Narcissus Festival in Bad Aussee – Austria’s Biggest Flower Parade

The Salzkammergut lake district is one of Austria’s most traditional regions, rich in authentic customs and festive celebrations. Among its highlights is the Narcissus Festival in Bad Aussee, the country’s largest and most colorful flower event. Held every year in late May or early June, this four-day festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Ausseerland–Salzkammergut area, just 90 km from Salzburg.

Months before the festival begins, local families, associations, and creative teams from the Ausseerland region apply to take part in the famous competition. During the first days of the event, around 20-30 teams design their sculptures, build wire frames, and decorate them with tens of thousands of freshly picked wild narcissus (daffodil) flowers. Visitors are welcome to join in and help weave the blossoms, making the festival an interactive and truly local experience. Each year, completely new and unique flower figures must be created, while the previous year’s winners return as guests of honor.

A charming tradition of the festival is the Narcissus Queen beauty contest, in which young women from the region compete for the title. At the beginning of the week, the Queen of the Narcissus is crowned and becomes the official hostess of Austria’s most significant flower parade. Throughout the four festival days, Bad Aussee hosts concerts, folk music and dance performances, handicraft workshops, and family-friendly cultural events.

On Sunday, the final and most anticipated day, the streets of Bad Aussee fill with spectators for the grand procession. The parade is led by the Mayor, the Narcissus Queen and her Princesses, accompanied by marching bands, historical guilds, farmers, and participants proudly presenting their elaborate sculptures on tractors and decorated vehicles.

The celebration then moves to either Lake Grundlsee or Lake Altaussee, the location alternates each year. Using cranes, the massive floral figures are carefully placed onto wooden rafts. Participants board traditional Zille boats and tow the floating sculptures along the lakeshore in front of the audience and a professional jury. The judges then select the most creative and skillfully crafted work. As night falls, vibrant fireworks light up the alpine lake scenery, marking the end of the festival.

The Narcissus Flower Festival draws large crowds from Austria and Germany, as well as many international travelers. Entry to the festival zone costs around €20 per person, with Saturday and Sunday being the busiest days.

The weather in June. Early June often brings warm weather, so visitors should bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Numerous food stalls and local restaurants operate around the festival area, but finding a free table can be challenging during peak times.

The exact time of the FLOWER FEAST varies slightly every year. Refer to the official website of the organizer to check the dates of the parade and the program: narzissenfest.at