Styrian loden, Lodenwalke Ramsau am Dachstein | © Steiermark Tourismus | Atelier Jungwirth / Nikola Milatovic Styrian loden, Lodenwalke Ramsau am Dachstein | © Steiermark Tourismus | Atelier Jungwirth / Nikola Milatovic
Techniques, craftmanship and creativity

Styrian craftsmanship

Tried and trusted techniques, craftsmanship and lots of creativity are the basis for the diverse handicrafts from Styria. Intricately carved, creatively painted or tastefully decorated, the works come in an impressive variety. Traditional patterns, shapes and cuts are combined as a matter of course with the individual creative prowess of the master craftsmen – and thus artistically connect the past and present.

A heart for detail

Styrian arts and crafts

What would Easter be without artfully decorated eggs, and what would Christmas be without handmade ornaments? Especially around the festive season, Styrian arts and crafts can be enjoyed and experienced in all their glory. One-of-a-kind pieces are waiting for new owners. And each individual product bears witness to the artistic skills of its regional creator.

Traditional costume, Ausseerland | © Steiermark Tourismus | Atelier Jungwirth, Christian Jungwirth
lace-making, an old technique of handicraft | © Steiermark Tourismus | Harry Schiffer
Easter Tradition in Ausseerland Salzkammergut | © Steiermark Tourismus | Jürgen Hammerschmid

Dirndl & more – from traditional to modern

Traditional costume as part of arts and crafts

The trend towards wearing traditional costumes continues: Since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been a general revival of interest in authentic traditional costume. Styria offers a wide variety, from traditional to modern. Those who like dirndls and Styrian suits in the classic style will find a multitude of different fabrics and cuts. Contemporary interpretations of traditional costume fashion can be found, above all, in the Design Capital Graz.

Time for a rest | © Steiermark Tourismus | Jenni Koller
220705, EH00493 | © Steiermark Tourismus | Atelier Jungwirth / Erich Hagspiel | for press only
traditional customs and folk culture | © Steiermark Tourismus | Gery Wolf

Would you have known?

The four main elements of a dirndl

  • Bodice: The fitted top can vary both in cut and colour.
  • Skirt: The skirt part is attached below the bodice. The length of the skirt can vary depending on the dirndl model.
  • Apron: This piece of fabric with ribbons is tied around the waist above the skirt.
  • Accessories and embellishments: Sewed-on trimmings, lace, pearls or ruffles give every Dirndl its unique appeal.

By the way: Not all traditional costumes are the same. Historically, a distinction is made between everyday costume, Sunday costume and festive costume. They come in different cuts and fabrics.

Source: Volkskultur Steiermark GmbH / Steirisches Heimatwerk

Traditional costumes by region

With around 280 different women's costumes, the green heart of Austria is rich in regionally influenced dirndls. We have compiled a list of what distinguishes the traditional costumes of the various regions.

Ausseerland Salzkammergut

A green bodice, a pink or red and white flowered skirt and a violet and white apron characterise the dirndl as an everyday costume in the Ausseerland region. Both Altaussee and Bad Aussee invite you on excursions into their rich and colourful fabric worlds. And the literature museum in Altausee offers not only varied reading materials but also exquisite dirndl fabrics.

More about the region

Gesäuse

Like the landscape and the waters, the everyday costume in the Gesäuse National Park is presented in strong aqua and natural tones. The dress code of traditional costume applies at the annual traditional Dirndl Ball at Schloss Röthelstein. With a so-called "Froschgoscherl" finish and a chequered bodice, Admont's everyday costume is truly special.

More about the region

Graz region

Fashion lovers will find a wide selection of traditional and contemporary costume in and around the capital, Graz: from the Steirisches Heimatwerk, which tailors authentic dirndls, to Lena Hoschek, a Styrian designer whose pieces are always inspired by Styrian traditional costume. Many other traditional houses span a harmonious arc between tradition and modernity with selected traditional costume collections. The Lipizzan costume on the other hand, is convincing within the Lipizzanerheimat (home of the famous Lipizzan horses).

Hochsteiermark

Upper Styria is known, among other things, for the "Waldheimat Rosegger Dirndl" with a green and black chequered body, black skirt and dark green apron. Woven-in floral ornaments make it a festive and elegant garment for any occasion. It owes its name to the famous poet Peter Rosegger, who grew up in the region. To match the ladies, men wear a black and green waistcoat underneath the Rosegger Janker (jacket).

More about the region

EastERN Styria

East Styrian traditional costume originals are, for example, the East Styrian Sunday costume or the more colourful East Styrian Kulmland everyday costume. By the way: Who knows what's behind the terms "Birndl dirndl" or "Almenland Edition" dirndl? In the numerous traditional costume shops, you can discover all the special garments that the East Styrians love to wear.

More about the region

Schladming-Dachstein

On many a holiday in the Schladming-Dachstein region, the Ramsau festive costumes are taken out of the wardrobe. If you want to get a new outfit, you will find several locations where you can buy unusual fabrics or traditional costumes. Among the most popular ones are the traditional fabric manufacturer Steiner1888 Wollwelt and Lodenwalker, the home of Schladming Loden since 1434.

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Southern Styria

Traditional costumes are an expression of regional identity in Southern Styria. There one may find a remarkable selection, ranging from modern and fashinable costumes to traditional ones such as the everyday costumes of the Schilcherland.  Guests are well and gladly advised in the local shops. Shopping tips for traditional costume fashion: the Trachtenhaus in Deutschlandsberg, WEINtracht in Ehrenhausen or the Gössl store in Leibnitz.

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Spa Country Styria

The colourful world of traditional costumes in the Spa Country Styria stands for timelessness and a close connection to people's homeland. One tip for a visit is the Hiebaum traditional costume factory: On a guided tour through the glass halls, guests discover what traditional costume making encompasses. The Thermenland Alltagstracht and the Vulkanland Alltagstracht are especially popular.

Region Murau

The everyday costume in the Upper Mur Valley is one of the well-known variants in the region. Characteristic features are the violet-red bodice and the green skirt, which can either be striped or flowered. In the historic town of Murau, lovers of traditional clothing can acquire beautiful pieces from dirndls to Styrian suits – for instance, at Trachtenmoden Rottensteiner.

More about the region

A little piece of Styria

Where regional shopping becomes an experience

Special souvenirs add to making a holiday truly unforgettable. Styria's handicraft businesses offer these in abundance. Hand-printed cloth scarves, fine traditional costume jewellery or a traditional dirndl: If you are looking for something authentic, you will find it in a variety of places in both the city and the countryside.

It is impressive to see how the masters of the craft follow their respective traditions. Insights into the often very elaborate work make regional shopping an extraordinary experience.

Have you lost your heart to Styria? With a work of exquisite craftsmanship, you'll always carry a piece of the green heart of Austria with you. More information can be found on the websites of the Steirisches Heimatwerk.