Austrian National Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Wednesday, October 26th. There are until the next observance.

On October 26, Austrian National Day is observed. This day has been designated as a national holiday for the past 56 years. Did you know that on this day, Austria passed the Federal Constitutional Law on Austrian Neutrality? This is the day on which Austria declared its neutrality and resolved not to join any military alliances or allow military facilities to be erected on her territory. This day is also known as the Day of the Austrian Flag, and it commemorates the re-establishment of Austrian sovereignty following World War II. The Austrians’ decision to remain neutral became part of their national conscience.

📆 When is Austrian National Day?

This year, Austrian National Day is on October 26th. It is the 4th Wednesday in October; in 2023, it is on Thursday.

Countdown to Austrian National Day

Did you know: Cars are Austria’s most valuable export, worth $6,297,901,000 in 2020.

You can also view all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about October 26, 2022.

📜 History of Austrian National Day

The statement resulted from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union jointly occupying Austria between 1945 and 1955. The Soviet Union would not have signed the Austrian State Treaty in May 1955 if Austria had not declared its neutrality following the withdrawal of coalition soldiers from the country. The last foreign soldiers departed Austria on October 25, 1955.

Since 1955, the concept of neutrality has been embedded in the Austrian identity. It is a fundamental tenet of Austrian law and international law. Austria is a member of the European Union, so there has been considerable controversy about whether it will remain neutral or modify its neutral stance.

Following the end of World War II, the four allied forces conquered Austria and split it into four zones. Although the Austrian parliament was democratically elected, every government action had to be authorized by the allied troops before it was implemented. The occupation by the Allies ended when the Austrian State Treaty was signed on May 15, 1955.

☑️ Austrian National Day facts

Its name means ‘east’
Austria was named after the Germanic term “austro,” which means “east.”

One of the oldest flags
Austria’s flag is one of the oldest in the world, since it was first used in 1230.

We can thank Austria for Red Bull
That’s accurate. Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz created Red Bull after being inspired by the Thai energy drink Krating Daeng (which roughly translates to “red bison” in Thai).

Things to do on Austrian National Day

Attend the military parade
On every Austrian National Day, the action is on the streets of Austria. You may see the military parade that takes place near Hofburg. A marching band and other acts are also part of the procession.

Witness the president’s speech
Wouldn’t it be fantastic to be able to see the president’s speech live? You can go to the Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Parliament to hear the president speak to the country.

Visit museums
There is a superb variety of museums in Austria’s capital that are normally free on National Day. Austria has a rich culture and history, which you may learn about in any of the country’s museums.

📅 Austrian National Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 October 26 Thursday
2024 October 26 Saturday
2025 October 26 Sunday
2026 October 26 Monday
2027 October 26 Tuesday

View all October holidays, including Federal and other Civic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Austrian National Day. So be sure to check back soon.