Over 500 German Cities Participate in Earth Hour 2026 with Iconic Landmarks Going Dark

On March 28, 2026, Earth Hour saw widespread participation across Germany, with 506 cities and municipalities turning off their lights to endorse climate action. The event, taking place at 8:30 PM local time, is part of a global movement initiated by WWF Australia in 2007 to raise awareness about climate and environmental protection. This year marked the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour. In Germany, famous landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle, Cologne Cathedral, Erfurt Cathedral, and Schalke Stadium in Gelsenkirchen dimmed their lights in solidarity.

WWF Germany's climate chief, Viviane Raddatz, stressed the importance of this collective effort, emphasizing that the large-scale involvement sends a strong message to politicians to prioritize and accelerate climate policies. She called for an end to policy setbacks, a faster energy transition, and decreased reliance on fossil fuels to address the escalating climate crisis effectively.

The event encourages citizens not only to switch off lights but also to engage in environmental activities such as community clean-ups and gardening, fostering a sense of reflection and personal responsibility towards climate protection. Globally, iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Auckland's Sky Tower, and the Acropolis in Athens also participated. The extensive German participation highlights both national commitment and global unity in confronting climate challenges through symbolic and practical action.