Public Holidays in Germany
This morning proved to be a good time for a short walk in the forest. There was a slight drizzle, but this does not keep the forest-loving Germans indoors.
Forsthausweg Oberursel
I saw quite a few joggers, dog walkers, and bicyclists. A few cars came along the Forsthausweg (forester’s lodge path). They were either on their way to one of the forest restaurants or they were trying to find a way around the road blocks which had been set up for today’s bike race on Hohemarkstrasse.
Hohemarkstrasse Oberursel
Some foreigners claim public holidays to be quiet and boring in Germany. Because shops in Asia are generally open seven days a week, I am sometimes asked what Germans actually do – since the shops are closed – on such days.
Very general, some young people hang out in cafés in Frankfurt, families might take walks or visit the Opel Zoo (its front page pointing out that they are OPEN on holidays) or Freizeitpark Lochmühle. Some people relax at home or visit relatives. You might also find the whole family at a local beer fest. But public holidays are meant for spending time with family and NOT out shopping.
Once in a while, when I am pressed for time, I wish shops were open on Sundays and holidays in Germany. Tomorrow is such a rare day – a list of all Verkaufsoffene Sonntage in Hessen for 2010 (scroll down to view list).
But overall, quiet public holidays and boring Sundays have their charms, too.
For a list of public holidays in Germany, visit worldtravelguide.
If you visit or live in Bavaria, the biggest state in Germany, there are three extra public holidays:
06 January (Epiphany)
15 August (Maria Ascension Day)
01 November (All Saints’ Day)
Tags: entertainment, forest, Germany, holidays, public, shopping, shops, sports, verkaufsoffen, walks, woods
May 2nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Holidays and sunndays in Germany, of course, are silent for me. However, I love it. Since 2006, my circumstance has changed, because the library at the University of Bonn is opened on Sunnday, too. I can work now 7 days a week.
Yesterday, I walked around one hour to find Oberursel station. Some car drivers asked me, but I could not hear clearly, because I was a bit nervous. However, I fand myself I went to the wrong way. Then, I walked back to the same way. At last, I got to the station.
On the platform, I saw some supporters for the Football team in Frankfurt. That shows us that I took a train which had been very full with such supporters. Nevertheless, I was very happy so that I could enjoy German Supporter Jokking.
Today morning, I went to the near tube station Juridicum. On the platform, there were some people who seemed to have enjoyed last night “Rhein in Flammen”.
One of them asked me in Chinese “Good morning”.
I answered in Chinese too. “Good morning” and “Thank you”.
He said to me in German “Do you know the meaning?”
I said to him in English “I do not know”.
He continued in English “You can speak English a little bit”.
I reacted in English “No, I can not”.
He asked me in German “Where do you go to?”
I answered in German “to Hamburg”
He was surprised and then in German “You go to Humburg by the train 66″
I said in German “Yes, of course!”
We got on the train 66 separated. However, we got off at the same station Siegburg. I went to the toilet. Then, they followed me and waited for me for a while.
When I came out the Exit, they asked me again in German” Do you go to Hamburg”
I answered in English smiling “Yes, I have to get ICE here”
They said to me in German “Have a good journey”
Then I went to the Bus station in the Siegburg station and went to the church to see my girlfriend in a next city of Siegburg.
Our world wide journey is always priceless!!!
May 9th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Today, I would like to introduce you a beautiful forest in NRW:
This is Kottenforst. I always jog there, seeing wild animals, for example horses.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kottenforst
See you and have a good week!
May 10th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I had never heard of the Kottenhorst before. But then again, I have traveled more outside of Germany than within the country…;)
Thanks for the recommendation!
May 10th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
You are quite right. You know about Japan better than I absolutely!
I have just jogged around Kottenforst. The contrast between sunset and animals was very beautiful. Welcome to NRW for Green!!!
By the way, I was in Duesseldorf today to extend my Passport. Next week, I will go there to receive it.
Have a good evening and see you around.