Overview

• New planners highlight that returns vary by Bundesland, with Bavaria’s dense holiday schedule delivering the top outcome of up to 67 days off from 30 vacation days, according to travelcircus estimates reported by multiple outlets.
• New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, so taking Friday, 2 January, creates an immediate long weekend, and states with Epiphany on 6 January allow extended runs with as few as two to five leave days.
• May is especially strong: Labor Day lands on a Friday, Ascension on Thursday, and Whit Monday completes a cluster that yields nine days off for four leave days or a ten‑day stretch by booking 4–8 May.
• Several nationwide holidays land on weekends in 2026, cutting some bridge options, including German Unity Day on Saturday, 3 October, and the second day of Christmas on Saturday, 26 December.
• Reporters recommend using state-aware Brückentage calculators and printable calendars such as travelcircus and Ferienwiki to pre‑book optimal 2026 leave, with additional regional tips also published for Austria.