18th Salzkammergut Schachopen 2026
The 18th Salzkammergut Schachopen 2026 will be held from May 22-25, 2026 in the beautiful spa town of Bad Ischl, Austria. This FIDE- and national-rated event welcomes chess enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy four days of exciting Swiss-system competition in the heart of the Salzkammergut region. Organized by SK Bad Ischl, the tournament has become a traditional and much-loved fixture in the Austrian chess calendar.
Players can compete in several rating sections, ensuring fair and competitive play for all participants, while enjoying the cultural charm and hospitality of Bad Ischl.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Kongress – und Theaterhaus Bad Ischl, Austria |
| ♟️ Format | 5-Round Swiss System |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE and national Elo rated |
| 📂 Sections | A-Tournament, B-Tournament, C-Tournament (under 1900 FIDE Elo) |
| 🧮 Pairing System | Swiss Manager |
| 🏛️ Organizer | SK Bad Ischl Chess Club |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
5 rounds of Swiss system play.
Each game: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes to finish + 30 seconds increment per move.
Pairings and tie-breaks determined using Swiss Manager software.
All games follow FIDE Laws of Chess.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility / Description |
|---|---|
| A-Tournament | Open to all players |
| B-Tournament | Intermediate strength players |
| C-Tournament | Players with rating under 1900 FIDE Elo |
| D/E Sections | Local and youth categories at organizer’s discretion |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, May 22 2026 | — | Round 1 |
| Sat, May 23 2026 | — | Rounds 2 & 3 |
| Sun, May 24 2026 | — | Round 4 |
| Mon, May 25 2026 | — | Round 5 & Award Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Registration through the official SK Bad Ischl website or by direct email to the organizers.
Players must provide a valid FIDE ID and current rating information.
Entry fees, payment details, and deadlines will be available in the official invitation.
Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.
👥 Organizer
The event is organized by SK Bad Ischl Chess Club in cooperation with the Austrian Chess Federation. The club guarantees professional arbiter supervision, smooth organization, and full FIDE rating compliance.
📧 Email: (see organizer’s homepage)
☎️ Phone: (available on the official invitation)
🌐 Website: www.schachklub-badischl.at
🏨 Venue
Kongress- und Theaterhaus Bad Ischl
Bad Ischl, Austria
A modern cultural and event center located in the heart of Bad Ischl, surrounded by the stunning lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut region — an inspiring setting for a chess tournament.
🚗 How to Get There
By Car: Accessible via A1 and A10 motorways; parking available near the venue.
By Train: Regular connections from Salzburg and Vienna to Bad Ischl station.
By Air: Salzburg Airport (W.A. Mozart) is about 1 hour away by car or train.
Take part in the Salzkammergut Schachopen 2026 and enjoy a perfect blend of competitive chess, friendly atmosphere, and the breathtaking beauty of Austria’s lake district!