Austria’s National Day, 26 October commemorates the State Treaty
restoring national sovereignty and the end of occupation when the last
WWII troops left Austria and the passage of the law on permanent
neutrality. Therefore de facto the first day Austria was again an
independent and sovereign country. As the status of permanent neutrality
was the condition upon which the Soviet Union had agreed to the signing
of the State Treaty, the Austrian Parliament also chose this very
special day to pass the law on permanent neutrality to mark the fact
that it was taking a unilateral and independent decision. October 26 has
become a patriotic “fitness day”, as many people all over Austria take
long walks. Around the country so called “marches for fitness” are
organized to raise awareness among the population about the benefits of
exercise and fitness. The Parliament building and all national museums
are open and visits free to the public. Famous for its spectacular
mountain scenery, Austria’s position at the geographical heart of Europe
on the key Danube trade route enhances its strategic importance. In
Austria you don’t need to search hard for culture. Beginning with
Mozart, Schubert and Strauss works, continuing with Sigmund Freud and
Ludwig Wittgenstein’s influences in the 20th century thinking, and
ending with Vienna’s impressive Habsburg palaces and Salzburg’s baroque
splendour, Austria shows off its heritage at every turn.
