The flag of Austria has three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red.
History
Together with the Danish flag, the Austrian flag is said to be among the oldest national flag designs in the world.
According to legend, the flag was invented by Duke Leopold V of Austria (1157-1194) while he was involved in a fierce battle during the Crusades. After the battle of Acre, his white battledress was completely drenched in blood, but when he removed his belt the cloth underneath was untouched by it. So taken was he by this singular sight that he adopted the colours and scheme as his banner.
In fact, the flag was designed in the 13th century by Duke Frederick II of Austria (1210-1246; known as 'Frederick the Quarrelsome'), the last of the Babenberg dynasty. Frederick sought greater independence from the Holy Roman Emperor. To this end, he had a new coat of arms designed: a red field with a silver fess. The oldest source for the new flag
is contained in a seal kept in the monastery of Lilienfeld (Lower Austria), dated November 30, 1230.
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