When visiting a sauna in Germany, there are certain cultural norms and etiquette that should be observed. It’s important to note that unlike many other countries, saunas in Germany are typically unisex and require guests to be completely nude. This may seem shocking or uncomfortable to some, but it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. Many Germans view the sauna as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation for the mind and body.
Public holidays provide great opportunities to maximize your leave days.
With a little planning, you can extend your time off work or plan a longer trip without sacrificing too many days off.
We have some suggestions to help you optimize your leave days
| Bundesland | Weihnachtsferien (23/24) | Winterferien | Osterferien | Pfingstferien | Sommerferien | Herbstferien | Weihnachtsferien |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | 23.12 – 05.01 | 23.03 – 05.04 | 21.05 – 31.05 | 25.07 – 07.09 | 28.10 – 30.10, 31.10 | 23.12 – 04.01 | |
| Bayern | 23.12 – 05.01 | 12.02 – 16.02 | 25.03 – 06.04 | 21.05 – 01.06 | 29.07 – 09.09 | 28.10 – 31.10, 20.11 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Berlin | 23.12 – 05.01 | 05.02 – 10.02 | 25.03 – 05.04 | 10.05 | 18.07 – 30.08 | 04.10, 21.10 – 02.11 | 23.12 – 31.12 |
| Brandenburg | 23.12 – 05.01 | 05.02 – 09.02 | 25.03 – 05.04 | 18.07 – 31.08 | 04.10, 21.10 – 02.11 | 23.12 – 31.12 | |
| Bremen | 23.12 – 05.01 | 01.02 – 02.02 | 18.03 – 02.04 | 10.05, 21.05 | 24.06 – 02.08 | 04.10 – 19.10, 01.11 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| Hamburg | 22.12 – 05.01 | 02.02 | 18.03 – 28.03 | 10.05, 21.05 – 24.05 | 18.07 – 28.08 | 04.10, 21.10 – 01.11 | 20.12 – 03.01 |
| Hessen | 27.12 – 13.01 | 25.03 – 13.04 | 15.07 – 23.08 | 14.10 – 25.10 | 23.12 – 10.01 | ||
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | 21.12 – 03.01 | 05.02 – 16.02 | 25.03 – 03.04 | 10.05, 17.05 – 21.05 | 22.07 – 31.08 | 04.10, 21.10 – 26.10, 01.11 | 23.12 – 06.01 |
| Niedersachsen | 27.12 – 05.01 | 01.02 – 02.02 | 18.03 – 28.03 | 10.05, 21.05 | 24.06 – 02.08 | 04.10 – 19.10, 01.11 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| Nordrhein-Westfalen | 21.12 – 05.01 | 25.03 – 06.04 | 21.05 | 08.07 – 20.08 | 14.10 – 26.10 | 23.12 – 06.01 | |
| Rheinland-Pfalz | 27.12 – 05.01 | 25.03 – 02.04 | 21.05 – 29.05 | 15.07 – 23.08 | 14.10 – 25.10 | 23.12 – 08.01 | |
| Saarland | 21.12 – 02.01 | 12.02 – 16.02 | 25.03 – 05.04 | 21.05 – 24.05 | 15.07 – 23.08 | 14.10 – 25.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Sachsen | 23.12 – 02.01 | 12.02 – 23.02 | 28.03 – 05.04 | 10.05, 18.05 – 21.05 | 20.06 – 02.08 | 07.10 – 19.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Sachsen-Anhalt | 21.12 – 03.01 | 05.02 – 10.02 | 25.03 – 30.03 | 21.05 – 24.05 | 24.06 – 03.08 | 30.09 – 12.10, 01.11 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 27.12 – 06.01 | 02.04 – 19.04 | 10.05 – 11.05 | 22.07 – 31.08 | 04.10, 21.10 – 01.11 | 19.12 – 07.01 | |
| Thüringen | 22.12 – 05.01 | 12.02 – 16.02 | 25.03 – 06.04 | 10.05 | 20.06 – 31.07 | 30.09 – 12.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Date | Day | Holiday | German Name | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01.01.2024 | Mon | New Year’s Day | Neujahr | ALL |
| 06.01.2024 | Sat | Epiphany | Heilige Drei Könige | BW, BY, ST |
| 08.03.2024 | Fri | International Women’s Day | Internationaler Frauentag | BE, MV |
| 29.03.2024 | Fri | Good Friday | Karfreitag | ALL |
| 31.03.2024 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Ostersonntag | Brandenburg |
| 01.04.2024 | Mon | Easter Monday | Ostermontag | ALL |
| 01.05.2024 | Wed | Labour Day | Tag der Arbeit | ALL |
| 09.05.2024 | Thu | Ascension Day | Christi Himmelfahrt | ALL |
| 19.05.2024 | Sun | Whit Sunday | Pfingstsonntag | Brandenburg |
| 20.05.2024 | Mon | Whit Monday | Pfingstmontag | ALL |
| 30.05.2024 | Thu | Corpus Christi | Fronleichnam | BW, BY, HE, NW, RP, SL, SN, TH |
| 15.08.2024 | Thu | Assumption Day | Mariä Himmelfahrt | BY, SL |
| 20.09.2024 | Fri | Children’s Day | Weltkindertag | Thüringen |
| 03.10.2024 | Thu | Day of German Unity | Tag der Deutschen Einheit | National |
| 31.10.2024 | Thu | Reformation Day | Reformationstag | BB, HH, MV, NI, SH, SN, ST,TH |
| 01.11.2024 | Fri | All Saints’ Day | Allerheiligen | BW, BY, NW, RP, SL |
