Ever thought of doing something a little different for your annual holiday? Well how about combining your holiday with a festival? To make it a little easier for you, the kind people at Door2Tour coach tours have had a look at some of the best Festivals to be found whilst holidaying in Europe. As there are so many to consider, we thought we’d divide them up a little focusing on a different country each week. To start our Top 5 off for this week, here’s a round up of what you can catch on a coach trip to Austria. Take a look at this…
Narcissus Festival – Austria – 30th May to 2nd Jun 2013
It will be the 54th Narcissus Festival in 2013 where the fragrance of this beautiful bloom fills the air between the months of May and June. This 4 day festival is a mixture of tradition and nature with the finale taking place on the Sunday featuring a Motorcade Parade through Bad Aussee and a Boat Parade on the crystal clear Lake Altausee. Marvel at the wonderful figures that local volunteers have spent hours creating with themes from both the past and present. This is a massive event in Austria that continues to draw new and returning visitors year after year.
Koessen Cheese Festival – Austria – Late May to Early June 2013
This annual event takes place whether it rains or shines and is a particular favourite for cheese fans across the world as the distinct aroma fills the air. The region of Koessen is well known for its mountain cheeses especially the Tyrolean Grey. Basically, this festival is where the local residents rejoice in bringing the cheese out of storage for all the sample. Make sure you check out the art of cheese-crafting, take the cable car to a viewing point high above the village for some amazing views, sample the schnapps and take some Tirolean Tilsiter cheese as gifts for your family. Folk music and other entertainment last throughout the day from 11am until 7pm.
Lammertal Hayart Festival – Austria – August 2013
This is one of the world’s biggest if not most unusual Festival in the Events Calendar for Austria and attracts people from all corners of the globe who are interested in Art created from a variety of materials. Before the sculptures are constructed, the hay is carefully stored to dry out and is then manipulated into all sorts of shapes and sizes by local artists or Art Clubs. These sculptures are then placed onto wagons and paraded through the village for all to see. Music, local food and interesting street entertainment will complement your visit to this marvellous event.
Cows Down – Austria – Sept 2013
If you’re looking for a traditional Austrian event, you can’t go wrong with Almabtrieb that dates back many years. The locals basically celebrate the return of their cattle who have spent the past 2 to 3 months grazing on the hillsides. The best performing or most beautiful cow of the cattle will be chosen to lead the rest of the herd down the hillside to their owners. The cows are decorated with head pieces and bells that are handmade by the villagers. Once all the cows have returned to the village, celebrations begin in the form of singing, dancing and eating.
Dumpling Festival – Austria – Sept 2013
For over 30 years, the locals in St Johann im Pongau have been serving up a storm for visitors from across the world with their famous Dumpling Festival. Dumplings are an integral part of a Tyrolean diet with more than 22 different varieties and over 25,000 prepared whether you prefer savoury or sweet including bacon, spinach, chocolate and apricots. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this festival is all about eating because you’d be wrong! A musical parade takes place at 1pm and the Speckbacherstrasse (open air restaurant) will be packed with entertainment to ensure that the fun continues until late into the evening!