Introduction
The flag of Burgenland, the easternmost state of Austria, is a distinctive horizontal bicolor of red over gold (yellow). Adopted in 1921, it is one of the nine state flags of Austria and serves as a primary symbol of regional identity. The design is intentionally simple, featuring two equal horizontal bands without any additional emblems or charges in its basic form.
Its colors are deeply rooted in the region's historical heraldry, directly derived from the coat of arms of the medieval Esterházy dynasty, which held significant power in the area. The flag's clean, unadorned appearance makes it easily recognizable and reproducible. The official state flag, used by government authorities, features the full coat of arms of Burgenland centered on the bicolor field.
The flag's proportions are formally defined, and its red and gold scheme is a constant visual link to the region's past. It flies prominently on public buildings and during cultural events throughout the state, representing Burgenland's unique position within the Austrian federation.
Meaning & Symbolism
The primary meaning of the flag is conveyed through its two colors. The red symbolizes strength, bravery, and the blood shed in historical struggles. The gold (yellow) represents wealth, hope, and the region's agricultural prosperity, particularly its vineyards and fields. Together, they form a direct heraldic reference to the historical rulers of the region.
The colors are a direct adoption from the Esterházy family coat of arms, which featured a red field with three silver marten pelts and a golden lion. By simplifying this to red and gold, the flag creates a broad, inclusive symbol for all inhabitants of Burgenland, connecting the modern state to its feudal history. When the coat of arms is displayed on the state flag, it adds specific symbols: a golden eagle for Austria, a red-white-red shield on its breast, and below it, three silver marten pelts on a red field, directly referencing the Esterházy arms.
History of the Burgenland Flag
The flag was officially adopted in 1921, the same year the state of Burgenland was established after the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1919). The region was previously part of the Kingdom of Hungary and was awarded to Austria following World War I. The choice of colors was a deliberate move to create a new symbol distinct from both Austrian and Hungarian national flags, while still reflecting local heritage.
The design process involved selecting colors from the most influential historical nobility of the region. The Esterházy dynasty, whose power base was in the area, provided the red and gold heraldic tinctures. This adoption provided historical continuity for the new political entity. The basic bicolor design has remained unchanged since its adoption, though the precise legal definitions and specifications for the state flag with the coat of arms have been refined over time.
Curiosities
- Burgenland is the only Austrian state whose flag does not use the colors white or black, relying solely on red and gold.
- The state flag with the coat of arms is legally protected, and its use is restricted to state authorities, while the plain bicolor is free for public use.
- The flag's colors are sometimes poetically described as representing the 'red earth and golden wheat' of the region, though this is a popular interpretation rather than the official heraldic meaning.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Burgenland in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag has a simple construction with a 2:3 ratio of width to height. The field is divided into two equal horizontal stripes. The upper stripe is red and the lower stripe is gold (yellow). No official Pantone or RGB color codes are universally mandated in older laws, but modern reproductions typically use a vivid red and a golden yellow. For the state flag, the coat of arms is centered on the bicolor field, with its height measuring one-half of the flag's total height.
Flags Similar to Burgenland Flag
Common Misidentifications
Occasionally confused from a distance with the flag of Spain due to the shared red and yellow color scheme, though the Spanish flag has three stripes and a central coat of arms.