School holiday dates and bridge days

School Holiday Calendar:

To help you plan your perfect vacation, here is an overview of the upcoming holiday dates in all German states, Switzerland, and Austria.

Public Holidays / Bridge Days:

Extend your annual leave with clever planning! Every year, millions of employees eagerly check the calendar at the beginning of the year. After all, they need to hurry to secure the best dates for their vacation requests before their colleagues do. "Bridge days" is the magic word that can turn a few precious vacation days into up to two weeks of leisure time.

Plan cleverly and book your vacation days early Anyone who submits a request can easily increase their vacation allowance.

School holiday dates for Germany, Switzerland and Austria

-School holidays in Germany

-School holidays in Austria
-School holidays in Switzerland

Bridge days 2026: How to maximize your vacation with minimal effort

The year 2026 will require tactical skill from employees: Since some public holidays fall on weekends, early planning is essential. We'll show you how to still get the most out of your vacation allowance.

As the current year slowly draws to a close, travel enthusiasts and Those seeking relaxation are already looking ahead to 2026. Those who plan cleverly secure the popular long weekends before their colleagues and transform a few vacation days into longer breaks.

The Challenge: Calendar Check 2026

Admittedly, 2026 isn't a classic "super year" for long weekends. Important dates like German Unity Day and Reformation Day unfortunately fall on weekends. However, this doesn't mean you have to forgo long periods of rest. Quite the opposite: With the right strategy – especially around Easter, Ascension Day, and Pentecost – Impressive holiday itineraries can also be planned for 2026.

Why early planning is particularly worthwhile in 2026:

• Securing bridge days: In many companies, the principle is "first come, first served."
• Early booking advantages: Use your fixed days off for attractive travel offers.
• Anticipation: Nothing motivates you more in everyday life than a booked holiday in hand.

Tip: Take a look at the official holiday calendar now to find out the public holidays in your country. to optimally combine your vacation days with the holidays in your state.

Vacation Planning 2026: Strategic Use of Public Holidays

The timing of the public holidays in 2026 offers attractive opportunities to maximize leisure time. Spring is particularly well-suited for longer trips. By combining Good Friday and Easter Monday, you can achieve two weeks of leisure at the end of March with just eight vacation days.

In May, the holidays of Ascension Day (May 14) and Whit Monday (May 25) allow for efficient bridging of vacation days. Those who submit nine vacation days during this period benefit from a 17-day absence from work. At the end of the year, the Christmas holidays fall on a Friday and Saturday, which keeps the number of vacation days needed for a break over the turn of the year low. Early coordination within the team is recommended to make optimal use of these time slots.

The best dates for 2026 at a glance

Easter:
16 days off (March 28 - April 12) - 8 vacation days (March 30 - April 2 and April 7 - 10)

Labor Day: 4 vacation days (April 27 - 30) = 9 days off.

Ascension Day (May 14 - 15) and Pentecost (May 24 - 25 - 26):
17 days off (May 9-25) - 9 vacation days (May 11-13, May 15, and May 18-22)

Christmas and New Year 2027: 16 days off (December 19 - January 3, 2027) - 8 vacation days (December 21-24 and December 28-31)