--- title: The Goldhaube url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube.html" description: ...is a genuine Upper Austrian lady. The leaders of a Goldhauben group talk about the tradition and their love of Goldhauben. image: "https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/user_upload/upperaustria/Logo_upperuastria_RGB_300x300px_Websites.png" date: 2023-11-30 modified: 2023-11-30 --- # The Goldhaube ![Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/b/csm_Goldhaube_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_1920x1080_4e0e87d216.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich") ![Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/b/csm_Goldhaube_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_1920x1080_2aad58ea11.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich") Embrace community. Preserve the old. Dare the new. Give with love. © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich Close copyright **The Goldhaube — what makes them so sustainable and why cookies are the best currency** ======================================================================================== The “Goldhaube”, or Golden Cap, is a true Upper Austrian icon, much like Barbara Marksteiner, who, along with her sister Sabine Grünberger, leads the Goldhaube Group in the Perg district. It’s a tradition that enriches, inspires and brings joy – and it’s sustainable, too. We embrace community, preserve the old, dare the new and give with love. This motto embodies the spirit of the approximately 18,000 women in Upper Austria who are part of the “Goldhauben-, Kopftuch- und Hutgruppen” (Golden Cap, Headscarf and Hat Groups), managed by 17 district governors. Among them are Sabine Grünberger (pictured left) and Barbara Marksteiner (pictured right). © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg Close copyright ![Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/9/csm_Goldhauben_Sabine_Gruenberger_-li_und-Barbara-Marksteiner_re_Foto-Volker-Weihbold__192e3da1b8.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg") Their love for the Goldhaube could be said to run in their blood. Their mother had one, as did their mother-in-law, and at some point, “this Golden Cap just finds its way straight into your heart,” shares Sabine Grünberger, who eventually started embroidering her own Goldhaube. It took her 300 hours, with the materials valued at 1,350 euro. However, one can also do it in a more budget-friendly way, starting from 700 euro. Eternal durability and exclusivity (no two caps are the same) are nearly always guaranteed. © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich Close copyright ![Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/4/csm_Goldhaube-2_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_fdcb7b01af.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhaube aus Oberösterreich") “In that sense, a Goldhaube and a matching silk dirndl dress are unparalleled when it comes sustainability,” says Grünberger, who, in her day job, works in quality management with a focus on environment and sustainability. Her sister Barbara is a passionate farmer and runs a [guesthouse](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/430011314/gartenzimmer-am-mairhof-zu-haid.html "Link opens in new window") in Mauthausen. © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Mädchen einer oberösterreichischen Goldhaubengruppe Close copyright ![Mädchen einer oberösterreichischen Goldhaubengruppe](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/1/6/csm_Goldhaubenmaedchen_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_9de2b030d6.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Mädchen einer oberösterreichischen Goldhaubengruppe") The biggest charity club in the country --------------------------------------- The Goldhauben are worn at various church events, but also at occasions such as [“Danube in Flames”](https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430136304/danube-in-flames.html "Link opens in new window"), where the Goldhauben women are admired by American tourists. Since the Biedermeier period, the Goldhaube has been part of Austria’s traditional costume or “Tracht” culture. The most famous Goldhaube in Austria is the Linz Goldhaube. Ignaz de Luca first mentioned this style of cap in his travel descriptions in 1782. From 1805, it was worn throughout Upper Austria and parts of the neighbouring state of Salzburg. Today, the Goldhaube represents lived tradition, community and social engagement. “We are the largest female charity club in the country. Last year alone, we collected 750,000 euro in donations. We collected the sum by selling cookies: cookies are indeed our currency,” Marksteiner explains. © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhauben aus Oberösterreich Close copyright ![Goldhauben aus Oberösterreich](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/a/csm_Goldhauben-2_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_2ea2fd430d.