Germany Public Holidays 2026: Complete National & State-Wise Holiday Guide

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January 6, 2026

Germany Public Holidays 2026: Complete National & State-Wise Holiday Guide

Planning your year in Germany for 2026?
Before you book flights, plan university schedules, or choose work start dates, there’s one important thing you must understand:

👉 Germany’s public holidays depend on the state (Bundesland).

Unlike many countries, Germany does not follow a single nationwide holiday calendar. Some holidays apply across the country, while others are strictly regional.

This complete Germany Public Holidays 2026 guide breaks down:
✔ National holidays
✔ State-specific (Bundesland) holidays
✔ University & office closures
✔ Long-weekend planning tips

Germany Public Holidays 2026

Why Germany Public Holidays Matter in 2026

Whether you are:

  • An international student

  • A working professional

  • An Ausbildung applicant

  • A job seeker or Opportunity Card holder

public holidays affect:

  • University classes & exams

  • Visa office appointments

  • Banks, Ausländerbehörde & city offices

  • Job joining dates

  • Travel costs & availability

National Public Holidays in Germany 2026 (All States)

These holidays are observed across all 16 German states.

Date (2026)DayHoliday
January 1ThursdayNew Year’s Day (Neujahr)
April 3FridayGood Friday (Karfreitag)
April 6MondayEaster Monday (Ostermontag)
May 1FridayLabour Day (Tag der Arbeit)
May 14ThursdayAscension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt)
May 25MondayWhit Monday (Pfingstmontag)
October 3SaturdayGerman Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
December 25FridayChristmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag)
December 26SaturdaySt. Stephen’s Day (2. Weihnachtstag)

State-Wise Public Holidays in Germany 2026 (Bundesland-Specific)

Epiphany – January 6

Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt

International Women’s Day – March 8

Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Corpus Christi – June 4

Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland

Assumption Day – August 15

Saarland
Selected municipalities in Bavaria

Reformation Day – October 31

Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia

All Saints’ Day – November 1

Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland

Repentance Day – November 18

Saxony only

Best Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026

Smart planning can turn 1 leave day into 4–5 days off.

May 1 (Friday) – Labour Day
Ascension Day (Thursday) – Take Friday off
Whit Monday (Monday) – Natural long weekend
Christmas (Friday) – Extended year-end break

Important Tips for International Students & Newcomers

Holiday rules change by state
Always confirm your Bundesland holiday list
Avoid booking visa appointments near long weekends
Travel costs increase during public holidays
Start residence & city registration early

Conclusion

Germany’s public holiday system may seem confusing at first — but once you understand national vs state-specific holidays, planning your 2026 academic, work, and travel calendar becomes much easier.

Whether you’re moving to Germany for study, Ausbildung, work, or job search, knowing these holidays helps you avoid delays and make the most of your time