In the mid-18th century, the winegrowers in Neustift am Walde were facing economic ruin. Poor harvests forced them to march directly to Empress Maria Theresa with a large harvest-thanksgiving wreath. They pleaded for tax exemption, as they would otherwise be unable to save their farms. The empress subsequently waived all their outstanding payments. She returned the wreath to the winegrowers, but with one firm condition: she demanded that the community hold a Kirtag festival every year — which is why we still celebrate the Neustift Kirtag in Döbling today.
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UNESCO Heritage Among Wine Taverns
Since 2020, the parade featuring the Hauerkrone and the erection of the Hiatabaum have officially been recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. As soon as the Weinhiata, Altbursch, and Flaschenbuben make their way through Neustift and Salmannsdorf, history comes to life on the streets. Meanwhile, you can stop for a leisurely break at the traditional Viennese Buschenschänken and sample the wine.
The festival attracts over 100,000 visitors to the 19th district every year. You’ll also find numerous Kirtag stalls offering regional delicacies, while the official ceremony adds to the festivities. Still, there’s plenty of room to stroll through the alleys at your leisure.
The program for four days of festivities
From Thursday, August 20, through Sunday, August 23, 2026, all of Döbling will be in a state of excitement. The opening ceremony, featuring guests of honor, begins on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. right at Heurigen Wolff. This will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by the procession of the Hauerkrone, before it arrives at Eischer’s at 9:00 p.m.
On both Friday and Saturday, the market stalls open at 12:00 p.m. The crown then makes its way to well-known spots like the Weinhof Zimmermann or the Friseurmüller. Afterward, the party moves to the O- or KLUB, where the official afterparty kicks off at 11:00 p.m.
Sunday begins at 10:00 a.m. with an outdoor Mass right at Friseurmüller. Also, at 3:00 p.m., the blessing of the Hiatabaum will take place at Zeiler on Hauerweg. There, the tree will be ceremoniously erected before the weekend comes to a relaxed close at 5:00 p.m. at the Schreiberhaus.
📍 Location: Neustift am Walde & Salmannsdorf, 19th District, Vienna
💶 Price: Free access to the streets and stalls
🕒 Date: August 20–23, 2026
