Holidays in Schleswig-Holstein in 2026: How to plan your trips with your dog
Overview: Public holidays in Schleswig-Holstein in 2026
There are a total of 10 public holidays in Schleswig-Holstein in 2026. Here is the complete list with dates and days of the week:
- New Year's Day – January 1 (Thursday) – Start the year with fresh energy.
- Good Friday – April 3 (Fri) – Start of the Easter season.
- Easter Monday – April 6 (Mon) – A relaxing holiday after the Easter weekend.
- Labor Day – May 1 (Fri) – a classic spring day.
- Ascension Day – May 14 (Thu) – often used for long weekends.
- Pentecost Monday – May 25 (Mon) – ideal date for outdoor activities.
- German Unity Day – October 3 (Sat) – start of fall.
- Reformation Day – October 31 (Sat) – another fall holiday.
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Fri) – a time for rest and reflection.
- Boxing Day – December 26 (Sat) – second round of Christmas spirit.
This overview will help you to start planning which days are particularly suitable for longer tours or relaxed walks.
Spring: From New Year's walks to the first long hikes
New Year's Day – the perfect start
The first day of the year falls on a Thursday in 2026. A long walk on the beach or through snow-covered winter forests is a wonderful way to start the year calmly and healthily with your dog. Many dogs love the peace and quiet of the morning before the new year really gets underway.
Easter – long walks and nature awakening
With Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6), you can enjoy a long Easter weekend. Take advantage of the milder temperatures for extended tours along the Schlei or through the forests in the Hüttener Berge Nature Park. Spring also means lots of new smells and exciting nature experiences for your four-legged friend – remember to bring plenty of water and snacks for the road.
May: Spring in full bloom – activities with your dog
Labor Day & Ascension Day
Since May 1 falls on a Friday and Ascension Day on a Thursday, both are ideal for long weekends. Take the Friday after Ascension Day off, for example, and you'll have a four-day weekend. Perfect for short trips or multi-day hikes – for example, through the Westensee Nature Park or along the Baltic Sea coast towards Lübeck.
Pentecost Monday on May 25 extends another possible week of touring: head to the beach early in the morning, conquer the country lanes during the day, and chill out together on the dike in the evening.
Autumn: coastal winds and colorful forests
German Unity Day & Reformation Day
Both holidays fall on a Saturday in 2026, which does not always mean extra days off for regular employees, but you can still plan trips – for example, to the fjord around Flensburg or to the Eider-Treene-Sorge Nature Reserve. Autumn colors, fresh air, and less hustle and bustle make hiking particularly enjoyable for you and your dog.
Winter: Christmas with peace and coziness
Christmas
Christmas Day and Boxing Day—Friday and Saturday—are ideal for shorter, peaceful walks through the winter forest. This is also a good time to explore new paths in your immediate surroundings or simply enjoy time together at home by the fireplace or snuggling up.
Tips for planning your dog tours on public holidays
Plan ahead
Especially on long weekends, it's worth booking accommodation or routes in advance – many popular hiking areas and dog beaches are very busy on public holidays.
Pack for your dog
Always pack water, snacks, an emergency leash, and dog bags. Especially in spring and fall, the weather can change quickly.
Be considerate of other vacationers
Popular destinations such as Travemünde or Timmendorfer Strand can get crowded on public holidays – keep your distance from other families and dogs if your four-legged friend is sensitive.
Check the weather
The weather in Schleswig can change quickly, even on public holidays. A quick look at the forecast will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Holidays are not just days off work – they are a source of ideas for shared experiences with your dog. Whether it's long hikes in spring, extended beach trips in summer, or leisurely walks in winter, with a little planning you can get the most out of every holiday.
What are your plans for the 2026 holidays?
Do you already have specific destinations in mind for trips with your dog, or would you like tips for specific regions? Write your opinions and ideas in the comments!