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Which Austrian public holidays affect sightseeing hours in Vienna?

City Guides Editor
Updated on 07/09/2025

2 min read

Public holidays in Austria definitely affect sightseeing in Vienna, though usually not as much as Sundays (when shops are closed but most museums still open). Here’s a breakdown:

Austrian Public Holidays (fixed + movable) #

Fixed dates (same every year):

  • Jan 1 – New Year’s Day

  • Jan 6 – Epiphany

  • May 1 – Labour Day

  • Aug 15 – Assumption of Mary

  • Oct 26 – Austrian National Day

  • Nov 1 – All Saints’ Day

  • Dec 8 – Immaculate Conception

  • Dec 25 – Christmas Day

  • Dec 26 – St. Stephen’s Day

Movable (linked to Easter):

🕑 How They Affect Sightseeing Hours #

  • Museums & Attractions:

    • Major ones (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Belvedere, Leopold Museum, Schönbrunn Palace) are usually open on holidays, often with Sunday hours.

    • Some smaller museums, private galleries, and specialty sights may close.

    • December 24th & 25th often have reduced hours or closures.

  • Shops:

    • Almost all shops are closed on public holidays (just like Sundays).

    • Exceptions: tourist shops, train station stores, airport shops, and some Christmas markets in December.

  • Restaurants & Cafés:

    • Many remain open, especially in the city center, though some local spots close.

    • Reservations recommended on holidays (especially Christmas, Easter, and May 1).

  • Public Transport:

    • Runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule (slightly less frequent), but still excellent.

🎄 Especially Important for Visitors #

  • Christmas & New Year (Dec 24–Jan 1): Many attractions close early on Dec 24, but Vienna’s Christmas atmosphere (markets, concerts) makes up for it.

  • Easter: Museums open, but expect crowds. Shops closed on Sun/Mon.

  • May 1 (Labour Day): Shops closed, but many cultural sights open. Parades and events may affect traffic.

  • Oct 26 (National Day): Special open-house events at government buildings and military displays — worth checking out.

✅ Rule of thumb: On Austrian public holidays, plan for:

  • Sightseeing = usually possible (most museums open).

  • Shopping = not possible (except tourist essentials).

  • Dining = possible, but reserve at popular restaurants.

Updated on 07/09/2025

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