October 2024 Days Off. Holidays in Germany. In October 2024, Germany will have two main holidays – German Unity Day and Reformation Day. These holidays fall on a Thursday, giving many workers the chance to enjoy longer weekends. This can be a great time for travel or relaxation, but travellers to Germany should be aware of new border crossing rules and prepare in advance. Also, in the last week of October, the switch from summer time to winter time will happen, which will impact train, bus, and flight schedules. Here’s what you need to know about the October holidays and the changes in Germany.
October 3 – Germany Unity Day
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is celebrated annually on October 3rd. It is one of Germany’s most significant holidays, marking the country’s reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1990, the GDR officially dissolved and became part of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a result, October 3rd is a public holiday across all federal states. This year, since it falls on a Thursday, many people might take Friday off to enjoy a long weekend.
Read also: Getting to Oktoberfest: A Guide to Public Transport in Munich
October 31 – Reformation Day
Reformation Day (Reformationstag) is celebrated annually on October 31, but only in certain federal states. It is a public holiday in Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. In the rest of Germany, October 31 is a regular working day. For those in the regions where it’s a holiday, there’s the chance for a long weekend, as it falls on a Thursday this year—perfect for a short trip or some relaxation.
New rules for crossing the border
Travellers heading to Germany in October should be aware of new entry rules due to increased border controls related to the migration crisis. At land borders, federal police are checking vehicles, documents, and goods being transported. Keep in mind that there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol, cigarettes, cash, and medicine you can bring into the country.
Read also: Sunday and Public Holiday Work in Germany: Are Employees Entitled to Extra Pay?
Ban on driving trucks
Truck drivers in Germany should be aware of driving restrictions on Sundays and public holidays, which apply from 00:00 to 22:00. In October, this ban will be in effect on October 3, German Unity Day, across the entire country. Additionally, on October 31, the ban applies in the states where Reformation Day is observed as a public holiday—Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. It’s important to follow these regulations, as fines for violations can reach up to €120 for the driver and €570 for the transport organizer.
Time change to winter 2024
In October, the time change from summer to winter occurs. On the night of October 26-27, 2024, clocks will be set back one hour. This change happens on the last Sunday of October, meaning that at 3:00 am, clocks will be turned back to 2:00 am. While most people will enjoy an extra hour of sleep, the time change will impact train, bus, and plane schedules. It’s important to check for any changes in timetables, especially if you’re planning to travel during this period.