Plan your year with this complete list of Bavaria (Bayern) public holidays for 2026. Includes dates, long-weekend opportunities, school break insights, and travel ideas for families and professionals.
Bavaria (Bayern) is one of the most culturally rich and festive states in Germany. Whether you’re a resident, expat, tourist, or planning business operations, knowing the official public holidays for 2026 helps in organising travel, school schedules, work planning, and vacations effectively.
In this guide, I like to provide a complete, easy-to-read list of Bavaria’s public holidays for 2026, including explanations, long-weekend highlights, and practical planning tips.
Table of Contents
Complete List of Bavaria Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Neujahr) | Public holiday across Germany. |
| January 6, 2026 | Tuesday | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) | Public holiday in Bavaria; celebrated with traditional blessings. |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday (Karfreitag) | Quiet public holiday; restrictions on public events. |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) | End of the Easter weekend. |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) | Nationwide holiday. |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) | Popular for hiking and outdoor trips. |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) | End of Pentecost celebrations. |
| June 4, 2026 | Thursday | Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) | Public holiday in Bavaria, known for colourful processions. |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) | Public holiday in Catholic regions of Bavaria. |
| October 3, 2026 | Saturday | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) | National holiday. |
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) | Public holiday in Bavaria. |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide celebration. |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day (2. Weihnachtstag) | Public holiday across Germany. |
Long Weekends & Bridge Days in Bavaria 2026
Here are the top opportunities to maximise your holidays:
- New Year + Epiphany
Jan 1 (Thu) + Jan 6 (Tue)
→ Take Jan 2 & 5 off to enjoy a 6-day break. - Easter Weekend
April 3–6 → A full 4-day weekend. - Labour Day Weekend
May 1 (Fri) → 3-day weekend. - Ascension Weekend
May 14 (Thu) → Take May 15 off for a 4-day holiday. - Corpus Christi Weekend
June 4 (Thu) → Take June 5 off for another long weekend. - Christmas Weekend
Dec 25 (Fri) → 3-day holiday.
School Holiday Context (Useful for Parents)
Official school holiday dates for 2026 vary by district, but traditionally Bavaria follows:
- Winter Holidays: Early February
- Easter Holidays: Late March to early April
- Whitsun Holidays: Late May to early June
- Summer Holidays: Late July to early September
- Autumn Holidays: Late October to early November
- Christmas Holidays: Late December to early January
Parents should check the latest updates issued by the Bavarian Ministry of Culture (Kultusministerium).
Travel Recommendations for Major Bavarian Holidays
New Year & Epiphany
Ideal for winter travel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, or ski resorts in the Bavarian Alps.
Easter Weekend
Munich, Nuremberg, and Regensburg host spring festivals, markets, and outdoor family activities.
Ascension & Pentecost
Excellent period for hiking in the Alps or exploring Lake Chiemsee and Königsee.
Corpus Christi
Experience traditional processions, especially in smaller towns with strong Catholic culture.
Assumption Day
Recommended for visiting old Bavarian villages, beer gardens, and cultural heritage sites.
Final Thoughts
Bavaria’s unique mix of cultural holidays, traditional festivals, and long weekends makes 2026 an excellent year for planning vacations and family activities. Use this calendar to organise your year efficiently, whether you’re managing work schedules, school breaks, or travel plans.