April

April in Germany is a beautiful month with the arrival of spring. The weather starts to warm up, trees and flowers are in bloom, and outdoor cafes and beer gardens start to open up.
It’s a great time to explore the country’s picturesque landscapes, visit local markets, and enjoy traditional spring festivals like Easter markets and the blooming of cherry blossoms.
People also start to spend more time outside, enjoying activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. Overall, April in Germany is a lovely time to experience the country’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.

One of the most breathtaking sights that you can witness during this time of the year is the cherry blossoms and magnolias blooming in all their glory. If you’re looking for a great place to watch the magnolias bloom, check out the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart. With over 70 trees, it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and provides an unforgettable experience.

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET), the same time as South Africa until the last Sunday of October, when Wintertime starts

Season

Spring.

April, April, der macht, was er will” – meaning the weather can be very fickle.
It can change from hot to snowing within days and it is very difficult to make long-term forecasts.

With pollen season in full swing, taking care of your allergies is important. You can stay up-to-date with the latest information using the Allergie website‘s Pollenkalender.

Weather

The weather can vary depending on the region, but generally, it marks the transition from winter to spring. Temperatures typically start to warm up, with daytime highs ranging from around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, it’s important to note that mornings and evenings can still be quite cool, so layering is recommended.
The average daily sunshine is 5 hours.

HTML Weather widgets

Festivals

April in Germany marks the start of festival season, with a mix of cultural, traditional, and seasonal celebrations. Many cities host Frühlingsfeste (spring festivals), which are similar to Oktoberfest but on a smaller scale, featuring beer tents, amusement rides, and Bavarian-style festivities. The Stuttgart Spring Festival (Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest) is one of the largest, drawing visitors for its lively atmosphere and traditional German food. Easter markets and celebrations are also widespread, offering beautifully decorated Easter eggs, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts.

In wine-growing regions, wine festivals begin to pop up, allowing visitors to sample early spring wines.

Meanwhile, asparagus festivals in some areas celebrate the start of the much-anticipated Spargelzeit (asparagus season), with fresh produce and delicious regional dishes.

Fun Activities

Holidays and events

Holiday	Date	Information	States
Public Holidays
Good Friday / Karfreitag	18.04.2025	Karfreitag	All
Easter Sunday / Ostersonntag	20.04.2025	Ostersonntag	Brandenburg
Easter Monday / Ostermontag	2022-04-01	Ostermontag
Observations
Palmsonntag	13.04.2025	Palm Sunday
Gründonnerstag	17.04.2025	Maudy Thursday	All
Karsamstag	19.04.2025	More info	All
Walpurgisnacht	30 April	Walpurgis Night	All
School Holidays and Terms
Easter Holidays	Various	School Holidays	All except Hamburg

Easter in Germany

Easter in Germany is an joyous holiday that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and a range of traditions that have been passed down through generations.

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Foods and Drinks in Season

Lamb

Lamb is not as commonly consumed in Germany as pork or beef, making high-quality cuts more difficult to find. However, it remains a popular choice for special occasions, particularly during Easter. While lamb is available in supermarkets and butchers, discerning shoppers often seek out regional sources known for superior quality. One of the best areas for German lamb is the Taunus mountains near Wiesbaden, where the animals graze on natural pastures, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Additionally, lamb from northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, where sheep graze along the coastal marshlands, is also highly regarded.

Bärlauch

Wild garlic starts to appear in March, and it’s a popular herb for adding flavour to soups, spreads, and salads. Its garlicky, fresh taste is perfect for spring dishes and is often foraged from the wild, making it a special seasonal ingredient.

Rhubarb (Rababer)

Rhubarb has a tart flavour that becomes sweeter when cooked with sugar. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.
Rhubarb is commonly used to make pies, crisps, jams, and sauces. It can also be stewed or roasted to bring out its natural sweetness.

Asparagus

White asparagus (Spargel) is one of Germany’s most beloved seasonal delicacies, marking the arrival of spring. The official asparagus season starts towards the end of April and lasts until June 24th, known as St. John the Baptist Day (Johannistag). During this time, asparagus is featured on menus across the country, with traditional dishes pairing it with hollandaise sauce, buttered potatoes, and ham or schnitzel. Grown under soil to maintain its pale color and delicate flavor, white asparagus is celebrated with festivals, fresh market stalls, and even dedicated “Spargel menus” in restaurants. Its short but highly anticipated season makes it a true highlight of German spring cuisine.

Easter eggs

Easter eggs (Ostereier) are a cherished part of Easter traditions in Germany, symbolizing new life and rebirth. They are often brightly dyed and decorated, with families painting hard-boiled eggs together in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. Supermarkets sell pre-dyed eggs, while chocolatiers offer a variety of chocolate eggs, some filled with marzipan, nougat, or praline. A popular Easter activity for children is the Ostereiersuche (Easter egg hunt), where eggs—both real and chocolate—are hidden in gardens or homes for them to find. In some regions, beautifully hand-painted eggs are also used as decorations, hanging from Easter trees (Osterstrauch) or displayed in homes.

Starkbier

Starkbier, as the name suggests, is a strong beer, known for its rich, intense flavour and higher alcohol content compared to regular beers. This hearty brew is especially popular in Germany, particularly during Starkbierzeit, which is often referred to as the “fifth season.” Starkbierzeit takes place during Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Easter, and is a time when many breweries release their strongest beers, often brewed specifically for this season.

Fruit and veggies in season

Sources

Vocabulary

Happy Easter	ich wünche dir frohe Ostern
Easter bunny	der Osterhase
Easter egg	das Osterei
Easter lamb	das Osterlamm
Chocolate bunny	der Schokohase
Daffodils	die Osterglocke

South Africans in Germany