How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Germany?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Shops are closed on Sundays by law. Restaurants and cafés are open. Supermarkets close Sunday. Plan your grocery shopping for Saturday.
2What You Need to Know
Germany has strict Sunday trading laws (Ladenschlussgesetz) — almost all retail stores, supermarkets, and shops are legally required to close on Sundays. This is a firm part of German culture. Exceptions include: gas stations, pharmacies, airport shops, bakeries (limited hours in the morning), kiosks, and restaurants and cafés which stay open. In the four Sundays before Christmas (Advent Sundays), some states allow special shopping hours. Public holidays follow similar rules — shops close and the country slows down significantly.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Do all grocery shopping on Saturday if you need supplies for Sunday
- 2Restaurants, cafés, beer gardens, and tourist attractions are open on Sundays
- 3Petrol station shops sell basic food and drinks on Sundays
- 4Christmas markets (late November–December) are a major exception — open daily including Sundays
- 5Germany has around 10+ public holidays per year — check dates as they vary by state (Bundesland)
Important Warning
Supermarkets are completely closed on Sundays in Germany. Do not plan your grocery run for Sunday morning — you will find locked doors.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Large shops open shorter Sunday hours (typically 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm). Pubs and restaurants normal hours. Bank Holidays see widespread closures.
Most shops close on Sundays. Supermarkets open limited hours. Paris tourist areas have exceptions. Restaurants and bakeries open Sunday morning.
Many Italian shops close Sunday or open shorter hours. Restaurants are generally open. On public holidays, most things close — plan ahead.
Traveling to Germany?
You might also need:
More About Germany
Tip 5–10% at restaurants by rounding up the bill. Always pay directly to the server, not by leaving cash on the table.
Updated 2025-01
Germany has excellent trains, trams, and buses. Buy a day pass (Tageskarte) for city travel. Deutsche Bahn runs intercity trains — book in advance for discounts.
Updated 2025-01
Germany has excellent healthcare. EU citizens use their EHIC card. Non-EU tourists need travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available for minor issues.
Updated 2025-01
Jaywalking is a minor offense. Nazi symbols and Holocaust denial are criminal offenses. Cycling without a light at night is illegal. Noise rules are strict.
Updated 2025-01
Police: 110. Ambulance & Fire: 112. Medical non-emergency: 116117. All EU emergency: 112.
Updated 2025-01
Germany is relaxed about clothing. Dress practically. Some clubs and upscale restaurants have dress codes. Churches ask for modest dress.
Updated 2025-01
🗓️ See Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in all countries
Compare all countries →