At Easter in Germany, most shops and supermarkets are closed on the main public holidays. On Karfreitag (Good Friday), Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday), and Ostermontag (Easter Monday), regular stores usually do not open. The main shopping day before Easter is Karsamstag, Saturday, when shops are usually open.
| Day | Shops |
|---|---|
| Karfreitag | Closed |
| Karsamstag | Open |
| Ostersonntag | Closed |
| Ostermontag | Closed |
In 2026, Karfreitag falls on April 3, Ostersonntag on April 5, and Ostermontag on April 6. If you need exact Easter dates by year, see the separate article: When Easter Is in Germany.
Are Supermarkets Open at Easter in Germany
In Germany, regular supermarkets are usually closed on Easter public holidays. This applies to major chains familiar to most residents and tourists: Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, and Kaufland. If the day is an official Feiertag, such stores usually do not open.
That is why it is better to plan your main purchases of groceries, drinks, and household essentials in advance. This is especially important before the long holiday weekend, when after Karsamstag most regular shops close again.
The one important exception is Karsamstag, the Saturday before Easter. This day is usually not an official public holiday, so supermarkets are open. That is why shops are often busier than usual before Easter.
When Shops Are Open During the Easter Days
If you want to plan your Easter shopping in Germany in advance, it is important to remember one simple rule: on official public holidays, shops are usually closed, and the main shopping day before Easter is Karsamstag. On the Saturday before Easter, most supermarkets and stores operate on normal or reduced hours.
That is why groceries, drinks, and everything else you need for the holiday weekend are best bought in advance. This is especially important before the long Easter weekend, when after Saturday the shops close again.
- Karfreitag — shops closed
- Karsamstag — shops usually open
- Ostersonntag — shops closed
- Ostermontag — shops closed
In practice, this means that for most people Karsamstag is the last convenient day for shopping before Easter. On this day, supermarkets are often busier than usual, so it is better not to leave shopping until the evening.
Which Shops May Be Open
Although most regular shops in Germany are closed at Easter, some points of sale may still be open. This usually applies to places where special trading rules apply or where there is a constant flow of passengers and travelers.
On public holidays, shops at train stations, airports, gas stations, as well as small kiosks and convenience stores, may sometimes be open. However, their selection is usually limited, and prices may be higher than in regular supermarkets.
It is important to keep in mind that the opening hours of such places depend on the specific city, federal state, and location. That is why before a trip or purchase, it is better to check the opening hours of the shop you need in advance.
Can You Buy Groceries at Easter
Yes, you can sometimes buy groceries at Easter in Germany, but the choice of options will be limited. If regular supermarkets are closed, shops at train stations, gas stations, some kiosks, and airport stores may help.
In addition, some bakeries, cafés, takeaway food points, and delivery services may operate during the Easter days, although their schedules often differ from normal hours. So if you forgot to buy something important, you will most likely not be left completely without options.
Still, for regular shopping it is better to buy groceries in advance — before the public holidays begin. This is the most convenient way to avoid extra trips and searching for open stores at Easter.
Quick Summary of Shop Opening at Easter
At Easter in Germany, most regular shops, supermarkets, and shopping centers are closed. If the day is an official Feiertag, you should not count on the usual opening hours of Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, or Kaufland. That is why all main purchases are best done in advance, most often on Karsamstag — the Saturday before Easter.
If you need general information about the public holidays and the long Easter weekend, read the separate article: Easter Weekend in Germany. You can learn more about the traditions and meaning of the holiday in the main article: Easter in Germany.
FAQ
Usually Lidl in Germany is closed on the official Easter public holidays — Karfreitag, Ostersonntag, and Ostermontag. It is better to shop in advance, most often on Karsamstag, when shops are usually open.
As a rule, Aldi in Germany is closed on the main Easter Feiertage. On Karfreitag, Ostersonntag, and Ostermontag, supermarkets of this chain usually do not open, so it is better to buy groceries in advance.
Usually Rewe in Germany is closed on the official Easter public holidays. On Karfreitag, Ostersonntag, and Ostermontag, most regular stores of the chain are closed, so it is better to plan your shopping in advance.
As a rule, Edeka in Germany is closed on the main Easter Feiertage. If you need groceries before the holidays, it is better to shop in advance, most often on Karsamstag.
Yes, Karsamstag is usually not an official public holiday in Germany. That is why on this Saturday most shops and supermarkets are open, and this is when many people do their Easter shopping.
If regular supermarkets are closed, you can sometimes buy groceries at gas stations, in shops at train stations, at airports, or in small kiosks. But the selection there is usually smaller, and prices may be higher.
Some shops at train stations in Germany may stay open even on public holidays, including Easter. However, this depends on the specific city, station, and regional rules, so it is better to check opening hours in advance.
On Easter Sunday, most regular shops and supermarkets in Germany are closed. You can sometimes buy groceries only in exceptional places — for example, at train stations, gas stations, or airports.
