📖 Germany School Holidays (Schulferien) Checker

Schulferien are Germany's school holidays, set by each of the 16 federal states (Bundeslander) rather than the federal government. Only the summer holidays are coordinated nationally (to stagger travel); all other breaks - winter, Easter, Whitsun, autumn, and Christmas - are decided state by state. As a result, a child in Bavaria and a child in Berlin can be on holiday at completely different times, even in the same week.

This checker lists the 2026 holiday periods for the state you choose, with start and end dates and the length of each break. It also lets you test whether a specific date is a school holiday where you live.

German school years are split into up to six holiday periods. Not every state has all six - Hessen and several others have no separate winter or Whitsun break, folding those days into other periods or leaving them as normal school weeks.

Summer holiday start dates 2026 (vary most):

1. Select the federal state where the school is located.
2. Click Show Holidays to list every 2026 period.
3. Review each period's start, end, and length.
4. Optionally enter a date to check whether it is a school holiday.
5. Use the list to plan trips and childcare around your state's calendar.

Why are German school holidays different in each state?

School holidays are the responsibility of each federal state, not the federal government. Only the summer holidays are coordinated nationally to spread holiday traffic; all other breaks are set by each state's education ministry, so dates vary widely.

Which German state has the longest summer holidays in 2026?

Most states have about six weeks of summer holiday. In 2026 the breaks start anywhere from 29 June (Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland) to 30 July (Baden-Wurttemberg), with Bavaria starting 3 August.

Do all states have winter and Whitsun holidays?

No. States such as Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland have no separate winter or Whitsun break - those days remain normal school weeks or are folded into other periods.

Are the dates in this checker guaranteed?

They reflect the 2026 calendar published by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) and state ministries. Individual schools may add movable days, and states can make late changes, so always confirm with your specific school or the state education authority.

How do I check if a single date is a school holiday?

Enter the date in the checker after choosing your state. It tests the date against all of that state's 2026 holiday periods and tells you which break (if any) it falls in.

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

Because holidays differ by state, always check the state where the school is located, not where you happen to be travelling. Some states add movable "bewegliche Ferientage" set by individual schools, which this list does not include. The summer holidays are the only nationally staggered break, so cross-state family trips are easiest outside that window. Booking accommodation early for the popular summer and autumn breaks is wise, as demand spikes within each state's window.