German Public Holidays Explained
Navigate Germany's complex holiday system: federal vs. state holidays, Brückentage strategy, and what closes on Sundays.
9 min read
Overview: A Complex Holiday Landscape
Germany has one of the most intricate public holiday systems in Europe. While there are 9 holidays observed nationwide, the total number of public holidays varies by state — ranging from 10 to 14 depending on where you live or work. This means that on any given holiday, your colleague in another Bundesland might be working while you enjoy a day off.
The reason lies in Germany's federal structure. After reunification, each of the 16 states retained the right to designate certain holidays, particularly those with religious significance. As a result, Catholic-majority states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg observe more holidays than Protestant-majority or secular states like Berlin and Hamburg.
For visitors and business travelers, this creates a unique challenge: you need to check not just the country-level calendar, but the specific state you're visiting. A meeting scheduled on Fronleichnam (Corpus Christi) might be perfectly normal in Berlin but impossible in Munich.
Federal vs. State Holidays
Only 9 holidays are guaranteed across all 16 German states: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (1 May), Ascension Day, Whit Monday, German Unity Day (3 October), Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day (26 December). Every other holiday — from Epiphany to Reformation Day to Assumption — depends entirely on which state you're in. This dual system is unique in Europe and catches many foreigners off guard.
State-by-State Differences
Bavaria leads the pack with 13 public holidays (or even 14 in predominantly Catholic communities that observe Assumption Day on 15 August). Bavarians enjoy Epiphany, Corpus Christi, All Saints' Day, and more — making it one of the most holiday-rich regions in all of Europe.
At the other end, Berlin has just 10 public holidays. For years it had only 9, making it the state with the fewest days off. In 2019, International Women's Day (8 March) was added, giving Berliners one extra day. Still, compared to Bavaria, Berlin workers get 3-4 fewer public holidays per year.
Hamburg and Bremen are similarly lean with 10 holidays each, while Saxony is interesting: it observes Reformation Day (as a historically Protestant state) but also Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag), which was abolished as a public holiday in all other states in 1995 to fund long-term care insurance. Saxony kept it, making it unique.
Brückentage: The Art of Bridge Days
Germans have perfected the art of Brückentage — "bridge days" where you take a single vacation day to connect a public holiday with the weekend, creating a 4-day break. The best Brückentag opportunities come from holidays that fall on Thursdays (take Friday off) or Tuesdays (take Monday off). Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, making it the most reliable Brückentag of the year. Check Germany 2026 to spot the best bridge day opportunities and plan your leave early — German workers are famously strategic about this.
Key German Holidays Explained
- Neujahr (1 January) — New Year's Day, nationwide. Cities still recovering from Silvester fireworks.
- Karfreitag (Good Friday) — Nationwide. One of the quietest days in Germany; dancing is banned in many states.
- Tag der Arbeit (1 May) — Labour Day, nationwide. Expect demonstrations in major cities, especially Berlin.
- Christi Himmelfahrt (Ascension) — 40 days after Easter, always a Thursday. Also celebrated as Vatertag (Father's Day) with outdoor excursions.
- Tag der Deutschen Einheit (3 October) — German Unity Day. The only holiday set by federal law, commemorating reunification in 1990.
- Weihnachten (25-26 December) — Two days of Christmas are observed nationwide. Markets close, but the season leading up is magical.
- Fronleichnam (Corpus Christi) — Catholic states only: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, NRW, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland.
- Reformationstag (31 October) — Reformation Day in northern/eastern Protestant states. Not observed in southern Catholic states.
- Allerheiligen (1 November) — All Saints' Day in Catholic states. Coincides with the start of the quiet season.
Shops, Sundays, and Sonntagsruhe
Germany's Sonntagsruhe (Sunday rest) is more than tradition — it's protected by the constitution. Shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays throughout the country, with very few exceptions: bakeries may open for a few hours in the morning, and gas stations and train station shops remain open.
This surprises many visitors, especially those from countries where Sunday shopping is normal. On public holidays, closures are even more thorough than regular Sundays. Supermarkets, shopping centres, and most retail businesses shut down entirely. Restaurants, museums, and cultural venues generally stay open, though hours may be reduced.
Each state allows a handful of verkaufsoffene Sonntage (open shopping Sundays) per year, typically tied to local events or the Advent season. These are announced locally and vary by city. If you're planning to shop, always check the local calendar and stock up on Saturday.