Be aware that Thursday 17 May and Monday 21 May are public holidays in Germany (and most neighbouring countries) this year.

This means that...:

- all shops will be shut
- tourist attractions will be overcrowded
- trains will be packed
- there will be traffic jams

Many people will go away for long week-ends over Ascension Day (17 May)

Many people will go away for long week-ends over Pentecost (21 May)

Quite a few people will take the week off and go away for the whole 12 days.

Correction (see below) 21 May should read 28 May.