Hanging a flag sounds like a simple task. Put up the flagpole, hoist the flag, and you’re done. But anyone who has ever watched the wrong national flag being raised during a state visit—or seen the EU flag hanging upside down over a city hall—knows: Municipal, state, and national flags are not off-the-shelf items. They are symbols of sovereignty that follow specific rules. And not everyone is familiar with these rules.
This guide explains what really matters when purchasing and using municipal, state, and national flags—so you can be sure everything is done right.
What are GLN flags?
GLN stands for municipal, state, and national flags. They are the oldest and best-known symbol of collective belonging—and, at the same time, the most frequently underestimated advertising medium in public spaces.
What distinguishes GLN flags from advertising flags is not the product itself—both are hung on a pole, and both are made of similar materials. The difference lies in their meaning and the requirements they must meet:
- National flags must comply with international flag laws and heraldic regulations.
- State flags ( federal states, cantons, regions) have their own color specifications and coat-of-arms rules.
- Municipal flags must match the officially registered municipal coat of arms exactly.
These rules are not optional. An incorrectly designed national flag—the wrong shade of blue, a mirrored coat of arms, an outdated design—stands out. And it does so right where it’s displayed: in public spaces.
Where are GLN flags used?
The use of municipal, state, and national flags is more widespread than many people realize. The most common uses are:
Public institutions and municipalities
City halls, municipal maintenance depots, schools, government offices, and public buildings are legally or formally required to fly flags correctly on certain occasions. National holidays, mourning flags, state visits—there are clear guidelines regarding which flag is flown, how it is flown, and in what order.
Hospitality and Restaurant Industry
Hotels and restaurants have been using national flags for decades—and for one simple reason: they make an impact without being perceived as advertising. An Austrian flag, a Swiss flag, a German flag—flying in front of the hotel entrance—signals: We’re here, we’re open, and we welcome everyone.
“The reason why restaurant owners—especially here in Pinzgau—also use municipal, state, or national flags is simply a sense of belonging to the town or the country—and, of course, that we’re open to all other nations and show that with the flags.”
Anna, consultant at FAHNENGÄRTNER
In the tourism region, the national flag isn’t an advertising tool in the traditional sense—but rather a silent signal. Dynamic, colorful, and a matter of course. And that’s exactly why it’s so effective.
Businesses with international visitors
A business partner from Germany, a customer from Switzerland, a guest from Japan—when you, as a host, raise the flag of the visitor’s country, you send a clear signal of appreciation. And people notice it. It brings a smile, a sense of recognition. And it leaves a lasting impression.
Even a three-person business can project an air of international stature with national flags—if done right.
Clubs, Events, Celebrations
From community celebrations to sports tournaments: GLN flags bring color, a sense of belonging, and a dignified atmosphere to any event. And—unlike promotional flags—they don’t require a custom design. That makes them readily available and easy to plan for.
The Most Common Mistakes with GLN Flags—and How to Avoid Them
People who buy GLN flags usually do so with the best of intentions—and yet the same mistakes keep happening. Here are the most common ones we see in practice:
Incorrect Shades
The red of the Austrian flag is not the same red that an online printer uses for cheap T-shirts. National flags have defined color standards. Minor deviations—a slightly different shade of blue, a red that’s too dark—are barely noticeable to the layperson but immediately recognizable to an expert. And during state visits or official events, they stand out.
Coat of Arms in the Wrong Position
The coat of arms on a municipal or state flag belongs in the upper third of the flag—not in the center. Anyone who doesn’t know this will place it in the center. That looks wrong. Heraldic rules are clear on this point, but are ignored by many providers.
Outdated national flags
National flags change. Qatar changed the design of its flag a few years ago. Syria introduced a new flag in 2024/25. Suppliers who don’t regularly update their data end up delivering outdated flags—which are then publicly displayed incorrectly. This is exactly the kind of mistake that no one notices until a visitor from the country in question arrives.
Flag Upside Down or Mirrored
The EU flag is hung upside down more often than you might think—with the tips of the stars pointing downward. Mirrored flags are also a classic mistake. Anyone who doesn’t know which side is the top and how the grommet should be attached risks exactly that.
“What I sometimes notice is that flags are upside down. I notice this very often with the EU flag, where the tips of the stars point downward. It’s just that sometimes the flags are really hung the wrong way—the top is hanging at the bottom.”
Gerald, Managing Director of Fahnengärtner
What's important when placing an order?
If you're ordering a GLN flag, you should answer the following questions before clicking "Buy":
Accuracy of the design
Is the coat of arms up to date? Is the color scheme correct? Does the vendor have direct contact with embassies, municipalities, or heraldic authorities to ensure that the design meets the standard?
Assembly and eyelet placement
A flag that is made for the wrong flagpole cannot be hung. Photos of the existing flagpole and precise measurements help determine the correct assembly.
Duration of Use and Fabric Quality
Will the flag be flown just a few times a year on national holidays? Or will it be displayed continuously in front of a hotel? The answer determines the appropriate fabric quality—and thus the flag’s durability and cost.
Delivery Time and Availability
Standard GLN flags, such as those of Austria’s federal states or the most common national flags, are in stock at specialized suppliers and are typically available within two to three business days. More customized municipal coats of arms require a slightly longer lead time.
How long does a GLN flag last?
The lifespan depends on three factors: location, wind exposure, and maintenance.
- A standard flag used occasionally—for example, on holidays—can be used for several years without any problems.
- A flag flown continuously in front of a hotel or on a heavily trafficked street puts significantly more strain on the fabric.
- Wind is every flag’s greatest enemy. The lower corner of fluttering flags tears first. Taking the flag down when a storm warning is issued will significantly extend its lifespan.
Experts recommend washing flags every six months and checking them for damage. Torn corners can be repaired—which saves time and money compared to buying a new one.
“We recommend taking them down once every six months, sending them to us for washing and repair, and then you can use them for a longer time—and the colors will be bright and beautiful again.”
Anna, FAHNENGÄRTNER
GLN Flags: Questions and Answers
Is a private business allowed to use the Austrian flag with the coat of arms?
No. The Austrian flag featuring the federal eagle (coat of arms) is a national emblem and may only be flown by public institutions and in front of public buildings. Private businesses and households may use the solid red-white-red flag without the coat of arms.
In what order are flags flown when there are multiple flagpoles?
During state visits, the flag of the host country is flown first (usually on the left-hand flagpole as seen by the observer), followed by the flag of the visiting country. Other flags—such as the EU flag—follow. There are international heraldic regulations governing this, which are applied depending on the occasion.
What does flying flags at half-mast mean, and how is it done correctly?
When flying flags at half-mast, the flag is lowered to two-thirds of the flagpole’s height. First, the flag is raised all the way to the top, then lowered to half-mast. Raising the flag directly to half-mast is incorrect. Hoisting and lowering the flag are part of the protocol.
Summary: The Most Important Points at a Glance
- GLN flags follow heraldic rules—accuracy is not optional, but mandatory.
- National flags change—choosing a current provider is crucial.
- The coat of arms belongs in the upper third of the flag, not in the center.
- The hospitality and restaurant industries use GLN flags as a legal and effective visibility signal.
- Proper care and regular washing double a flag’s lifespan.
- Specialized suppliers deliver standard flags within two to three business days.
