Ostersonntag 2026 Countdown in Germany

In 2026, Ostersonntag in Germany is on 5 April, and it falls on a Sunday as the name suggests. The date is the same across all German states, including Brandenburg, where it also has official public holiday status. Religious communities and everyday calendars treat 5 April 2026 as the key day of Easter celebrations.

Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) is a movable feast, calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Because of this calculation, the date shifts each year, usually between late March and late April. In 2026 there is no separate "observed" date, so both the church calendar and civil observance align on Sunday, 5 April.

The fact that Ostersonntag 2026 falls on a Sunday influences how noticeable it feels in daily life. Most Germans are already used to quieter Sundays with limited shopping, and the national public holiday is actually Easter Monday. For planning purposes, residents and visitors often think in terms of the extended Easter weekend from Good Friday through Easter Monday, with Easter Sunday as the spiritual and family centerpiece.

Under the English name Easter Sunday and the German name Ostersonntag, the day marks the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For churches in Germany, it is the most important Sunday of the year, more central than Christmas in the liturgical calendar. Many traditions that people associate with "Easter" across the long weekend actually focus specifically on this Sunday.

Historically, Easter in German-speaking regions grew out of a blend of Christian theology and older springtime customs. As Christianity spread, symbols of rebirth such as eggs and hares were woven into the celebration of new life, and over centuries they became familiar elements of Ostersonntag in Germany. The German word "Ostern" itself likely draws on early Germanic terms linked to dawn or the east, underlining themes of light and new beginnings.

Within the church year, Ostersonntag concludes the solemn period of Holy Week and begins the festive Easter season that lasts 50 days. Across Germany, congregations decorate churches with flowers, light Paschal candles, and sing special hymns that appear only at this time of year. Even people who are not regular churchgoers may still associate Ostersonntag with family gatherings, decorated eggs, and a sense of the arrival of spring.

In 2026, Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) is not a nationwide public holiday in Germany, but it is a recognized public holiday in the state of Brandenburg. Across the rest of the country, it remains a significant religious and cultural day, yet its legal status is generally that of an ordinary Sunday. By contrast, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays throughout Germany.

Because most retail businesses in Germany already close on Sundays due to trading laws, the legal distinction of Ostersonntag does not change everyday life dramatically in many regions. In Brandenburg, public holiday status can influence rules on special Sunday openings, pay surcharges, and event permissions, which local authorities manage. In other states, the Sunday character alone typically leads to closed shopping streets and quieter commercial activity.

Government offices, schools, and banks are usually closed on Sundays anyway, so residents notice the impact of Easter more strongly on the adjacent public holidays. Many government services and most schools will next open after the Easter Monday break, which shapes how people plan administrative tasks. For anyone working in sectors like hospitality or tourism, Easter Sunday may still be a busy workday, even though offices and shops are largely shut.

Religious observance is central to Ostersonntag for many communities in Germany. Churches of various denominations hold early-morning or mid-morning services, sometimes preceded by a nighttime Easter Vigil that begins late on Holy Saturday and ends after midnight. These services often include the blessing of the Easter candle, festive music, and readings that differ from the rest of the year.

Away from the church, family traditions are a major part of Easter Sunday. Households frequently start the day with a special breakfast or brunch that might feature sweet breads, colored eggs, and seasonal dishes. Children often take part in an "Ostereiersuche", an Easter egg hunt where eggs or small gifts are hidden in the house or garden, and many families exchange chocolate figures of the "Osterhase" (Easter Bunny).

Regional customs give Ostersonntag its own local flavor across Germany. In parts of northern and eastern Germany, including areas of Brandenburg, Easter bonfires (Osterfeuer) are a familiar sight on Easter weekend, sometimes held on Saturday night and sometimes close to Easter Sunday itself. People also use the day to visit relatives, spend time outdoors if the weather permits, and enjoy the first signs of spring after the darker winter months.

Planning ahead for Ostersonntag 2026 mainly means being aware of limited shopping options and an altered rhythm of public life. Most supermarkets and retail stores are closed on Sundays across Germany, so groceries and other essentials are usually purchased on the Saturday before. As Easter Monday is a nationwide public holiday, many people do a larger shop earlier in the week to cover the whole long weekend.

Everyday appointments such as visits to offices, banks, or schools should be arranged for the days before or after the Easter period. Regular doctors’ practices and many outpatient clinics tend to be closed on both Sunday and public holidays, while on-call emergency services and hospital care remain available. If you rely on prescription refills or scheduled treatments, it is wise to confirm opening hours in the week leading up to 5 April 2026.

Transport patterns also change around Ostersonntag. Urban public transport networks typically operate on a Sunday or holiday timetable, meaning fewer departures than on weekdays. Long-distance trains and roads can be busy at various points over the long weekend, particularly on the Thursday before and Easter Monday, while Easter Sunday itself often feels calmer, with more leisure travel than commuting.

Visitors in Germany on Easter Sunday 2026 can expect quieter city centers and limited shopping, but also a chance to see local traditions close up. Many independent cafes, bakeries, and restaurants open at least part of the day, especially in tourist areas, while large shopping malls and most chain stores remain shut. The atmosphere often shifts toward relaxed strolling, church bells, and family outings rather than crowded retail streets.

Cultural attractions such as museums, castles, and zoos may be open on Ostersonntag, although hours can vary from their usual Sunday schedules. It is sensible to check websites or call ahead, particularly in smaller towns where staff availability over the holiday weekend may be limited. In larger cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, at least some major museums and galleries typically welcome visitors on Easter Sunday even if they close on Good Friday or Easter Monday.

Respectful behavior goes a long way if you choose to attend an Easter service or visit churches during the day. Modest clothing, subdued conversations, and avoiding flash photography during services are appreciated in most congregations. For a more informal experience, many visitors seek out Easter markets, bonfires, or simply walks in parks and along rivers, which offer a glimpse of how Germans enjoy the spring holiday period.