Easter is one of the most popular holidays in Germany. After a long, cold German winter and temporary relief from Karneval, Easter welcomes the long-awaited spring season.
Americans and other Westerners might be surprised how many traditions come directly from German culture. Like Christmas, there are many traditions celebrated around the world that come from Germany.
If you spend Easter in Germany, memorize these two words: Frohe Ostern (pronunciation: FRO-Huh OS-tern) or “Happy Easter!” This is pronounced everywhere from casual interactions at the grocery store to greetings between friends and family.
German Easter Traditions
German easter tree
Twigs and branches or a specially designed Easter tree are displayed in the home for Easter, dripping with colorfully decorated eggs.
Branches are for sale at all florists in the city, including U and S-Bahn stops (subway and rapid transit), and cost only 1.50 to 5 euros, depending on the type of foliage. Eggs can also be found at all quality levels. From neon plastic to traditional Sorbian eggs.
Until 2015 there was an impressive Easter tree in Saalfeld. Ten thousand eggs adorned a tree in Volker Kraft’s garden and an estimated 8,000 people come to admire it.
German easter eggs
Eggs are a prominent feature in Easter celebrations as symbols of new life. In Germany, eggs are often still hand-blown and delicately decorated. Eggs are traditionally dyed with natural materials such as tea, roots, and spices. With that said, modern times have intruded and you can also buy egg dye kits or brightly dyed eggs at the store.
If you want to see traditional egg decoration, visit a Sorbian Easter egg market in eastern Germany. Here, people in traditional clothing meticulously hand-blown and painting eggs for sale in a variety of designs.
German easter bunny
Next to the Easter egg, the rabbit is the most popular Easter icon. The Easter bunny, symbolizing fertility, was first mentioned in German writings in the 16th century. The bunny was imported to America by the Dutch settlers from Pennsylvania, who were called oschter haws (Easter hare).
Around 1800, the first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany. And just like real rabbits, they have multiplied.
German Easter Chocolates
There is always an occasion to eat chocolates in Germany, but Easter really puts it into overdrive.
Among the many delicacies on offer, the kinder uberraschung (kinder surprise) is a favorite and a comprehensive tradition of German Easter, despite the company’s origin in Italy. Although it is not legal in the US (although you can easily find their other offerings as tic tacs), you will find them everywhere in Germany.
German Easter Fountain
Osterbrunnen (Easter fountains) are another colorful celebration of Easter in Germany. The public fountains are covered in evergreen arches and colorful Easter eggs.
They usually appear in southern Germany, Catholic observer, as in Bieberbach. Its fountains have won Guinness World Records and attract more than 30,000 tourists around Easter.
Easter days in Germany
The Easter dates in 2019 are from April 19 to April 22.
Holy Friday
The Easter weekend in Germany begins with a quiet Good Friday ( Karfreitag ). Many families eat fish as their traditional Good Friday lunch before enjoying a weekend together.
Easter Saturday The Saturday of
Easter is a great day to visit an outdoor Easter market where you can browse artistically handcrafted Easter eggs, carved Easter decorations, and local crafts. Stop by a German bakery for a special Easter treat like a lamb-shaped sweet cake.
On Saturday night, the northern regions of Germany will light Easter bonfires, chasing away the dark spirits of winter and welcoming the warmer seasons.
Easter Sunday The Sunday of
Easter is the highlight of the holiday weekend. In the early morning, parents hide baskets full of colorful hard-boiled eggs, chocolate bunnies, candy (like Kinder Surprise), and little gifts for the kids. Many families attend an Easter service, followed by a traditional Easter lunch, lamb, potatoes, and fresh vegetables.
Easter monday
This is another quiet day for the family. For some, it is marked with trips to return from vacation. It’s also a national holiday, so expect offices and stores to close.
Travel tips for Easter in Germany
Germans are lucky to have a long Easter weekend. From Good Friday to Easter Monday, everything is closed from shops, banks and offices. The exception is Saturday when everything opens as usual, although be careful with grocery stores, in particular, they will be busy replenishing people.
Trains and buses operate on a limited holiday schedule and are often crowded with people going on vacation or visiting family.
The school holidays also coincide with the Easter holidays. Usually it is two weeks around Easter weekend. Expect a lot of children and their families planning to travel around this time. Keep in mind that hotels, museums, roads, and trains are likely to be full, and make your reservations in advance.
