Traditional day of the high mountain hunters: Ceremony in the Türk barracks!

Traditional day of the high mountain hunters: Ceremony in the Türk barracks!

On November 4, 2025, a festive ceremony will take place in the Türk Barracks to mark the traditional day of the high mountain hunters, which begins at 10:30 a.m. The event will be accompanied musically by the Carinthian Military Music under the direction of Colonel Dietmar Pranter. For the ceremony, Brigadier i. R. Mag. Gunther Spath, the former military commander of Carinthia, will give a celebratory speech. Numerous guests from politics, society and the Austrian Armed Forces are expected to attend the annual commemoration.

The traditional day commemorates the successful crossing over the Piave near Zenson in 1917 by the Carinthian Mountain Rifle Regiment No. 1. This year marks the 108th anniversary of the commemoration. A central part of the ceremony will be the honoring and promotion of deserving soldiers from Jäger Battalion 26, which will be carried out by battalion commander Colonel Udo Hofer. Several promotions and retirements are also planned.

High Mountain Infantry Battalion 26

The High Mountain Infantry Battalion 26, stationed in Spittal an der Drau, is one of the most prominent mountain units in the Federal Army. The soldiers in this unit are specially trained for use in alpine terrain and have special skills in mountain combat. It is remarkable how the traditions and commitment of this unit are honored on such a holiday, so that both current soldiers and former soldiers can build on this historical legacy.

The Carinthian Military Music will provide the celebratory setting and will contribute to the festive atmosphere with traditional marches and military sounds. This musical accompaniment is not only an important part of the ceremony, but also a tribute to Austria's long military history, which dates back to the 13th century.

Austrian military history

Austrian military history is marked by many conflicts and developments right up to the founding of the Austrian Federal Army in 1955 after the Second World War. The Habsburg rule, which began with military conflict, and the various wars that the imperial army experienced left a strong mark on the country's armed forces. From the Thirty Years' War to the major military events of modern times, the Federal Army has continuously grown, adapted and reorganized.

A significant element of Austrian military history is the development of military units such as the Tyrolean Kaiserjäger or the Hungarian Hussars. Today's celebrations make it clear how important the memory of these traditions is for the formation of the identity of the Austrian armed forces. The Federal Army reports to the Federal Ministry of Defense and continues to play an important role in international missions today.

During the traditional day, the achievements that the soldiers and their units have achieved throughout history are honored. This is done by remembering past successes and recognizing the achievements of active and former members of the armed forces.