Austria's National Day originated from the 1955 Declaration of Neutrality, following the Austrian State Treaty that restored full independence. Since 1965, it has been celebrated as a public holiday, symbolizing peace, sovereignty and national unity.

When is National Day?

National Day in Austria is celebrated every year on October 26.

The following is the list of National Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of National Day?

After World War II, Austria was divided into four occupation zones, controlled by the Allied powers: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. Vienna, the capital, was similarly divided. Austria was not fully sovereign during this period.

On May 15, 1955, the Austrian State Treaty was signed at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna. It officially ended the ten-year Allied occupation and re-established Austria as an independent and democratic state. The treaty also prohibited union with Germany (Anschluss) and banned Nazism.

After the last Allied troops left Austrian territory on October 25, 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed the Constitutional Law on Permanent Neutrality the next day, October 26, 1955. This law declared Austria permanently neutral, prohibiting it from joining military alliances or allowing foreign military bases on its soil.

October 26 became a symbolic day of freedom, independence and neutrality. Initially, the focus was strongly on military parades to display Austria's sovereignty and defense readiness.

October 26 was formally designated as Austria's National Day in 1965. The holiday emphasizes Austria's independence, peace and democratic values. It remains a reminder of the importance of neutrality in Austrian identity and foreign policy.