„Cultures grow on the vine of tradition.“; Jonahn Coldberg, Neustifter Kirtag
There are some traditions that are simply ingrained in my memory. The Neustifter Kirtag is definitely one of them. It’s been a fixture in my calendar for years, and I’m always excited when it happens again. A piece of summer, a piece of Vienna, a piece of something you shouldn’t miss.
This year was special for me anyway, because I finally treated myself to a real dirndl—not a pink children’s dirndl, not a borrowed one, but an elegant piece in my vanivanity signature color: green. But honestly, even though I thought I knew what to expect at the Kirtag, this year really surprised me.
Saturday evening
– our classic
We traditionally went on Saturday evening—it’s simply „our“ time. My husband was in lederhosen, my best friend was also in traditional costume, and I was proudly wearing my new dirndl. We were ready for a perfect Kirtag evening. Even on the way there, I sensed that the atmosphere was different than usual: more crowded, louder, more crowded. But we hadn’t expected how extreme it would be.
Endless crowds
The fair, Neustifter Kirtag, was more crowded than ever before. According to the vendors, there were up to ten times as many visitors as last year. And yes, it was noticeable. It was almost impossible to navigate the alleys; everything was packed, and the lines in front of the stalls were unbelievable. From the moment you stepped into the crowd, it was clear: this year was different.
Of course, you could tell there was a lot more advertising going on—especially on Instagram. That attracted a lot of new people, which is generally a good thing. But honestly, it was too much. You could barely walk through, and the typical, cozy „Kirtag atmosphere“ was almost lost in the crowds.
Heuriger Zeiler
– unfortunately not this time
Our plan was clear: Like every year, we wanted to go to Zeiler, my absolute favorite spot at the Neustifter Kirtag. But even when we made reservations, it was full. So we thought, no big deal, we’ll just get tickets at the box office, like the year before
But this time everything was different: There was no box office anymore. You only got in with a wristband, and the police even stood outside to check people. Pretty strict, right? And that wasn’t just the case at Zeiler, but at almost all the major Heurigen wine taverns. Without a reservation, there was no chance. Even though many people tried to get in anyway.
The result: It was packed inside, and there were crowds outside. That was a bit of a letdown for me – because it was precisely the spontaneity that has always made the Kirtag so special.
Culinary highlight
If you can’t snag a spot at your favorite Heurigen (wine tavern), there’s always the food. And I have to say: This year the selection was truly fantastic. Normally, there’s only one Lángos stand – this time there were four. Plus hot dogs, potato pancakes, and sweets of all kinds.
Of course, we tried everything: first a hot dog, then a crispy potato pancake, a classic Lángos – and for dessert, chocolate-covered chestnuts. It might sound like a wild mix, but that’s exactly what a Kirtag is all about for me: a little bit of everything, a little too much, and happily full at the end. The only thing that was a bit of a shame, in our opinion, is that you’re more likely to get a quick bite to eat on the street. You’re unlikely to find roast pork or black pudding there. But at least we know we’ll definitely reserve a table in time for next year.
Dirndl trends
– more elegant than playful
What I particularly noticed this year: Many women are now opting for more elegant dirndls. Less lace, less pink, less glitter – but muted colors, clean cuts, and high-quality fabrics. My green dirndl fit in perfectly.
It’s by Krüger Dirndl, and I have to say: The value for money is unbeatable. Traditional costumes are expensive – a dirndl including a blouse can easily cost around €500. It’s all the nicer when you find a brand that offers quality at a fairer price.
My husband was also dressed entirely in Krüger: lederhosen, shirt, and vest. My best friend also wore lederhosen and the classic Haferl shoes – for those unfamiliar with them: these are sturdy, traditional shoes from the Alpine region that look a bit like you could wear them on a mountain hike. Just in a traditional costume version.
Shopping discovery
Speaking of traditional costumes: I recently discovered a small shop in the 1st district that has a fantastic selection – and at truly reasonable prices. The store isn’t big, but you can find everything there: from dirndls and blouses to vests and lederhosen. I was almost tempted to spontaneously buy a second dirndl. Almost. But this time I was strong – although I have to admit, the thought hasn’t left me completely alone.
The big rain
Then, at 10:30 p.m., the next surprise: It suddenly started pouring with rain. And by „pours,“ I mean it—people were running toward the shuttle at the same time, as if they were saving themselves from the flood of people from the Neustifter Kirtag.
We were lucky and snagged seats on the second shuttle. But queuing in the rain, among soaked, slightly tipsy people, was less than glamorous. On top of that, it was cold, and I was freezing in my short sleeves.
Then on the bus: absolute silence. No music, no radio. We even asked the driver if he could turn something on, but nothing. It felt like a dreary school trip—only without the atmosphere and without the anticipation.
Official afterparty at O Club
When we arrived at the O Club, we were among the first. I actually like the club, and I’ll be going to another event there in October. But the official after-party for the Kirtag? Sadly disappointing.
When you hear „Kirtag after-party,“ you imagine an extension of the festival: a bit of decoration, maybe some Schlager, maybe hits you’d hear at the Kirtag itself. Instead: techno. And that’s the only genre of music I really don’t like.
But I wasn’t alone in that – lots of people were just standing around, waiting. For whom? For Dr. Bohl, the official face of the evening. But he didn’t arrive until two or three o’clock – by then we were long gone. Unfortunately, it was a missed opportunity for me.
my summary
– Ups, downs and a green dirndl
Was the Neustifter Kirtag 2025 beautiful? Yes – but not as expected.
There were many highlights: my new dirndl, the more elegant traditional costume trends, the great food selection. But also some downsides: the overcrowded square, the reservation policy of the Heurigen wine taverns, the sudden rain, and the disappointing after-party.
Despite everything, the Neustifter Kirtag remains a fixture for me. It’s a piece of Viennese summer, a festival full of tradition – and a little adventure every year. This year, it was one of ups and downs. But one thing is certain: I’ll be back next year. With a dirndl, with friends – and hopefully a little less rain.
It was a rollercoaster of an experience:
✨ My green dirndl – an absolute highlight, perfect for the new trend.
✨ More food stalls – a jackpot for all foodies.
✨ Vibe at Zeiler? Unfortunately, I missed it because of the reservation policy.
✨ The rain? Annoying, cold, uncomfortable.
✨ Afterparty at O Club? A letdown for me.
Nevertheless, the Neustifter Kirtag remains a fixture in my year. Even if it wasn’t perfect this time, it’s simply a part of the Viennese summer. And next year? I’ll definitely be there again. Hopefully with less rain, more atmosphere – and maybe even a second dirndl. 😉
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