Father's Day in Germany (Vatertag): Date, Traditions and Gift Ideas
In Germany, Father's Day (Vatertag) falls on Ascension Day, 39 days after Easter Sunday. Learn the date, the traditions and gift ideas for dads.
Father's Day in Germany is a little different from most countries. Instead of a Sunday in June, Vatertag falls on Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt), a national public holiday. For some it is a quiet family day, and for others it means a hike with friends and a handcart full of drinks. Here is what to know, and how to make the day special for the dad in your life.
- Date: Ascension Day, a Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday. In 2027: 6 May.
- Public holiday: yes, across Germany.
- Also called: Herrentag or Männertag, especially in the east.
- Popular gifts: food and drink hampers, experiences, plants and bold bouquets.
When is Vatertag?
Because Ascension Day depends on the date of Easter, Vatertag moves every year. It always lands on a Thursday in May or early June. Many people take the Friday off as a bridge day (Brückentag) and enjoy a long weekend.
| Year | Vatertag (Ascension Day) |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Thursday, 6 May |
| 2028 | Thursday, 25 May |
Traditions: from family lunch to Bollerwagen
The best-known tradition is the Bollerwagentour: groups of men walk through the countryside pulling a wooden handcart filled with food and beer. It is cheerful and loud, and it is not really about fathers at all. Many families prefer a calmer version, such as a barbecue, a long lunch or a bike ride together.
Because the day has two personalities, think about which one fits the dad you are buying for. The outdoor type might enjoy a picnic hamper. The home type might prefer a good bottle and a relaxed afternoon.
Gift ideas for dads
- Food and drink hampers: a practical gift that he can share. Browse our Father's Day collection and gourmet hampers.
- Wine gift baskets: a classic for a dad who enjoys a glass with dinner. See wine gift baskets.
- Bold flowers: plenty of men enjoy flowers, especially strong colours such as sunflowers or orange roses. See sunflowers.
- A plant: lasts for months and suits a desk or a balcony. See pot plants.
For more ideas, read gifts for men he will actually enjoy.
A card for Dad
- Alles Gute zum Vatertag! Happy Father's Day!
- Danke für alles, Papa. Thank you for everything, Dad.
- Für den besten Papa der Welt. For the best dad in the world.
Remember the date
Because Vatertag moves with Easter, it is easy to miss. Put the date in your calendar once Easter is known, and order a few days ahead. Delivery is a flat €7 wherever in Germany your gift is going.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Father's Day (Vatertag) is on Ascension Day, which is always a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday. In 2027 it falls on 6 May.
Ascension Day is a public holiday across Germany, so most people have the day off.
A traditional Vatertag outing in which groups of men walk through the countryside pulling a handcart (Bollerwagen) loaded with food and drinks.
Yes. In parts of eastern Germany the day is often called Herrentag or Männertag (men's day).
Many families do, although the day is more low-key than Mother's Day. Food, drink and experiences are popular gifts.
Yes. Sunflowers, a bold mixed bouquet or a plant are good choices, especially paired with a hamper.
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Flowers and gifts that go with this article. Delivery is a flat €7 anywhere in Germany.
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