October 3rd is a public holiday across Germany, as the country marks 35 years since the official reunification of West and East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. This year the public holiday falls on a Friday.
A nationwide holiday across all 16 states, Unity Day sees a number of public celebrations - and closures like you would see during any other public holiday in Germany.
In German, it's called Tag der deutschen Einheit or "Day of German reunification".
READ ALSO: 10 things you never knew about German reunification
Why is Unity Day on October 3rd?
While November 9th, 1989 marks the day the Berlin Wall fell, East and West Germany continued to exist as separate states for almost a year afterward, with East Germany having organised its first and only democratic election during that time.
From then on, East and West Germany both pursued a policy of reunification - and set about negotiating a reunification treaty.
East and West Germany officially became one country again on October 3rd, 1990.
How is October 3rd celebrated?
For many people in Germany, Unity Day marks a chance for a well-deserved day off.
Many cities and communities around Germany will also mark Unity Day with their own celebrations. For example, Berlin hosts festivities in front of the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and the Forum Willy Brandt Berlin also offers free themed tours in German and English.
Many cities around Germany will mark Unity Day with their own celebrations. There is, however, one big official festival that rotates host cities every year.
In 2025 the host city is Saarbrücken. The capital of Saarland's city centre will be host to three full days of festivities planned from October 2nd to 4th.
READ ALSO: 'Unity Day" - How October 3rd became Germany's national holiday
What's open and closed on Thursday?
As with any public holiday, treat Friday this week as you would a Sunday in Germany.
That means post offices, supermarkets, and shops will be closed - excepting those which are open on Sundays, like supermarkets that are located in train stations for example.
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Restaurants will generally be open, as will many museums and other tourist attractions. Bear in mind though that attractions that are open on Friday may be operating on their Sunday hours and not their regular ones. It's best to check the hours before going.
What about public transport?
Public transport, including nationwide train services - do run on October 3rd. Again though, expect the kind of service you would typically get on a Sunday.
This means some services will be reduced. On the other hand, public transport in places like Berlin - which runs its U-Bahn lines throughout the night on weekends, will also run services throughout Thursday night into Friday morning.
What about schools?
Schools in Germany are closed on October 3rd.
Additionally, in the states of Hesse, Saxony and Thuringia, the Autumn school holiday period begins on Monday, October 6th. Meaning that in these states, students' and teachers' break effectively starts Friday.
Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals
Doctors' offices and pharmacies are usually closed on public holidays, such as Unity Day. But you could try calling your GP if needed, in case they have a message letting you know the details of the on-call doctor.
You can also contact the non-emergency medical on-call service by calling 116 117 (or using this website) who can advise you if you have urgent questions about your health.
In an emergency, call 112 for the fire brigade or ambulance or 110 for the police.
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