Public Holidays in Bavaria (Bayern) 2026
Bavaria (Bayern) is the German federal state with the highest number of public holidays.
In 2026, Bavaria officially observes 13 public holidays, combining nationwide German holidays with Catholic religious holidays specific to Bavaria.
This guide provides a complete, accurate, and up-to-date list of public holidays in Bavaria for 2026, including explanations and practical notes for residents, employees, and visitors.
Official Public Holidays in Bavaria – 2026
| Date | Public Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day (Neujahr) | Nationwide |
| January 6, 2026 | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) | State holiday (Bavaria) |
| April 3, 2026 | Good Friday (Karfreitag) | Nationwide |
| April 6, 2026 | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) | Nationwide |
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) | Nationwide |
| May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) | Nationwide |
| May 25, 2026 | Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) | Nationwide |
| June 4, 2026 | Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) | State holiday (Bavaria) |
| August 15, 2026 | Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) | State holiday (most of Bavaria) |
| October 3, 2026 | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) | Nationwide |
| November 1, 2026 | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) | State holiday (Bavaria) |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
| December 26, 2026 | Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
Bavaria-Specific Public Holidays Explained
Epiphany – January 6, 2026
Epiphany is a Catholic holiday observed in Bavaria and a few other southern states.
- Marks the visit of the Three Kings
- Schools, shops, and offices are closed
- Not observed in most northern German states
Corpus Christi – June 4, 2026
Corpus Christi is widely celebrated in Bavaria, especially in Catholic regions.
- Religious processions are common
- Public institutions and schools are closed
- Not a public holiday in Berlin or northern Germany
Assumption Day – August 15, 2026
Assumption Day is a special case in Bavaria:
- Public holiday in municipalities with a Catholic majority
- Not observed in all Bavarian municipalities
- Officially recognized as a Bavarian state holiday
All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2026
A major Catholic holiday in Bavaria.
- Cemeteries and churches are commonly visited
- Shops and offices remain closed
- Not observed in most eastern German states
Public Holidays Not Observed in Bavaria
Bavaria does not observe the following holidays:
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- Reformation Day (October 31)
These holidays apply only to specific German states and are not valid public holidays in Bavaria.
How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in Bavaria
Businesses & Retail
- Most shops are closed on public holidays
- Tourist areas may have limited exceptions
Public Transport
- Operates on holiday or Sunday schedules
- Reduced frequency compared to weekdays
Schools & Childcare
- Public schools and kindergartens are closed
- School holiday periods may differ by district
Government Offices
- Offices such as tax authorities, Bürgeramt, and courts are closed
Long Weekends & Bridge Days (Brückentage)
Germany does not provide substitute weekdays when holidays fall on weekends.
However, Bavaria offers excellent opportunities for long weekends:
- Epiphany and All Saints’ Day often create bridge days
- Taking one day off can result in 4–5 consecutive days off
Early planning is recommended due to Bavaria’s strong economy and tourism sector.
Bavaria Compared to Other German States
- Bavaria: 13 public holidays
- North Rhine-Westphalia: 11 public holidays
- Berlin: 10 public holidays
Bavaria has the highest number of public holidays in Germany, mainly due to Catholic religious observances.
Saint Joseph’s Day (Josefstag) on March 19 is not an official public holiday in Bavaria, although it may be observed by certain religious institutions or local organizations.
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State
Public holidays in Germany vary significantly by state.
Bavaria’s calendar reflects its religious traditions and regional autonomy.
👉 Back to main guide:
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – Complete Guide by State
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many public holidays does Bavaria have in 2026?
Bavaria has 13 official public holidays in 2026.
Is Assumption Day a public holiday everywhere in Bavaria?
No. August 15 is a public holiday only in municipalities with a Catholic majority.
Is Epiphany a public holiday in Bavaria?
Yes. Epiphany (January 6) is an official Bavarian public holiday.
Are shops open on public holidays in Bavaria?
Most shops are closed. Limited exceptions apply in tourist areas and transport hubs.
Does Bavaria observe International Women’s Day?
No. March 8 is not a public holiday in Bavaria.