26 March 2026  What are the European Craft Days?From April 7 to 12, 2026, Vienna takes part in the European Craft Days, an international initiative known as European Craft Days. Founded in 2002 in France, the event has developed into a Europe-wide network coordinated by the European Crafts Alliance.Each year, workshops, studios and institutions across more than 20 European countries open their doors to the public. The 2026 edition runs under the motto "With Heart and Soul", highlighting the connection between craftsmanship, dedication and the passing on of skills. In Austria, the programme has been coordinated since 2015 by the Wirtschaftskammer Wien through its initiative Wiener Kunsthandwerk. A wide spectrum: from textile art to upcycling fashionFashion.at took a closer look at the participating workshops in Vienna. The initiative Wiener Kunsthandwerk, a platform of the Chamber's craft and trade division, brings together more than 200 businesses and presents a diverse programme that almost resembles a small city-wide craft festival.Visitors can explore a wide range of activities: from guided studio visits to hands-on workshops. • Textile plays a role, for example, at the Textilatelier von Harten, where traditional weaving techniques and textile restoration are demonstrated. • At Wiener Seife, visitors gain insight into artisanal soap production using high-quality ingredients. • Fashion is represented by the label km/a Mode, which creates garments from unconventional materials such as parachutes or vintage fabrics. • Leather craftsmanship can be experienced at Wienerleder. The workshop combines guided tours with three-hour sessions where participants learn techniques and create small pieces themselves. The studio is also known for custom-made leather goods. Highlight: guided tours on April 9A special highlight of the programme are the free guided tours on April 9. One route starts at Meier Bürsten, the last remaining brush manufactory in the city. Founded in 1918 by Hans Meier, the family business has produced a wide range of brushes—from industrial tools to personal care items. After decades under master craftsman Norbert Meier, the workshop has been run since 2024 by Gerhard Duchac, who continues the tradition with a contemporary perspective. Today, the assortment ranges from chimney brushes to shaving brushes and fine artist tools.The tour continues to a silver workshop and then to a sculptor's studio, offering insight into different rare crafts. Participation in these tours is free of charge, but places are limited. How to participateRegistration for the guided tours is required via the official website kunsthandwerkstage.at, where a full overview of participating workshops is also available.For workshops and special activities—such as those in textile, leather or jewellery—participants must register directly with the individual businesses. Detailed schedules and conditions are provided by each workshop. Image: Gerhard Duchac, owner of Vienna’s last remaining brush manufactory, Meier Bürsten, presents handcrafted brushes during the European Craft Days 2026. Photo: © Florian Wieser |