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children folk dancers in dirndl an lederhose
© SalzburgerLand Tourismus - Chidren dancing traditional folk dances in dirndl and lederhose

Bauernherbst celebrations

Bauernherbst is the period when Harvest Festival is celebrated with specialities from the farmhouse and traditional festivities

After a busy summer, the atmosphere is that of joie de vivre as the farming community celebrates a period of thanksgiving in SalzburgerLand. 74 Bauernherbst villages are lovingly decorated by the farmers and local inhabitants. As you enter the villages you will find displays with figures made of straw depicting farm life. The decorative hay-ball that can be found outside the front door is an indication that landlord of the inn is offering regional produce on the menu. Home grown produce is also taken to be sold at the local farmers’ markets, which you are invited to sample at one of the market stalls.

Official Bauernherbst opening

Bauernherbst officially starts at the end of August with a huge party. Each year a different region of SalzburgerLand has the honour of presenting a parade including local clubs, heritage groups, as well as whip cracking, thigh slapping and musical associations. You can watch artisans demonstrate their skills, as they weave baskets, embroider, spin yarns and carve wood. The local folk in their dirndls and lederhosen dance to the melodies played by local music groups. Glasses are raised as the official Stiegl beer barrel is tapped.

Top 6 Bauernherbst events

  1. Official Bauernherbst opening

Every year a huge opening festival is hosted by a different region in SalzburgerLand. Traditional groups, local clubs and musicians present living traditions at the parade. With the traditional opening of the “Stiegl” keg, the whole Bauernherbst village becomes a dance floor in Dirndl and Lederhosen. Farmers’ markets, regional specialities and folk music delight visitors and locals alike.

  1. Lammertaler HeuART festival in Annaberg-Lungötz

Every year, artful hay figures are designed and prepared weeks ahead of this event so they can present to the visitors in a parade at the traditional HeuART Corso festival. Natural and skilfully made hay figures are at the heart of this three-day HeuART festival in Lammertal.

  1. Bauernherbst in Red Bull arena in Salzburg

This Bauernherbst festival includes an extensive programme with a farmers’ market, as well as demonstrations by craftsmen. The Red Bull-Arena is the home ground of the Red Bull Football Club and many fans come to this social gathering dressed in the traditional costume of dirndl or lederhosen.

  1. “Dirndlgwandlsonntag” in Fuschl am See

In commemoration of the Holy Notburga (13th of September), this event is named “Dirndlgwandlsonntag” meaning Dirndl Sunday and takes place in Fuschl am See. Celebrations include dancing as the farmers’ wives prepare tasty homemade donuts and French toast. Traditional costume is of course a must at this event!

  1.  Schmitten mountain festival in Zell am See

Every year there is a traditional mountain Mass at the festival on the Schmittenhöhe mountain, in Zell am See. The Mass is followed by brunch and a traditional farmers’ market where visitors can admire local handicrafts and sample specialities of the region and farm produce. A sporting highlight is the traditional Alpencup Ranggelturnier, a sport very much like wrestling in which spectacular battles are fought.

  1. Procession of Samson in St. Michael im Lungau

Many myths and legends surround the giant figure Samson from the regions of Lungau. It is a real spectacle to witness the procession of Samson accompanied by his two dwarves at the thanksgiving and market festival in St. Michael. The celebrations continue with music and dancing, provided by the local clubs and associations.

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