Reformation Day is a statutory public holiday in nine northern and eastern states. Check the actual workplace state first; 31 October remains an ordinary day elsewhere, and 1 November follows a different regional rule.
The workplace state sets the public-holiday effect, not an itinerary across Germany.
Public holiday in nine northern and eastern states. Reformation Day falls on Saturday, 31 October 2026 and is a public holiday in nine German states: Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
In the other seven states, it is not a public holiday. Germany has no general substitute day when a fixed-date public holiday falls at a weekend.
A team, train route or venue can cross from holiday rules into an ordinary day.
For cross-border teams, establish the workplace state before arranging a rota or leave. Do not use a home address or a destination in another state as a shortcut for the legal status.
All Saints' Day on 1 November has its own regional scope. Treat the two dates as separate calendar entries even when they sit next to each other.
Assumption: Monday-Friday working week.
Workplace applicability is not confirmed; no leave days are preselected. Local or partial employment entitlement for Reformation Day (2026-10-31) at the workplace in Germany must be confirmed with the municipality and employer.
State scope does not replace a provider's published notice.
In observing states, the cited work and pay rules apply to employees normally scheduled to work. Elsewhere, published Saturday hours, the rota and individual provider rules remain relevant.
For shopping, museums, services and transport, use the local operator's holiday or Saturday timetable. A city can have a different practical rhythm from a nearby state border.
Historical context helps when choosing a service or cultural programme.
31 October recalls Martin Luther's 95 Theses of 1517 and the beginning of the Reformation. Church services, music and cultural programmes give the date its character in many observing states.
For a particular service, museum opening or concert, rely on the organiser's published time and access information.
Open the relevant calendar or tool below.