Austria’s National Day 2026: Monday is a public holiday and a long weekend
By Rachel · 3 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
The Austrian National Day in 2026 falls on Monday 26 October and is a public holiday throughout Austria, including Vorarlberg. It commemorates the 1955 declaration of permanent neutrality.
Key facts at a glance
- Austria’s National Day in 2026 is on Monday 26 October.
- It is a public holiday throughout Austria, including Vorarlberg.
- The public holiday commemorates the declaration of permanent neutrality on 26 October 1955.
- For many employees, this means a long weekend.
- Immediately afterwards, the nationwide autumn half-term begins on 27 October.
Why Austria celebrates on 26 October
Austria’s National Day commemorates a decisive step in the country’s history: on 26 October 1955, the Austrian National Council passed the Federal Constitutional Act on Austria’s Perpetual Neutrality. In it, Austria undertook not to join any military alliance and not to permit military bases of foreign states on its territory.
This neutrality remains an essential component of Austrian foreign and security policy to this day. The day marks the restoration of Austria’s state independence, ten years after the end of the war in 1945.
How is the National Day celebrated?
Traditionally, numerous events take place on 26 October. Particularly well-known is the Austrian Armed Forces’ exhibition on Vienna’s Heldenplatz. Military vehicles, tanks and helicopters are displayed there.
Government buildings open their doors to visitors. Parliament is open from 10 am to 4 pm, the Office of the President from 10 am to 3.30 pm and the Federal Chancellery from 12 noon to 5 pm.
Which shops are open on National Day?
The National Day is a public holiday. Most shops remain closed. Exceptions mainly include petrol station shops and shops at railway stations.
SPAR supermarkets at larger railway stations and at Graz Airport are open. SPAR express petrol station shops also remain open to the public. Anyone interested can use the online store locator to check the opening hours of their nearest branch.
School holidays falling on public holidays
For many families, the situation in 2026 is particularly favourable. Immediately after the National Holiday, the Austria-wide autumn holidays begin on Tuesday 27 October. This means pupils will have a continuous break from school from Saturday 24 October up to and including Monday 2 November – a total of ten calendar days.
Regular lessons resume on Tuesday 3 November.
Frequently asked questions
Is 26 October also a public holiday in Germany?
No. 26 October is not a public holiday in Germany. It is solely the Austrian National Day.
What events are taking place at Heldenplatz?
The Austrian Armed Forces’ exhibition traditionally takes place at Heldenplatz in Vienna. As well as military vehicles, helicopters and aeroplanes will also be on display. An air parade is planned.
Can you still go shopping on the National Day?
Most shops remain closed on the National Day. Mainly a few SPAR supermarkets at railway stations and petrol station shops are open. Opening hours vary depending on the location.
How long will the autumn half-term holidays in 2026 last?
The nationwide autumn holidays in 2026 begin on Tuesday 27 October and end on Monday 2 November. Regular lessons resume on Tuesday 3 November.
Is the National Day always on 26 October?
Yes. The Austrian National Day falls on 26 October every year, regardless of the day of the week.
All information is provided without guarantee. Opening hours may vary depending on the location.
Sources: VOL.AT · 5 Minuten · weekend.at · Austrian Wings. As at 26 October 2026.
