Are you attending?
Event Details
Welcome to National Day 2026 in Vienna
On October 26, 2026, all of Austria celebrates National Day, marking the declaration of permanent neutrality in 1955. In Vienna, Heldenplatz and several squares in the city center host a full day of wreath laying ceremonies, military displays and open house events, while flags are raised nationwide and many museums offer free admission.
Highlights and Attractions at National Day in Vienna
- Wreath laying by the Federal President and the government in the morning
- A major information and equipment display by the Austrian Armed Forces at Heldenplatz, Am Hof, Freyung and in front of the Burgtheater
- An aircraft flyover and a march past of soldiers with their equipment
- Swearing in of around 1,000 new recruits at Heldenplatz
- The Vienna Safety Festival at Rathausplatz with emergency services, demonstrations and live music
- Open house days at the Parliament, the Chancellery and the Office of the Federal President
- Free entry to numerous museums and popular autumn hikes across the country
Find Accommodation in Vienna
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Vienna
The day typically opens around 9:30 AM with the wreath laying ceremony at Heldenplatz, followed by the aircraft flyover and troop march past around 11:00 AM and the swearing in of recruits from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. At the same time, the Safety Festival runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Rathausplatz with demonstrations from police, fire and rescue services plus live music. The afternoon continues with further displays, and the day traditionally closes with a military tattoo at 5:00 PM. Since the schedule shifts slightly each year, it is worth checking the official Armed Forces program closer to the date.
Admission and Participation for National Day 2026
National Day is a public holiday and every public event is free to attend, including the display at Heldenplatz, the Safety Festival at Rathausplatz and the open house days at government buildings. Many museums in Vienna and other Austrian cities also open their doors free of charge on this day.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Planning in Vienna
- Public transport is strongly recommended, since crowds and road closures are expected around Heldenplatz and the Ringstrasse
- Booking a time slot online in advance is worthwhile for popular stops such as the Parliament tour
- Late October is already cool in Vienna, so warm clothing is a good idea for a full day outdoors
- Visitors who prefer a quieter day can head to one of the many museums offering free admission instead
- Families should plan extra time, since the display, the Safety Festival and the open houses are spread across the whole city center
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