| 20.11.2024 | Wed | Repentance Day | Buß- und Bettag | Sachsen |
| 25.12.2024 | Wed | Christmas Day | 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag | ALL |
| 26.12.2024 | Thu | 2nd Day of Christmas | 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag | ALL |
BW: Baden-Württemberg
BY: Bayern
BE: Berlin
BB: Brandenburg
HB: Bremen
HH: Hamburg
HE: Hessen
MV: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
NI: Niedersachsen
NW: Nordrhein-Westfalen
RP: Rheinland-Pfalz
SL: Saarland
SN: Sachsen
ST: Sachsen-Anhalt
SH: Schleswig-Holstein
SN: Sachsen
ST: Sachsen-Anhalt
SH: Schleswig-Holstein
We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany, that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and
The German public transport system is extensive, reliable and very affordable. The Deutsche Bahn AG is the national railway company and is state-owned. The DB offers
The hotel descriptions in Germany are very different from those in South Africa. Here is a shortlist, of some of the most popular types, with
Germany is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and many regional specialties.To add your suggestions please submit it via this form Below are some travel
The general rule is that the entry requirements for a country are determined by your passport. Attention South African passport holders with a Schengen visa,
Travel within the Schengen Area “The Schengen Area is a zone comprised of 29 European states which have officially abolished passports and other types of border
Germany has implemented a new system for electronic prescriptions as part of their efforts to modernize their healthcare system. The electronic prescription system, also known as e-prescription, allows doctors to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies through a secure digital platform.
The holiday season is filled with excitement and joy, but once the festivities have ended and the New Year has begun , it can feel like a tad quiet and dull. Don’t let the dreariness of January bring you down! Take this time to rejuvenate your mind and body by indulging in activities that bring warmth and comfort. Stay warm by the crackling fireplaces, enjoy hearty meals to nourish your body, and sip on warm drinks with loved ones. If you prefer to spend evenings curled up alone, grab a good book and snuggle under a soft blanket. Although January might seem like a sluggish month, you can still stay active and social with friends. Check out our suggestions for how to keep things fun and lively while embracing the charm of winter.
For those who suffer from the lack of sunshine, or (SAD), you can find information and tips on our Seasonal affective Disorder page.
| Season | Winter |
| Time | Winter Time. One hour behind South Africa |
| Weather | The temperatures averages between -2.8 °C and 2.1 °C. |
There are no real festivals in January. The biggests events are New Years Eve (Silvester) and New Years day. An old tradition on New Years Eve is to eat Raclette with friends, and do “the same procedure as every year” by watching Dinner for One on Television. If you would rather go out for the evening, many towns have concerts or fireworks shows on the 31st of December. You can buy your own fireworks, but only for a limited time. Be extra careful when using fireworks, many people end up in emergency rooms due to burn wounds. Restaurants also have special menus but you need to make a booking in advance.
Read more about German New Years Traditions on Deutsche Welle
| Holiday | Date | Information | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Holidays | |||
| New Year’s day / Neujahr | 01.01.2023 | All | |
| Epiphany/ Heilige Drei Könige | 06.01.2023 | BW, BY, ST | |
| Observations | |||
| None | – |
Grünkohl is a leafy, green vegetable that is often enjoyed during the colder months of the year. This delicious vegetable is typically served alongside a variety of hearty meats, including Speck, Wurst, or Kasseler. These savory flavors come together to create a satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
The chilly weather outside can be really tough to deal with. One of the best ways to combat the cold is to indulge in some delicious and hearty food. You won’t regret giving Kohlroladen a try, if that doesn’t tantalize your taste buds, you can also opt for some warm and nourishing stews and soups.
