Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) falls on the Thursday 39 days after Easter and is a nationwide public holiday. In Germany, it doubles as Vatertag (Father's Day), creating one of the most distinctive dual celebrations in the German calendar.
Traditions
Fathers' groups traditionally go on Herrenpartie or Männertag outings — hiking excursions with wagons loaded with beer. This lively, sometimes boisterous tradition contrasts with the religious solemnity of the day. Many families use the long weekend for short holidays, with Brückentag (bridge day) on Friday being extremely popular.
Public HolidayReligious
✝️Ascension Day
Thursday, May 14, 2026
2026
📖About This Holiday
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) falls on the Thursday 39 days after Easter and is a nationwide public holiday. In Germany, it doubles as Vatertag (Father's Day), creating one of the most distinctive dual celebrations in the German calendar.
🎉Traditions & Customs
Fathers' groups traditionally go on Herrenpartie or Männertag outings — hiking excursions with wagons loaded with beer. This lively, sometimes boisterous tradition contrasts with the religious solemnity of the day. Many families use the long weekend for short holidays, with Brückentag (bridge day) on Friday being extremely popular.
💼Work Information
Full public holiday nationwide. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed. Many workers take Friday off (Brückentag), creating a four-day weekend.
