Calendar 2026: Important Easter Dates at a Glance

For your planning in Amberg 2026:

• Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026
• Maundy Thursday: April 2, 2026
• Good Friday: April 3, 2026
• Holy Saturday: April 4, 2026
• Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
• Easter Monday: April 6, 2026

Around these days, church services, Easter markets, family programs, and tours to Easter fountains are expected to be offered in Amberg. Check the final times and locations shortly before the holidays in the linked official overviews.

Regional Traditions 2026: Good Friday Rattles and Easter Fountains

Good Friday Rattles

Between Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday, the church bells are silent; during this time, children and altar servers use wooden rattles to signal prayer times. If you are in Amberg in 2026, expect rattle groups in the streets on Good Friday – a lively sign of the special atmosphere of Holy Week.

Easter Fountains

From Palm Sunday, fountains in the city and district are traditionally decorated with fir greenery, wreaths, and painted eggs. The decorations usually remain for two to three weeks after Easter. In 2026, it is worth taking a stroll through the old town and surrounding area: each community sets different accents – from classic religious motifs to modern patterns. Guided tours or round trips are usually offered around Easter; details (duration, starting points, registration methods) are published seasonally by the local tourist information.

Family-Friendly Planning: Excursion Destinations and Activities

Regardless of the weather, families have a variety of options over Easter 2026:

• Auenpark with water play areas: An ideal afternoon stop in milder temperatures. Kiosk/offer season starts are usually in April – check current notices shortly before Easter.
• Municipal indoor swimming pool: Swim and play regardless of the weather; often with family-friendly times for younger children.
• Leisure mountain with summer tobogganing in the surrounding area: For older children and teens, an active contrast to quieter holiday moments.
• Cave tours (e.g., Maximiliansgrotte in the wider area): Guided, child-friendly tours offer wonder and knowledge; plan for warm clothing.

Suggestion for a balanced schedule in 2026:

1. Good Friday: Attend a church service, observe the rattle tradition, quiet walk in the old town.
2. Holy Saturday: Tour selected Easter fountains, creative craft activity for children.
3. Easter Sunday: Egg hunt, visit an Easter-inspired market, leisurely stroll through the city.
4. Easter Monday: Family outing into nature, e.g., leisure mountain or cave.

Markets and Spring Flair: Crafts, Delicacies, Encounters

Around Easter 2026, Easter market formats with artistically decorated eggs, spring wreaths, regional specialties, and children's activities are expected in Amberg. Many stalls appear in the old town and are complemented by music or interactive activities. Additionally, the traditional crafts and pottery market follows "around St. George's Day" (April) as an early season highlight – often just after Easter and thus a nice extension to your stay.

Depending on the event, note possible special features on holidays (opening hours, Sunday regulations). Reliable, up-to-date information is provided by the city event calendar.

Church Services and Creative Offers

The Amberg churches publish their Holy Week and Easter liturgies (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday/Monday) in the parish newsletters and on the parish websites. Look out for information on family services, musical highlights, and any children's programs.

Additionally, craft activities are expected around Easter – from egg painting to palm bouquet making. Locations, times, and registration details are announced in the city calendar as well as by parishes, educational and cultural institutions.

Practical Planning Tips for 2026

• Up-to-date information: Check dates shortly before the holidays; program changes may occur due to weather or organizational reasons.
• Public transport and parking: Parking spaces are limited around old town markets. If possible, use park-and-ride or regional bus/train services.
• Holiday openings: Special regulations apply on Good Friday; check store opening times and event formats.
• Weather precautions: Layered clothing, rain protection, and sturdy footwear increase flexibility for city strolls and excursions.
• Accessibility: Ask about routes, steps, and sanitary facilities for guided tours (Easter fountains, caves, markets).
• Reservations: Secure places early for guided tours, some family offers, and restaurants on Easter Sunday/Monday.

Official Contacts and Current Information

1. City of Amberg – Official Website — Event calendar, Easter activities, markets (accessed 2026-02-04)
2. Diocese of Regensburg — Information on Holy Week and Easter services in Amberg parishes (accessed 2026-02-04)
3. Tourism Amberg-Sulzbach — Overview of Easter fountains and regional tours (accessed 2026-02-04)
4. Amberg Public Utilities — Information on indoor pool/swimming facilities, opening hours on holidays (accessed 2026-02-04)
5. Tourism Center Franconian Switzerland – Maximiliansgrotte — Season and tour information for cave excursions in the surrounding area (accessed 2026-02-04)