How do public holidays affect opening hours in Berlin?
On public holidays in Berlin, most shops are closed under retail opening hours regulation, similar to Sundays, while some exceptions such as certain small shops, pharmacies on rota and transport services continue to operate. Public holidays in Germany are set partly at federal level and partly by each state, so the exact list can differ from other German cities.
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How it works
Shops that would normally trade every day of the week close on both Sundays and public holidays under Berlin's retail hours rules, with limited statutory exceptions for specific shop types and locations such as at some transport hubs. Public transport, hospitals and emergency services continue to run, generally on a schedule closer to a Sunday service.
Commonly mixed up with
Berlin's public holiday list is sometimes assumed to be identical across Germany. Some holidays are observed nationally while others are set at state level, so a date that is a holiday in Berlin may not be one in every other state.
How do public holidays affect opening hours in Berlin?
| Knowledge, Berlin | Big city topics |
|---|---|
| Short answer | On public holidays in Berlin, most shops are closed under retail opening hours regulation, similar to Sundays, while some exceptions such as certain small shops, pharmacies on rota and transport services continue to operate. Public holidays in Germany are set partly at federal level and partly by each state, so the exact list can differ from other German cities. |
| How it works | Shops that would normally trade every day of the week close on both Sundays and public holidays under Berlin's retail hours rules, with limited statutory exceptions for specific shop types and locations such as at some transport hubs. Public transport, hospitals and emergency services continue to run, generally on a schedule closer to a Sunday service. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Berlin's public holiday list is sometimes assumed to be identical across Germany. Some holidays are observed nationally while others are set at state level, so a date that is a holiday in Berlin may not be one in every other state. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Do shops close on public holidays?
- Most do, under the same rules that apply on Sundays.
- Are all German states' holidays the same?
- No, some holidays are state-specific rather than national.
- Does public transport run on holidays?
- Yes, generally on a schedule similar to a Sunday service.
- Are there exceptions for small shops?
- Limited statutory exceptions exist for certain shop types and locations.
- Where is the holiday list published?
- Berlin.de publishes the current public holiday calendar.
Sources
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