Schools in Hamburg Prepare for Snow Day - Hamburg braces for snowstorm with 400 schools at risk of closure
A major snowstorm is set to strike northern Germany on Friday, raising the possibility of widespread school closures in Hamburg. With over 400 schools potentially affected, authorities and parents are preparing for possible disruptions to lessons.
The Behörde für Schule und Berufsbildung (School and Vocational Training Authority) will decide early on Friday whether to cancel in-person classes citywide. Schools may also make individual decisions based on local conditions.
The city’s education authority will assess weather and road conditions before dawn on Friday. If they declare a citywide closure, all general-education schools will switch to remote learning or emergency arrangements. Parents must check the official school authority website, local news, or their school’s communication channels for updates.
Secondary schools, with their established digital systems, may shift to online lessons more easily. Primary schools, however, could face greater challenges. In cases of closure, schools must still provide emergency childcare, either individually or by coordinating with nearby institutions. Parents also have a role in deciding whether to send their children to school. If travel conditions pose a clear risk, they can keep pupils at home—but they must inform the school. Schools with past experience of severe weather may declare their own snow days, depending on local conditions.
The storm’s impact on Hamburg’s schools will become clear on Friday morning. Parents should monitor official announcements and contact their child’s school if unsure. Emergency childcare will remain available for those who need it.
