Tourists May Want To Avoid Planning Any Day Trips In Germany On This Day Of The Week

Germany is quiet on Sundays — really quiet. The sidewalks are mostly empty. Only occasional cars drive by. Church bells peel over noiseless rooftops. If you find yourself walking through a town or city, you'll find one unlit shop after another, the doors locked. A sign over the front door will read "Geschlossen," or "Closed."

Why so sleepy? Because of a national law known as Ladenschlussgesetz, which basically prohibits retail operations on Sundays. Stores close, supermarkets close, and of course offices and factories are closed. Sundays are usually quiet in most Christian countries, but the German government is pretty serious about resting on weekends; the law was passed in 1956, after intense lobbying by German trade unions. No matter what time of year you visit Germany — May and June are the best months, for several reasons — Sundays and certain holidays (such as Christmas and Easter) can prove challenging for travelers, especially those hunting for souvenirs or fresh provisions.

Let's not exaggerate: The Ladenschlussgesetz doesn't shut down restaurants and bars, so you can still find food and entertainment on a lazy Sunday. The exact interpretation of this law varies by state, and there are lots of exceptions to the rule, such as retailers in airports and major shopping weekends in December. Other exceptions include laundromats, florists, and even bakeries, so make sure you do some research before you head out to a business. But in general, commerce shuts down across Germany, and cities get eerily hushed. This quietude can get even more extreme in mid-winter, when Germans receive less than eight hours of sunlight each day.

How do you adjust for this dead spot in the calendar? How will this factor into your perfect European travel itinerary? Travelers should stock up on basic supplies, like snacks and toiletries, during the weekdays to avoid running out. You can still take trains and buses on Sundays, but the schedules could be greatly reduced, and you may struggle to find a snack or bottle of water when you reach your destination.

Once you've accepted that most stores are closed, you may actually find a lot to do on Sundays. Museums and art galleries are routinely open, as are the many bakeries and beer gardens that Germany is famous for. German cities have a good reputation for walkable streets and ample public spaces, including squares and parks, and many Germans are fond of a good wanderung — a long, leisurely stroll. Many cities and towns have vast networks of bike trails and fleets of rentable bikes, either through a store or app. The absence of crowds is perfect for exploring historic streets and the countryside.

In short, the Ladenschlussgesetz may prove an inconvenience, but it's easy to work around, even for travelers with limited time in Germany. You may even find yourself enjoying the excuse to relax and regroup. You'll also be relieved to know that gas stations usually stay open on Sundays, so you can still take in the scenic beauty of Germany by car.