Toussaint

📣 Conseils aux voyageurs

Germany offers a diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage. Known for its 'Gemütlichkeit' (coziness) and regional variety, it attracts visitors interested in European history, urban exploration, and rural scenery.

• Public holidays (Feiertag) typically result in closed shops and reduced public transport schedules.
• Holiday observations vary by state; some are specific to Catholic or Lutheran regions.
• Good Friday is often a 'silent holiday' with restricted festivities in many states.
• New Year's Day (January 1st) is a nationwide public holiday.
• Epiphany (January 6th) is observed only in specific southern and western states.
• Smoking and vaping are generally prohibited in indoor public spaces like restaurants and cafes.
• Germans value honesty, direct communication, and punctuality; business interactions often skip small talk to get straight to the point. Formal titles (e.g., 'Herr' or 'Frau') and the formal pronoun 'Sie' are standard signs of respect unless invited to use first names. In public, be mindful of local rules regarding alcohol consumption and respectful behavior at historical sites. Be aware that Nazi-era symbols and slogans are strictly illegal. When visiting a home, it is polite to bring a small gift (like wine or regional treats) and follow house rules, such as removing shoes.