I'm in the early planning stage for a trip in April/May 2003 to Germany, Switzerland and Austria.<BR><BR>Because of my scheduled vacation time, I will be arriving to Germany on April 17, and departing Switzerland on May 4.<BR><BR>What are the implications of public holidays like Good Friday (Apr/18) and Easter Monday (Apr/21) in Germany? ?<BR><BR>I understand that banks and government offices will shut down, but does everything else shut down too? Museums, other tourist sites, restaurants, etc.?<BR><BR>In Switzerland, apparently May Day (May 1) is only observed in certain cantons (Basel, Geneva, Jura, Thurgau and Z&uuml;rich) according to the web site http://www.national-holidays.com/ , can someone confirm this?

If there is any way you can be in a small town in Bavaria for May Day, do it!

<BR>If it's a holiday in any country in Europe just about everything is welded shut. Exception: bars in Rome on Christmas morning.<BR><BR>My pages at<BR>www.enjoy-europe.com/cds/switzerl.htm<BR>and<BR>www.enjoy-europe.com/cds/germany.htm<BR>should be of interest.<BR><BR>John Bermont<BR>www.enjoy-europe.com

Lucky you,<BR>You will be in Switzerland for the school holidays. This means the tourist sites may be busier, but this is a great time to visit Switzerland. As far as Luzern goes, all Catholic holidays are observed. ie Good Friday and Easter Monday. All shops will be closed, movie theaters may be open but the tourist sites will be open (and many restaurants!).<BR>Enjoy,<BR>Jan

hi there,<BR><BR>expect most of the things closed between Good Friday and Easter Monday in Germany? Banks, shops. On that friday also a lot of restaurants and all museums arent open. For this ask at Your hotel, they will know where You can find something for dinner. <BR>have fun<BR>Gar

Thank you all for your input.<BR><BR>Guido