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Goldhauben aus Oberösterreich") The cap and the dirndl ---------------------- Since traditional clothing started becoming fashionable again some ten years ago, young women have shown an increased interest in the Goldhauben. Of course, an elegant headpiece such as this is traditionally paired with a dirndl, preferably made of silk. However, a local [traditional dress](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/made-in-upperaustria.html) would also be appropriate. “Naturally, it should be long, though we can quite imagine that the dirndl skirt could also be a bit shorter.” A little modernisation is certainly allowed. “What absolutely doesn’t work is a Goldhaube paired with jeans and a blouse,” the two stringent experts agree. © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg Close copyright ![Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/6/csm_Goldhauben_Sabine_Gruenberger_-li_und-Barbara-Marksteiner_re_2_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_4576509c55.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg") Creativity is encouraged, though. Each wearer is free to embellish her dress: with pearl embroidery, lace inserts, smocking and lace collars. “Such a dirndl can last a lifetime,” says Barbara Marksteiner. “Should the wearer’s weight change, the dress can easily be altered to be made larger or smaller.” Such traditional attire is not only a historical treasure but also a barometer for one’s figure. If the dirndl pinches, it’s time to cut back on the cookies. © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Material für die Anfertigung einer Goldhaube Close copyright ![Material für die Anfertigung einer Goldhaube](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/3/csm_Goldhaube-naehen_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_ddfb8f8b3f.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Material für die Anfertigung einer Goldhaube") Profiles: --------- ### Barbara Marksteiner Goldenhaube Group, Perg district © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Barbara Marksteiner von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg Close copyright ![Barbara Marksteiner von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/a/csm_Goldhaube_Barbara-Marksteiner_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_1140x1588_4822acf361.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Barbara Marksteiner von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg") Our goal is to help, spread joy and bring beauty into life. Our currency, by the way, is cookies. Barbara Marksteiner Head of the Goldhaube Group, Perg district Where one might run into Barbara Marksteiner during her free time: ------------------------------------------------------------------ [ Enjoying a cup of coffee… ](#ttgNCECollapse294502) ------------------------------------------------------- … at [Hotel Brunner](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/food-and-drink/oesterreich-gastronomie/detail/103322/restaurant-zum-goldenen-schiff.html "Link opens in new window") in Enns. [ Cycling… ](#ttgNCECollapse294503) -------------------------------------- … along the [Danube Cycle Path](https://www.donauregion.at/en/danube-cycle-path.html?utm_campaign=donauradweg_at&utm_medium=Website-Link&utm_source=donauradweg.at "Link opens in new window"). [ Slowing down… ](#ttgNCECollapse294504) ------------------------------------------- … at [St. Florian Monastery](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/401299/st-florian-monastery-of-the-augustinian-canons-regular.html "Link opens in new window"). The history of the Goldhaube ---------------------------- ### How it all began… **13th century** Gold-embroidered caps have been worn for special occasions and passed down through the generations in the region since the 13th century. **Around 1760** By 1760, the “Böndel” or “Boden” cap, which resembled today’s Mädchenhauben or Bürgerhauben caps, had become popular in bourgeois circles. The 18th and early 19th centuries saw the development of soft fabric caps called Goldhauben thanks to their rich golden embroidery. Initially, the side parts of the cap were pulled back, and the bottom was knotted into a knob. **19th century** By about 1830, the Goldhaube as we know it today came into being. It quickly became a popular head covering, so much so that by the mid-19th century, a dedicated artisan industry emerged that produced the materials for the golden caps. **2017** In 2017, UNESCO included the Linz Goldhaube in the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage. [More on the UNESCO World Heritage in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/history-and-unesco.html) © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Barbara Marksteiner von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg Close copyright ![Barbara Marksteiner von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/9/csm_Goldhaube_Barbara-Marksteiner_58ec1aee1f.