brown concrete gateway during daytime

Public Holidays in Germany 2026

Planning a holiday in Germany can be a bit tricky, especially with 16 different states each having their own traditions. Whether you’re juggling business meetings or dreaming of a family getaway, our 2026 guide has got you covered. We’ve scoured the calendar to find all the best dates for national and regional holidays, so you can make the most of your time off and celebrate like a true German!

Germany Nationwide Public Holidays 2026

Just a heads up about the important dates that affect everyone in Germany, from Berlin to Munich. These holidays mean that shops will be closed, the streets will be quieter, and it’s a mandatory day off for everyone to rest and recharge. In 2026, many of these “feiertage” happen on Mondays and Fridays, which can be a great help for planning your long-term goals.

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Regional Holidays by Federal State in 2026

Depending on where you live in Germany, you could be lucky enough to have up to two extra holidays compared to your neighbours. From the religious traditions of the south to the unique holidays in the north and east, there’s so much to explore. So, if you’re planning to check out the 2026 calendar, make sure to keep an eye out for these regional variations that make it special!

red lighted candle on brown wooden frame

Bridge Days and long weekends in 2026

Have you heard of the “Brückentag” (Bridge Day) in Germany? It’s the secret to a fantastic work-life balance. Here’s how it works: you strategically place just one or two days of vacation around a public holiday. Suddenly, your mid-week break transforms into a full-on vacation. In 2026, especially in May, you can get an incredible “efficiency ratio.” It means you can double your time off with barely any leave taken.