Austria’s national flag is a horizontal red-white-red triband and belongs to one of Europe’s oldest heraldic flag traditions.

What does the Austrian flag look like?

The civil flag has three equal horizontal bands: red, white and red. The federal service flag adds Austria’s eagle coat of arms in the centre.

Medieval origins

Red-white-red originated as the arms of the medieval Babenberg dynasty and is documented in the thirteenth century. A famous story claims Duke Leopold V’s white tunic was soaked in blood during the Siege of Acre except beneath his belt, creating the pattern. That account is a later legend, not the historical origin of the arms.

Modern history

Red-white-red became the national colors of the Republic of Austria after the Habsburg monarchy ended in 1918. The flag disappeared during Nazi annexation from 1938 to 1945 and was restored when Austria re-established its republic in 1945.

Austria flag facts

• Colors: red and white
• Design: red-white-red horizontal triband
• Heraldic roots: Babenberg dynasty
• Restored: 1945

Reference

Reference: Austrian federal law and the documented history of the Babenberg red-white-red arms.