Attention holiday in the travel country – these public holidays should not be overlooked when travelling

The European calendar is full of peculiarities – especially for business travelers, it's crucial to know the country's typical holidays that don't apply in Germany. Here's a selection of important national holidays that may affect your travel planning and business appointments.

June 2: Italy

On June 2, Italy celebrates Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica). On this day, government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed throughout Italy. In Rome in particular, traffic disruptions and road closures occur due to parades and celebrations.

June 6: Sweden

June 6th is Sweden's national holiday. Sweden celebrates with events and parades, and many businesses take a day off. Please note that public transportation may also be operating with restrictions.

June 10: Portugal

Day of Portugal

June 21: Sweden

Midsummer Day in Sweden is celebrated on the Saturday between June 20 and 26. For many Swedes, this is the most important holiday of the year. Public life comes to a near standstill, and many businesses are even closed for a long weekend.

July 14: France

France celebrates Bastille Day, its national holiday, on July 14. Large parades and fireworks displays will take place in Paris and other cities. Public buildings and many businesses will be closed—an important consideration for your planning.

July 25: Spain

On July 25, St. James' Day is celebrated in some Spanish regions, particularly in Galicia. The pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela is turned upside down, and many businesses remain closed.

August 1: Switzerland

National Day has been celebrated since 1891, 600 years after the founding of the Swiss Confederation. While many celebrations are held in individual communities, an official ceremony takes place on the Rütli hill on Lake Lucerne.

August 15: Italy, France, Spain

August 15th is Ferragosto: Life comes to a standstill for the entire week. Not only on the holiday itself, but often also in the weeks before and after, many businesses, banks, and government offices are closed or operating with significantly reduced staffing. Public transport is also limited, while popular holiday destinations such as beaches and resorts are very crowded.

Last Monday in August: Great Britain

The Summer Bank Holiday on the last Monday in August creates one of the busiest weekends of the year in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Many businesses remain closed, public transport is limited, and massive traffic jams occur on the roads, particularly towards the coast, airports, and major events such as festivals. Those traveling for business during this time should reschedule trips and meetings for other days if possible, book accommodation early, and allow significantly more time for car journeys. In Scotland, the Summer Bank Holiday begins on the first Sunday in August.

October 5: Portugal

Founding day of the Republic.

October 12: Spain

The Spanish national holiday, "Día de la Hispanidad," on October 12th, is a day off work throughout the country. Large parades take place, especially in Madrid, and many shops and government offices are closed. This day commemorates Christopher Columbus's first landing in America.

October 26: Austria

National holiday.

October 28: Greece

National holiday.

Saturday after October 31: Sweden

In Sweden, the Saturday after October 31 is a public holiday, All Souls' Day. Many Swedes use the weekend for family visits and remembrance, which can also limit the availability of business partners.

November 11: France, Poland

On November 11, France commemorates the end of World War I with Armistice Day. Public institutions and many businesses are closed throughout the country—an important date for your travel planning.

Poland celebrates Independence Day on November 11. Here, too, most businesses and government agencies are unavailable.

November 30: Scotland

November 30th is St. Andrew's Day in Scotland. Events take place, especially in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, and many offices remain closed.

December 1: Portugal

Independence Day.

December 6: Spain

On December 6, Spain celebrates Constitution Day. Many government offices and offices in Madrid and other cities are closed, which may delay the processing of business requests.

December 8: Italy, Spain, France and Poland

The Immaculate Conception on December 8 is a public holiday in Italy, Spain, France, and Poland. Many businesses are closed on this day, and public transport may also be restricted.

January 2: Scotland

January 2nd is a public holiday in Scotland. Many businesses remain closed, and the first working days of the year are shifted accordingly. It's best to schedule business meetings in Scotland at the beginning of the year from January 3 onward.

March 17: Ireland, Northern Ireland

March 17 is St. Patrick's Day in Ireland and Northern Ireland. This day is not only a religious but also a cultural highlight with numerous parades and events. Public facilities and many businesses are closed, which may lead to restrictions on business.

March 19: Spain

St. Joseph's Day on March 19 is a public holiday in some regions of Spain. Many offices and shops are closed on this day, especially in Valencia and Murcia. Check in advance whether your business partner is affected.

March 25: Greece

Independence Day

April 25: Italy, Portugal

Italy celebrates Liberation Day on April 25. It's an important national holiday, and many businesses and government offices remain closed. Business trips should be carefully planned around this date.

In Portugal, Freedom Day takes place on April 25th to commemorate the Carnation Revolution of 1974.

April 27: Netherlands

On King's Day, the country is turned upside down, everyone dresses from head to toe in orange, the color of the monarchy.

May 3: Poland

In Poland, May 3rd is Constitution Day. This holiday is celebrated nationwide, so many offices, banks, and government offices are closed. Plan your appointments accordingly.

First Monday in May: Great Britain

The Early May Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom usually falls on the first Monday in May. Many businesses and institutions are closed on this day, which can lead to delays in business transactions.

May 5: Netherlands

Liberation Day.

May 8 France

May 8th is "Jour de la Victoire" (Victory Day) in France, a national day of remembrance marking the end of World War II. On this day, government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed, and memorial ceremonies are held across the country, particularly in Paris, with road closures around the Arc de Triomphe. Public transport and tourist services generally continue to operate with minor restrictions, but larger shops and museums may be open; appointments should still be coordinated carefully.

Last Monday in May: Great Britain

On the Spring Bank Holiday, the last Monday in May, most banks, government offices, and many businesses in the UK close. Business travelers should be aware that public transport across the country is operating on special schedules, with some services severely restricted and planned construction work on major railway lines. Airports and roads are also significantly busier due to the increased travel volume. Appointments and transfers should be arranged well in advance, and alternative routes should be considered to avoid delays.