About Germany Holidays & Observances
Public holidays in Germany (frequently termed gesetzliche feiertage locally) represent dates defined by government legislation to provide workers and schools with paid time off. These holidays are deeply rooted in the nation's civic, historical, and religious fabric.
Whether celebrating foundational national acts like Independence, honoring local heroes, or observing significant spiritual and seasonal celebrations, the Germany holiday calendar is highly diverse. When holidays fall on weekends, businesses and government authorities often declare a substitute public holiday on the preceding Friday or following Monday to extend long weekends.
Planning Around Long Weekends
Long weekends are marked in amber shading in the table above. These days represent exceptional high-ROI travel and relaxation periods. Planning holiday logistics ahead of time can unlock maximum efficiency for personal and family travel schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions — Germany Public Holidays
The Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) on October 3rd is the only public holiday legally mandated by the federal government. All other holidays are determined by individual federal states.
Bavaria (Bayern) has the highest number of public holidays in Germany, observing up to 13 statutory holidays (and 14 in the city of Augsburg).
Yes, under German shop-closing laws (Ladenschlussgesetz), supermarkets, retail stores, and pharmacies are closed on Sundays and statutory public holidays.