German Bank Holidays and Public Holidays

Here at Calendar Times UK, we know that planning is everything. If you’re scheduling meetings, booking trips, or just looking forward to a rest, knowing the German bank holidays is crucial. This guide provides a clear overview of all public holidays in Germany, including national celebrations and state-specific holidays. Use it to plan your time off and make the most of the upcoming long weekends in Germany.

National Public Holidays in Germany

The following German national holidays are observed across all 16 federal states in Germany. These are the key dates to note on your calendar.

German Bank Holidays 2026

German Bank Holidays 2027

German Bank Holidays 2028

Important Note for 2028: As a few of these national holidays fall on weekends (e.g., New Year’s Day on a Saturday), the practical day off for many will be the holiday itself, with no additional weekday off given in lieu. This is standard practice for public holidays in Germany.

State-Specific Public Holidays in Germany

This is where it gets interesting! Germany’s state holidays mean your day off depends on where you live. Here are some key state-specific holidays in Germany:

• Baden-Württemberg Public Holidays: Epiphany, Corpus Christi, and All Saints’ Day.

• Bavaria Public Holidays: Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, and All Saints’ Day.

• Berlin: International Women’s Day, 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II.

• Brandenburg: Easter Sunday, Whit Sunday, and Reformation Day.

• Saxony: Repentance Day (Yes, Repentance Day is a holiday in Saxony).

• Thuringia: Children’s Day.

So, in which German states is Corpus Christi a holiday? It’s celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and parts of Saxony and Thuringia. Reformation Day is a holiday in Brandenburg, Bremen, and several other northern and eastern states.

Understanding Key German Holidays

Day of German Unity: History and Significance

The Day of German Unity on October 3rd is Germany’s national day, commemorating the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. It’s a day of national celebration and official ceremonies.

Ascension Day (Vatertag) & Whit Monday: Traditions

Ascension Day is also known as Vatertag (Father’s Day), often marked by men going on hiking trips. The following Whit Monday in Germany is a quiet public holiday that extends the Pentecost weekend.

Regional Holiday Deep Dives

• Corpus Christi: A Catholic festival celebrated with processions in many southern and western states.

• Reformation Day: Primarily observed in Protestant regions, honouring Martin Luther’s role in the Reformation.

Also Read: Fife School Holidays

FAQs

Q1. How many public holidays are there in Germany?

There is no single number. It varies by state, from 10 in some northern states to 13 in Bavaria. There are 9 nationwide German holidays.

Q2. Why do German states have different holidays?

Due to Germany’s federal structure and historical religious differences (Catholic vs. Protestant regions), states have the power to establish their own state holidays.

Q3. Is Reformation Day a public holiday in Bavaria?

No, Reformation Day is not a public holiday in the state of Bavaria.

Q4. What is a “Bridge Day” (Brückentag)?

A “bridge day” is a single weekday that falls between a public holiday and a weekend. Employees often take this day of annual leave to create a long, continuous break.

We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK to German bank holidays helps you plan a fantastic year. Whether you’re comparing them to UK bank holidays or French bank holidays, understanding these dates is key for international planning.

For more help organising your schedule, explore our tools and articles on Calendar Times UK.