We are going to be in Germany for Easter, and trying to figure out how to pack. Would like to travel *light*, but not be inappropriately dressed for church, either. Can we get away with "nice jeans" (black?) and a cardigan? Or, should the women pack a skirt (and therefore appropriate hose and shoes?)? What about the men? kids? Since it'll still be cool weather, we don't need to worry about bear arms or showing our knees, just want to find out how casual we can be and not look out of place (the "ugly American" syndrome).

I don't think anyone would throw you out in jeans, etc. But put yourself in the position of any worshippers you may run in to. My feeling is that tourists should dress as respectfully as they are able in churches. You may also have the opportunity to attend an evening concert or similar, for which a skirt wouldn't be a bad idea. You would probably be happier having the option to dress up, even if you don't need it. Besides, nylons don't take up any space!

How do you dress when you go to church at home? If foreign visitors came to look round your church, how would you prefer them to be dressed. It's the good old golden rule isn't it?<BR>

Actually, our church here in the US is quite contemporary, and people wear anything from jeans to "Sunday best". But, from what I've heard, Europe is still more traditional in their thinking about church attire. The skirt and pantyhose don't pose much of a problem, but the dress shoes do take up space (and there are 6 of us going). So, we'd really prefer to do "nice casual" for church. Someone said, tho, that there are "fashion police", and you might not be let into a church unless you were appropriately dressed...true?

Europe and Going to church.........that's another topic but I am amazed/dismayed at what people wear<BR>in places of worship and now it's definitely wear whatever you like,even by the locals.If you have the need to ask the question then be conservative in dress the first time and look around to dress up/down at the next cathedral.There is no longer a little old man/lady sittting at the entrance clucking and waggling fingers!

The basic rule is that shoulders and knees need to be covered for both men and women, (and children). it is not as strictly adhered to in Germany as say in Italy, but it is the customary and proper thing to do. Personally, I find skirts much more comfortable and easier to pack than jeans. I don't think nylons are necessary and walking sandals will do just fine if you want to limit your shoes. Shorts are worn but in a church it is disrespectful. So many people ask about dress on this board,when it comes to church, Europeans are more formal than we've become and I think it best to accomodate that. We are after all the visitors.

Even for a heathen like me, I would think that where one goes to talk to one's god(s) is a special, not to say sacred, place. And the act should be a special occasion. How can anyone tell anymore if something is special when we dress like hobos regardless of the circumstance? Our attire should signify the importance and solemnity of the event, so I don't show up in someone's religious center dressed like I'm headed into Home Depot. And people who take this sort of thing seriously really aren't "fashion police." They're keepers of traditions and values. MHO.