For many kids around the globe, summer break is the highlight of the year. This excitement is no exception in Austria, even though the country may be better known for its wintertime attractions.
Austrian families eagerly anticipate the summer months, with the nation boasting a wealth of lakes, hiking trails, and engaging activities for all ages.
Knowing the exact dates of the school holidays is essential, whether you are an Austrian resident planning your summer activities (or trying to organise childcare) or a tourist hoping to experience the country's summer charm.
READ ALSO: Can I take my kids out of their Austrian school during term time for a holiday?
2026 summer holidays
The summer holidays are the main break for schoolchildren in Austria. The exact dates depend on the state, with Austria split into two groups.
In 2026, the summer holidays run from July 4th to September 6th in Burgenland, Lower Austria and Vienna.
In Carinthia, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg, they run from July 11th to September 13th.
Other school holidays in 2026
Before the summer break, pupils in all Austrian states had the Whitsun break, or die Pfingstferien, from May 23rd to May 25th.
The autumn break, or die Herbstferien, is from October 27th to October 31st in 2026 and applies in all states. October 26th is also Austria’s National Day and a public holiday, while November 2nd, All Souls’ Day, or Allerseelen, is school-free in all states.
The Christmas holidays are from December 24th 2026 to January 6th 2027 in all states.
The official holiday calendar is published for public middle and higher schools, as well as private middle and higher schools with public-law status. Primary schools, lower secondary schools, special schools, polytechnic schools and vocational schools usually follow the same dates, but there can be exceptions for individual schools or school types. Schools in the tourism sector may also have different holiday dates.
Of course, schools are also closed during official public holidays in Austria. The country is very generous with its holidays, and there are 13 federal holidays every year.
READ ALSO: Austria's nationwide and regional public holidays in 2026
The remaining nationwide public holidays in 2026 are Assumption Day on August 15th, National Day on October 26th, All Saints’ Day on November 1st, Immaculate Conception on December 8th, Christmas Day on December 25th and St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th.
Some of these fall during school holidays or at weekends, but they are still relevant for parents planning childcare, travel and time off work.
Key vocabulary
die Sommerferien - summer holidays
die Pfingstferien - Whitsun break
die Herbstferien - autumn break
die Weihnachtsferien - Christmas holidays
der Feiertag - public holiday
Allerseelen - All Souls’ Day, school-free in Austria
die Bildungsdirektion - provincial education authority
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