From August to the end of October there is a lot going on in Gastein. In addition to the Goassabtrieb and the Country Fair, the Harvest Festival is also celebrated. During your holiday in Austria, don't forget to come down from the mountain ridge into the valley and join the gathering full of dancing, singing and laughter. It is necessary to celebrate the good season and gradually prepare for winter.

Harvest Festival - authentic folk traditions

During the festival, local traditions that are still cherished today come to life. Leather trousers and richly decorated girls' costumes, dirndls, are brought out of wardrobes. There is often dancing and singing late into the night, and you can stop by traditional craft stalls on the street to chat and have fun. The feeling of exuberance and merriment is absolutely contagious! It doesn't seem like it, but time passes faster than you think and you won't even remember your smartphone except for the photos on social media. We hope that you will set aside a few days during your holiday in Bad Gastein for the festival.

Culinary and regional delicacies

Do you know some regional delicacies from the Gastein valley? During the festival you have the opportunity to taste many local products, such as cheeses with fresh Alpine herbs. In addition to cheeses, meat products and home-made pastries, don't forget to try the fruit specialities, which are already being turned into jams, juices or spirits that promise a range of interesting flavours. You can experience for yourself what it's like to be a local baker. You can also try your hand at making your own cheese and other specialities. Local restaurants in Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein also promise culinary experiences.

Festival and traditional crafts

The fact that farmers are also talented artists is not far from the truth. As you enter many towns, you can see hay bales tied together and decorated to show scenes of rural life and traditional crafts. There are also a number of performances during the festival that no visitor should miss.

During the festival, the whole valley seems to be immersed in a festive Sunday atmosphere, with music playing in every corner of the valley. It is also impossible to resist the many culinary delights, dancing, singing and general merriment. Enjoy the Harvest Festival, now in its tenth year!