First time to this region. Was wondering if business/restaurants close up for extended periods of time during the summer as they sometimes do in Italy. We will be there the last two weeks of August.
Thanks for any insight.
Linda
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
In a cumulative time of about 6 months in Germany over 17 years, I have never seen that happen. However, I once tried to book with a pension in Germany at Christmas time and told it was a business vacation time. I also know of a pension in Germany, near a ski area, that closes at the end of ski season until the beginning of summer season. In 2008, I stopped at a hotel in Bacharach in November, just to see what they were like, and they were closed for the winter.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Restaurants frequently close on Mondays, but rarely take an extended holiday en-masse. Most businesses, such as banks, grocery stores, department stores, boutiques, etc. close on Sundays, but restaurants, museums and service stations usually remain open. You will not have any problems finding a place to eat.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1528 posts
Years ago , regions (states) of Germany would all go on vacation on a rotating schedule. I once (30+ years ago) tried to take a long weekend trip in the area of Bremerhaven and could not find a hotel open. The schedule was well published and Germans were aware of when to avoid going where. I was working in offices mainly staffed by Germans so was usually kept informed. It allowed whole families to be off work and school at the same time for vacations. I have heard nothing about this in recent years.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
Small businesses, like restaurant normally have a closed day, called a Ruhetag, in German, but it isn't necessarily Monday. Here is an example of the posted opening hours of a restaurant. Note here Ruhetag is Mittwoch (Wednesday).
Posted by
OP
Aiken, SC, United States
89 posts
Thank all of you for the useful information.
Linda