Savoy cabbage is, without a doubt, one of the most delectable vegetables that exist. When combined with the delightful taste of rich cream or tangy cheese, it becomes a dish that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Schlachtplatte is a traditional German dish that is beloved for its hearty, robust flavors and rustic charm. This flavorful meal is made using a combination of Leberwurst, blutwurst, and kesselfleisch, which are all sourced from high-quality ingredients and carefully prepared to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. The dish is then served with a generous portion of Sauerkraut, which perfectly complements the rich flavors and textures of the meats.
If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds with a rich and satisfying meal, then there’s no better pairing for your venison than some beautifully cooked red cabbage. This perfect combination of sweet and savoury is sure to delight your senses, leaving you feeling completely satisfied.
| Winter | der Winter |
| Snow | der Schnee |
| Sleet | der Graupel |
| Freezing Fog | der Eisnebel |
| Sledging | das Rodeln |
| Cross country skiing | Der Langlauf |
| Skiing | Das Skifahren |
| Venison | das Wildfleisch e.g. Das Hirschfleisch, das Rehkeule, Das Wildschweinfleisch (Wild Boar) |
| Red Cabbage | der Rothkohl, das Rotkraut, das Blaukraut |
| Savoy cabbage | der Wirsing |
| Happy New Year! | Guten Rutsch! |
| Happy New Year | Frohes neues Jahr |
| A peaceful and blessed new year | Ein friedvolles und gesegnetes neues Jahr |
A different type of Gemütlichkeit awaits you at Besen. It is a wonderful way to meet up with friends. A Besenwirtschaft, also known as a
It is always exciting to plan a visit to the movies! There are so many things to consider, like choosing the right movie theatre, picking
German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater
The summer months are gone, and for most of us, it is too cold to have a braai with our friends. A great alternative is
Surviving winter in Germany. How to deal with Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or feeling blue during the winter months.
In December the main focus is on Christmas, and the Germans have many Christmas traditions to celebrate.
Christmas markets are a very big part of these traditions. Meet up with friends at these beautifully decorated markets where you can buy delicious food, glühwein, handmade items and Christmas cards. Some markets are themed, such as the middle-age market in Esslingen or the baroque one in Ludwigsburg. There are also Christmas market tours that you can do.
To avoid crowds, it is best to go during the day, although you will miss out on the cosy nighttime atmosphere enhanced by the countless Christmas lights and decorations.
Christmas Day is usually a quiet day spent with family. Shops are closed as well as most restaurants.
After the quiet celebrations of Christmas Day, comes New Year’s Eve. Here it is celebrated with a bang – literally! Fireworks can be seen everywhere. Just take note that fireworks are legally sold between 28-30 December and you are only able to light them from 31 Dec through 1 Jan.
It is also a bit of a tradition to watch Dinner for One on New Year’s Eve, eat Raclette and wash it down with a good Riesling or Sekt
| Season | Autumn / Winter. The astronomical start of winter is between 20 and 23 December. It is based on the changing position of Earth in relation to the sun and the resulting solar events of equinoxes and solstices. Meteorological Winter is defined by climatic conditions and the annual temperature cycle. In most of the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological winter is generally defined as the three months of December, January and February, with the season starting on 1 December. |
| Time | Central European Time (CET), Wintertime– One hour behind South Africa until the last Sunday of March, when Summertime starts. |
| Weather | December is one of the coldest months in Germany,. The temperature can drop well below freezing but can also warm up to above 10 °C.. The weather can be quite unpredictable, depending on your location, expect a lot or rain, ice rain, frost, fog and some snow. The mountainous regions will get more snow than the low-lying areas. Christmas is rarely a postcard image of white snow all over. |
Most Christmas markets open at the end of November and stay open until just before Christmas. We have a page dedicated to Christmas markets, with information about the types of food you can expect, and some insider tips from fellow South Africans.
