber. The cinema industry expects 2026 to move closer to pre-pandemic levels, with films including “Hexed” and “Avengers: Doomsday” still due for release by the end of the year.
As part of Saturday’s Cinema Festival, participating cinemas will charge 5.90 euros per film. Many venues in addition plan special activities and programme items.
Participating cinemas in Lower Austria include Star Movie Tulln, Filmbühne Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Hollywood Megaplex St. Pölten, Stadtkino-Center Picalek in Ternitz, Acht Millimeter – Kino & Lokal in Mank, Cineplexx Amstetten, Cineplexx Westfield SCS in Wiener Neudorf, Cineplexx Wiener Neustadt, Cinemaplexx Krems, Waldviertler Kino Gmünd, Waldviertler Kino Zwettl, Grand Movie Neunkirchen, Apollo Kino Stockerau, Stadt.Kino Horn and KINO mal vier in Wieselburg.