Public holidays in Bavaria 2026 (exact dates), quiet days, special rules

In this article, we’ll cover public holidays in Bavaria in 2026. We’ll provide a complete list and clarify the situation regarding quiet days. You’ll also learn about three unique public holidays in Bavaria that have special rules.

Public holidays in Bavaria 2026

Below are listed the public (legal) holidays in Bavaria in 2026. On these days, everyone is entitled to a legal day off or compensation for it.

Special holidays and rules

There are several special holidays in the state of Bavaria. The situation surrounding them is rather confusing, but we’ll clarify it.

Peace Festival (in Augsburg)

This is a unique holiday, the only official public holiday in Germany for a single city. On this day, government offices, shops, and businesses in Augsburg are closed. Since August 8, 2026, falls on a Saturday, this does not have a significant impact on the lives of city residents.

Quiet days (days of silence)

Two public holidays are designated as “Quiet Days”. On these days, public entertainment events that do not reflect the solemnity of these days are prohibited. Furthermore, on Friday of Mourning, April 3, 2026, sporting events are prohibited, as are musical performances in establishments serving alcohol.

Assumption of Mary

This holiday is celebrated only in communities where the Catholic population outnumbers the Protestant population. As of last year, there were 1,748 Catholic communities and 348 Protestant communities in Bavaria. You can find more detailed information on the community you’re interested in on the Mariä Himmelfahrt page on the website of the Bavarian State Statistical Office. Below is a table of major Bavarian cities and their observance of this holiday.

Day of Repentance and Prayer

There is no official day off on this day and it is not a public holiday. However, all school students are excused from attending classes. Teachers are required to be at their desks, so schools often hold councils, conferences, and other activities. In many schools, teachers work in a “home study” format. Sporting events are also prohibited on the Day of Repentance and Prayer.

IMPORTANT! Employees who are religious have the legal right to take unpaid time off on this day for religious reasons. The employer cannot refuse this permission unless there are compelling operational reasons.

Quiet Days 2026 in Bavaria

Below is a list of quiet days in Bavaria in 2026. As a reminder, only two of them fall on Bavarian public holidays. Officially, quiet days begin at 2:00 AM. However, there are three exceptions: Friday of Mourning, Saturday of Mourning, and Easter. This information is available on the Public Holidays in Bavaria page on the website of the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, Sport, and Integration.

In this publication, De-Sf.Info explains public holidays in Bavaria in 2026, based on official, trusted sources. You’ll also learn about the unique rules that apply in this federal state. We hope you’ve found answers to your questions. Don’t forget to share this publication with your friends!