In various cities, you can visit Christmas Gardens, which are a festival of Christmas lights
Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome
| Holiday | Date | Information | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Holidays | |||
| 1st Day of Christmas / 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag | 25.12.2023 | All | |
| 2nd Day of Christmas / 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag | 26.12.2023 | All | |
| Observations | |||
| 1. Advent | 03.12.2023 | All | |
| Saint Nicholas Day / Nikolaus-tag | 06.12.2023 | St Nicholas Day | All |
| 2. Advent | 10.12.2023 | All | |
| 3. Advent | 17.12.2023 | All | |
| Winter Solstice | 21.12.2023 | The winter solstice, also known as midwinter, occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It is the longest night (darkness) in the year. | All |
| 4. Advent | 24.12.2023 | ||
| Christmas Eve /Heiligabend | 24.12.2023 | All | |
| New Year’s Eve / Silvester | 31.12.2023 | New Years in Germany | All |
15/06/2024 @ 1:00 pm – 11:45 pm – It’s that time of year again!The biggest South African jol of the year! Every year we get together at the Rheinpark Golzheim to share some South African treats, braai, have a dop too many and dance to the beats of our very special DJ, DJ Doritos. Time: 13:00 – LatePlace: Rheinpark Golzheim, Düsseldorf. As you […]
06/05/2024 – 12/05/2024 @ 12:00 am – XJAZZ! Festival, Germany’s most famous jazz festival, which attracts more than 20,000 regional and international fans, celebrates its 10th Anniversary in Berlin Kreuzberg from 6 to 12 May 2024. This year’s lineup will be covering 7 days of music, featuring 80 diverse live and DJ acts, 9 indoor and outdoor venues, side events, as well […]
04/05/2024 – 05/05/2024 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Experience the diverse flavours of African cuisine at the AFFB Spring Market – an exquisite celebration of African food, music & culture! Welcome to the AFRICAN FOOD FESTIVAL BERLIN – SPRING MARKET! Join us on Sat May 04 + Sun 05 2024 starting at 12:00 PM at Jules | B-Part for a weekend filled with delicious food, electrifying music, and unique shopping […]
03/05/2024 – 04/05/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Blak Allure is the very FIRST all African Acrobat show with Adelle Nqeto on 3/ 4 May This is an external event and not organised by us. It is shared for information purposes only Tickets on Eventim
17/05/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Lucy Kruger and The Lost Boys, an art-pop noise project, will do an intense show at the Orange Blossom Festival at Glitterhouse Garten, Beverungen, North- Rhine Westphalia (NRW) on 17 May 2024. With her calm voice South African-born and Berlin-based musician, Lucy Kruger fronts the band, whose music is melancholic and unreal thanks to its […]
23/05/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – After his sold-out concert on 3 March, award-winning South African musician Bongeziwe Mabandla is back in Berlin on 23 May hours at the Kulturbrauerei. Mabandla is a South African award-winning singer, musician and songwriter from the rural town of Tsolo in the Eastern Cape. He has recorded four highly acclaimed albums and has performed on […]
17/10/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Welcome, music lovers, to an evening dedicated to the unforgettable sounds of Riaan Benade and Bok van Blerk. From the vast plains of South Africa, these two extraordinary artists come together to enchant us with their unique voices and enchanting melodies. These artists enjoy world fame in their home country, so prepare yourself for an […]
12/07/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 11:45 pm – After a sold-out show in 2023, Fokofpolisiekar is back. This time they bring their friends from Cape Town, Die Heuwels Fantasties, as support. There is no better live combo showcasing the best of African rock and African alternative music than these two acts. It will be energetic, melodic and full of nostalgia as these two […]
18/05/2024 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Casting of votes at a foreign mission A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices. In practice, this […]
18/05/2024 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Casting of votes at a foreign mission A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices. In practice, this […]
01/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website
03/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website
Hot mulled wine to warm you up at the Christmas markets. The alcohol free version is called Kinderpunch
The best you can buy is Dresden Stollen, which is more expensive but excellent quality
Try Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Elisen (also gingerbread but with more nuts inside), Zimtsterne (star-shaped cookies), Pfeffernüsse (iced gingerbread), Vanillekipferln (vanilla cookies shaped like a moon) or Springerle (anise flavoured hard cookie)
The ultimate cheese fest! You can find more info on our Raclette page
| Ich wünsche euch allen einen wunderschönen geruhsamen 1.Advent | I wish you all a wonderful peaceful 1st Advent |
| Frohe Weihnachten! | Merry Christmas! |
| Gesegnete Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr! | Merry Christmas and a happy new year! |
| Herzliche Weihnachtsgrüße! | Merry Christmas! |
| Ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und alles Gute zum neuen Jahr! | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
| Alles Gute zum neuen Jahr! | Happy new year! |
| Einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr! | Happy New Year! |
| Zum neuen Jahr Gesundheit, Glück und viel Erfolg! | Happy New Year! health, happiness and much success! |
Baking cookies for Christmas is what childhood memories are made of. We will list some websites here where you can find authentic Christmas recipes. Typical
St. Nicholas Day St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots
A selection of traditional South African Christmas recipes. You are most welcome to share your recipes with us via the link below. Click here to
Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome
The summer months are gone, and for most of us, it is too cold to have a braai with our friends. A great alternative is
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