Easter 2026 Public Holidays: Germany and Austria's Surprising Rules
Easter Sunday marks the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date shifts each year, falling between March 22 and April 25. In 2026, it will take place on April 5, but its status as a public holiday varies across Europe. In Germany, Easter Sunday is not a nationwide public holiday. Most regions treat it as a regular Sunday, meaning standard Sunday work restrictions apply. The only exception is Brandenburg, where it remains a statutory public holiday.
Easter Monday, however, is a different story. All 16 German states—including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia—recognise it as a public holiday. On that day, employees are prohibited from working, and a nationwide lorry ban runs from midnight to 10 pm. Good Friday (April 3, 2026) also remains a public holiday across the country. Austria takes a similar approach to Germany. Easter Sunday is not a public holiday, but workers who do take shifts receive compensatory rest days. Switzerland, meanwhile, does not classify it as a federal holiday, though some cantons may still observe it as a work-free day.
The rules around Easter Sunday differ widely between countries and even regions. While Brandenburg treats it as a public holiday, most of Germany and Austria do not. Employees in Austria working that day will get time off in return. The 2026 dates—Good Friday on April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6—will follow the usual mix of restrictions and observances.
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