Event Details
Welcome to the Harvest Festival in the Mostviertel
From September into October 2026, the villages and municipalities of the Mostviertel, a rural region in southwestern Lower Austria, celebrate the traditional Erntedankfest (harvest thanksgiving). Unlike a single large festival, there is no central date or venue; nearly every community along the famous Moststraße (cider route) holds its own harvest day, usually around the first Sunday of October. The region's very name comes from "Most", the traditional apple and pear juice that has been pressed here for centuries.
Highlights
- Festive harvest crown processions through the villages
- Blessing of the harvest crown at the village church
- Farm vehicles and tractors taking part in the parade
- Tastings of freshly pressed apple and pear juice (Most)
- Stops along the Moststraße with farm gate sales
- Traditional costume clubs, brass bands and morning gatherings
- Orchard meadows in a colourful autumn setting
Program
Most villages follow a similar pattern: on the morning of the harvest Sunday, the community gathers for a church service where the elaborately woven harvest crown, made from grain, apples and ribbons, is blessed. A festive parade with costume clubs, brass bands and farm vehicles then moves through the streets. In the Mostviertel, the apple and pear harvest takes centre stage, and many farms along the Moststraße open their presses for tastings of freshly pressed juice. The day usually closes with a morning gathering, live music and regional treats.
Tickets
The Mostviertel harvest festival is an open, free folk tradition without admission tickets. Individual tastings, buffets or special events organised by particular villages may carry a small contribution fee. Exact dates for each village are usually announced in late summer through the local municipalities and Mostviertel Tourismus.
Visitor Tips
- Check with Mostviertel Tourismus or the specific village beforehand, since the exact date varies widely by region.
- Travelling by car along the Moststraße makes it easy to stop at several farm gate sellers along the way.
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for the parade and for walking through the orchard meadows.
- Try freshly pressed apple and pear juice directly at the farms.
- Smaller village festivals with a petting zoo and children's activities work especially well for families.
