The coat of arms of Burgenland consists of a gold (Or) background featuring a black (sable) rock upon which stands a red (gules) eagle. The eagle looks backward (regardant) and displays its wings fully spread (wings displayed). Its tongue is also red (langued of the same), and it wears a golden crown with golden claws and beak (crowned and armed of the first – meaning the same color as the first mentioned, gold).
On the eagle’s chest lies a small shield (escutcheon) divided vertically into four parts (paly of four), alternating red (of the third) and white fur (ermine), with a thin gold border (fimbriated of the field). In the upper corners (dexter and sinister cantons) of the main shield are two small black crosses with flared ends (crosslets paty sable).
Symbolism and Origins
The coat of arms was adopted in 1922, soon after Burgenland became a province of Austria. It was designed to combine elements from the heraldry of the region’s most influential medieval noble families:
Counts of Mattersdorf-Forchtenstein (Nagymarton and Fraknó) – represented by the red eagle standing on a rock.
Counts of Güssing (Németújvár) – represented by the small shield (escutcheon) on the eagle’s chest, which shows four vertical stripes in red and white fur.
This blend symbolizes the unification of the historic territories that now make up Burgenland.
Flag of Burgenland
The flag of Burgenland features two horizontal stripes — red above gold — reflecting the colors of the coat of arms. It was officially confirmed in 1971 and represents regional unity and historical heritage.
Summary Table
Element
Heraldic Description
Meaning / Origin
Field (Background)
Or (Gold)
Prosperity, generosity
Rock
Sable (Black)
Strength, stability
Eagle
Gules (Red), crowned and armed Or
Power, vigilance, noble authority
Escutcheon on breast
Paly of four, gules and white fur, fimbriated Or
Arms of the Counts of Güssing (Németújvár)
Crosslets paty sable
Two black crosses
Christian faith and defense of the land
Flag colors
Red and gold
Derived from the coat of arms
Historical Context
When Burgenland was created from former Hungarian territories after World War I, the new Austrian province needed a distinct regional identity. The coat of arms symbolized continuity with its noble past while marking a new beginning within Austria.
The red eagle on a rock conveys courage and resilience, while the gold field represents the fertile plains and rich culture of the region. The crosses emphasize the Christian and European traditions that shaped Burgenland’s history.
