📅 Germany Public Holidays (Feiertage) Checker

Feiertage are Germany's official public holidays - paid days off work set by federal and state law. Unlike some countries, Germany does not have a single national list: there are 9 holidays observed everywhere, then a layer of regional holidays that only apply in certain federal states (Bundeslander). As a result, residents of different states get between 10 and 13 public holidays a year.

The split exists because Germany is a federation. Nationwide holidays such as Unity Day and Christmas are set by federal law, while holidays like Epiphany, Corpus Christi, and Reformation Day are matters for each state. This matters for planning: a public holiday in Bavaria may be a normal working day just across the border in Berlin.

This checker computes the full list for any year and state. Fixed-date holidays (for example New Year on 1 January) are straightforward, but the movable church holidays - Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension, and Whit Monday - are derived from the date of Easter, which is calculated with the standard Gregorian Easter algorithm. Regional holidays are then added according to the selected state.

Nationwide public holidays:

Regional holidays by state:

1. Enter the year you want to check.
2. Select the federal state from the dropdown.
3. Click Show Holidays to generate the full list.
4. Review each holiday's date and weekday.
5. Use the list to plan leave, closures, and trips.

How many public holidays does Germany have?

There are 9 nationwide public holidays. With regional holidays added, the total ranges from 10 (for example Berlin) to 13 in states that observe several regional feast days such as Bavaria.

Why do public holidays differ between German states?

Germany is a federation. Nationwide holidays are set by federal law, but regional holidays like Epiphany, Corpus Christi, and Reformation Day are decided by each federal state, reflecting local history and religious makeup.

Are shops open on German public holidays?

Generally no. Supermarkets, shops, and offices are closed on public holidays under the Ladenschluss laws, with very few exceptions (such as some train-station kiosks). Restaurants and emergency services operate normally.

How are the movable holidays like Easter calculated?

Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension, and Whit Monday are tied to Easter Sunday, whose date is computed each year with the Gregorian Easter algorithm. This tool applies that algorithm, so it works for any year you enter.

Do school holidays count as public holidays?

No. School holidays (Schulferien) are set independently by each state's education ministry and are not the same as public holidays. A public holiday is a day off for (almost) everyone; school holidays affect mainly pupils and school staff.

This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation.

When a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the single adjacent working day (Monday or Friday) is a classic bridge day (Bruckentag) - take it as leave and you get a four-day weekend from just one vacation day. Shops, supermarkets, and most offices are closed on public holidays, and in Catholic regions even more businesses close on regional feast days. Note that school holidays (Schulferien) are set separately by each state and rarely align with public holidays. Always check both before booking trips.