Christians the world over celebrate the fortieth day of Easter - or Ascension Day - as the day that Jesus Christ entered heaven. After being resurrected from the dead 39 days earlier, he finally left earth to sit by his father’s side above. While many Christians take the biblical accounts of this story literally, many others view the tale as symbolic. Either way, for observant Christians in Germany, this holiday is one of somber celebration, complete with church services, prayer and time with loved ones. Christian visitors and expats should have no trouble finding church services in Hamburg to celebrate Ascension Day (called Christi Himmelfahrt by the locals) like a (Christian) German.
Although many German citizens belong to other religions or don’t identify as religious at all, Germany does have a history as a majority Christian nation, and its holidays reflect that. While some German states (like predominantly Catholic Bavaria) take smaller Christian celebrations as holidays, most major ones are national bank holidays as well.
While many Germans don’t spend Ascension Day in church, they’re certainly thankful for an extra day off to enjoy the spring weather. And since Ascension Day falls on a Thursday each year, it’s always a bonus worth looking forward to. Many people will even use this day as a Brückentag (lit. ‘bridge day’) by taking Friday off as well and making a long weekend of it. What better time to explore some of the areas around Hamburg, such as Altes Land, the Lüneburger Heide or the Elbmarschen?
Just remember that Ascension is also Fathers’ Day in Germany, when groups of men (fathers and non-fathers alike) journey into nature with carts full of beer. Depending on where you choose to explore, you may meet some rowdy groups of men on your way.
Ascension Day takes place on 29 May, 2025.
