Introduction to Bank Holidays in Austria 2026
When planning a trip to Austria from the UK, understanding local public holidays—known as ‘Feiertage’—is crucial. Unlike UK bank holidays, which are mostly Mondays and often feature substitute days for weekends, Austrian holidays include a mix of weekdays and weekends, with no automatic substitutes. These days see banks, many shops, and public offices closed, though tourist areas often stay lively.
Austria has 13 nationwide public holidays, plus regional ones varying by the nine Bundesländer (states). In 2026, key dates cluster around Easter in April (relevant given the current context), summer moveable feasts, and Christmas. This guide lists all dates, compares them to UK bank holidays, and offers tips for UK travellers to avoid disruptions or embrace the festivities.
Whether you’re skiing in Tyrol, exploring Vienna’s culture, or hiking in Salzburg, knowing these holidays helps you book flights, hotels, and activities smartly. We’ve aligned facts with official calendars for accuracy.
Nationwide Public Holidays in Austria 2026
These 13 holidays are observed across all Austrian states. Note the day of the week for travel planning:
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day (Neujahr) | Thursday |
| 6 January | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) | Tuesday |
| 6 April | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) | Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day (Staatsfeiertag) | Friday |
| 14 May | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) | Thursday |
| 25 May | Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) | Monday |
| 4 June | Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) | Thursday* |
| 15 August | Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) | Sunday |
| 26 October | National Day (Nationalfeiertag) | Monday |
| 1 November | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) | Sunday |
| 8 December | Immaculate Conception (Mariä Empfängnis) | Tuesday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day (Christtag) | Friday |
| 26 December | St. Stephen’s Day (Stefanitag) | Saturday |
*Corpus Christi is observed nationwide except in Vienna, where it’s a normal working day.
These dates mean long weekends, like Easter (Good Friday 3 April isn’t a holiday, but many take it off), Ascension Thursday, and Christmas falling on Friday-Saturday.
Regional Public Holidays in Austria 2026
Each Bundesland adds local holidays, making up to 14-16 days off in some areas. Here’s a summary of key extras:
Vienna (Wien)
- Only the 13 nationwide (no Corpus Christi).
Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), Salzburg, Styria (Steiermark), Carinthia (Kärnten), Tyrol (Tirol), Vorarlberg, Burgenland
- All observe Corpus Christi (4 June).
- Additional state-specific days (examples for 2026):
- Burgenland: No major extra beyond Corpus Christi.
- Carinthia: Regional observances, but mainly the standards.
- Tyrol: Some areas note Whit Tuesday informally, but official is standard list.
- Styria: 25 December extended celebrations.
Check your destination’s state via the Austrian government’s Feiertagekalender for precise lists—e.g., Salzburg adds no fixed extra, but all enjoy the nationwide ones. Rural areas may close more fully than urban Vienna.
Comparison: Austria vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
For UK travellers, spotting overlaps helps plan dual-country trips. UK holidays (per gov.uk) are:
UK Bank Holidays 2026
-
England, Wales, Northern Ireland:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January (Thursday)
- Good Friday: 3 April (Friday)
- Easter Monday: 6 April (Monday)
- Early May: 4 May (Monday)
- Spring: 25 May (Monday)
- Summer: 31 August (Monday)
- Christmas: 25 December (Friday); Boxing Day substitute: 28 December (Monday)
-
Scotland extras:
- 2 January (Friday)
- Summer: 3 August (Monday)
- St Andrew’s Day: 30 November (Monday)
Key Similarities and Differences
- Shared dates: Easter Monday (6 April) and Whit Monday (25 May, aligning with UK Spring Bank Holiday) create perfect travel windows.
- Austria extras: Epiphany (6 Jan), Ascension (14 May Thu—midweek closure), Corpus Christi (4 Jun Thu), National Day (26 Oct Mon—matches potential UK feel).
- UK advantages: More Monday holidays; substitutes for Christmas/Boxing on weekend (28 Dec Mon), unlike Austria’s Fri-Sat closure without extra day.
- April 2026 focus: Austria’s Easter Monday matches UK, but no Good Friday holiday—UK gets both, ideal for long Easter breaks. Plan flights around 3-6 April for minimal disruption.
Austria has more religious holidays (13+ vs UK’s 8-10), suiting cultural trips.
What Happens on Austrian Public Holidays?
- Banks and post offices: Closed nationwide.
- Shops: Supermarkets shut (except small bakeries or tourist spots); malls in Vienna may open afternoons on some.
- Restaurants and attractions: Tourist sites like Schönbrunn Palace or Salzburg Fortress often open; book ahead for Easter markets or Christmas markets.
- Transport: Trains/buses run reduced schedules; airports normal. Rent cars early for rural travel.
- Events: Festivals abound—Epiphany parades, Corpus Christi processions in Catholic areas, fireworks on National Day.
Essential Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026
- Book early for long weekends: Easter (April), Ascension (14 May), Whit (25 May), and Christmas see price spikes. Use Skyscanner for UK-Austria flights (e.g., London to Vienna).
- Avoid closures: Visit midweek; Vienna’s shops open more reliably.
- UK passport rules: ETIAS required from 2026 for Schengen—apply online pre-trip.
- Weather and activities: April Easter: mild, blooming Alps. Summer holidays: hike Salzkammergut. Winter: ski despite 25/26 Dec closures.
- Currency and payments: Euros; cards widely accepted, but carry cash for markets.
- Accommodation: Platforms like Booking.com flag holiday surcharges.
- Driving: Vignette for motorways; holidays mean busier roads.
Month-by-Month Planner for 2026
- January: New Year/Epiphany—ski season peak.
- April: Easter Monday—spring festivals.
- May: Labour, Ascension, Whit—multiple days off.
- June: Corpus Christi processions.
- August: Assumption Sunday—quiet.
- October-November: National Day, All Saints—autumn colours.
- December: Pre-Christmas buzz, then holidays.
FAQs
Are Austrian bank holidays the same as UK ones? No, but Easter and late May overlap. Do shops open on Feiertage? Limited; tourist areas yes. Any 2026 changes? Dates fixed by calendar; verify regionally. Best time to visit? Avoid 25-28 Dec; opt for post-Easter April.
This guide equips you for seamless 2026 travels. Safe journeys!
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