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Barbara Marksteiner von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg") *This article appeared in the series [“Faszination Heimat” ](https://www.nachrichten.at/oberoesterreich/99dinge/ "Link opens in new window")(Fascinating Homeland) in OÖNachrichten. Text by Barbara Rohrhofer, photos by Volker Weihbold.* More on the locations in this story ------------------------------------ [ ![Material für die Anfertigung einer Goldhaube](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/3/csm_Goldhaube-naehen_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_c8d42a53ff.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Material für die Anfertigung einer Goldhaube") Goldhauben sewing room ](https://www.goldhauben-bezirk-perg.at/goldhauben-n%C3%A4hzimmer "Goldhauben Nähzimmer") © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Material für die Anfertigung einer Goldhaube Close copyright [ ![Important detail: the mesh of the apron in the Dirndl](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/1/csm_Heimatwerk-Dirndlmasche_OOE-Maybach_3s_37640ee067.jpg "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Important detail: the mesh of the apron in the Dirndl") Traditional costumes in Upper Austria ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/made-in-upperaustria.html) © Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Important detail: the mesh of the apron in the Dirndl Close copyright [ ![PERG_Einhorn5%2bKirche_C-by-Boris-Mitterlehner](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Boris Mitterlehner - www.gemeindejournal.at") Perg ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430001079/perg.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Boris Mitterlehner - www.gemeindejournal.at Close copyright [ ![An elegantly set table with a candle, cups, and cutlery. In the background, there is a window with soft light.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Frühstückszimmer, Fam. Marksteiner, Mauthausen") GartenZimmer - At the Mairhof in Haid ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/430011314/gartenzimmer-am-mairhof-zu-haid.html) [ ![Restaurant "Zum Goldenen Schiff" in Enns: A cosy interior with wooden beams on the ceiling, brick walls and a bar. Several people sit at the tables, obviously enjoying something to eat or drink in this cosy atmosphere.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Restaurant "Zum Goldenen Schiff"") Hotel Brunner ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube/oesterreich-gastronomie/detail/103322/restaurant-zum-goldenen-schiff.html) [ ![The picture shows an aerial view of St. Florian Abbey in the fall. The impressive baroque architecture of the monastery is clearly visible, with its striking towers and extensive grounds. The monastery is surrounded by a picturesque landscape with autumn-colored trees that create a warm and idyllic atmosphere.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "StFlorian Abbey Aerial view") St Florian's Abbey ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube/oesterreich-poi/detail/401299/st-florian-monastery-of-the-augustinian-canons-regular.html) [ ![Danube cycle path in the Schlögener Schlinge](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/c/csm_Am-Donauradweg-in-der-Schloegener-Schlinge_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbH_MoritzAblinger_3s_788c3cd690.jpg "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Moritz Ablinger: Danube cycle path in the Schlögener Schlinge") Danube cycle path ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/danube-cycle-path.html?utm_campaign=donauradweg_at&utm_medium=Website-Link&utm_source=donauradweg.at "Link opens in new window") © Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Moritz Ablinger: Danube cycle path in the Schlögener Schlinge Close copyright [ ![Die Linzer Donau bei Nacht mit Blick auf das beläuchtete Ars Electronica Center und auf das Kunstmuseum Lentos, umrahmt von einem strahlenden Feuerwerk.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/1/6/csm_DonauInFlammen_Linz_2014-LinzTourismus_Sigalov_Alex_2s_0b8194eb99.jpg "Linz Tourismus/Sigalov Alex: Donau in Flammen Linz 2014") Danube in flames ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430136304/danube-in-flames.html "Link opens in new window") © Open copyright © Linz Tourismus/Sigalov Alex: Donau in Flammen Linz 2014 Close copyright [ ![Donauschlinge Schlögen (c) WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH_Kaindlstorfer](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Donauschlinge Schlögen (c) WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH_Kaindlstorfer") Danube Upper Austria ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube/oesterreich-destination/detail/4/danube-upper-austria.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Donauschlinge Schlögen (c) WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH_Kaindlstorfer Close copyright