Good reasons to choose our cities

Great composers such as Bach, Mozart and Wagner have left their mark on the historical cities. Their work is celebrated regularly at hugely popular music festivals. But the historical cities also have more to offer than history, culture and architecture. They boast lovely green spaces, lots of recreational facilities and events, unusual venues, and diverse nightlife districts.

Upcoming Highlights

Please select an event by clicking the headline.

May

May Week Festival

Party atmosphere at its best - The "Maiwoche" (May Week Festival):

Who: More than 120 bands and music groups, from young talents to the famous show acts enter the stage for 10 days and for free.

Where: On many stages in the colorfully decorated city center

What: A mixture of pop, blues, rock and hit songs attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to one of the largest and most popular open-air festivals in Northern Germany.

Most popular drink: Maibowle (May Punch)

Further information

Africa Festival

The Africa Festival is taking place since 1989 and it has become Europe's biggest festival for African music and culture. Since the very first festival more than 1,794,000 visitors form Germany and other foreign countries have come to Würzburg's "Mainwiesen" (Main Meadows) to witness the cultural wealth of Africa and to participate in Africa's zest for life.

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Wine festival Würzburger Weindorf

One of Würzburgs most likeable wine festivals: More than 100 different local wines are served in cute, timbered gazebos right on Market Square in the heart of the historic old town. The event is rounded out by local and international cuisine. Admission to the festival is free. Opening hours: daily from 11 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Wine and Indulgence Fort Konstantin

The wine presentation of eight exclusive vintners from Koblenz in the historic venue is accompanied by music and little snacks.

June

Theatrium Wiesbaden (Wilhelmstrasse street festival)


Further information

Mozart Festival

For 90 years Germany's oldest Mozart festival has taken place in the "Würzburger Residenz" (Würzburg Residence). Founded only one year after the "Salzburger Festspiele" (Salzburg Music Festival) the Mozart Festival Würzburg has a long tradition and is one of the leading music festivals in Germany. For four weeks thousands of visitors from Germany and all over the world enjoy the intimate festival atmosphere and the unique architecture of the "Würzburger Residenz" in 50 classical concerts. During 85 years of the Mozart festival history many internationally renowned artists such as Alfred Brendel, Philippe Herreweghe, Christopher Hogwood, Gidon Kremer, Lorin Maazel, Sir Neville Marriner, Waltraud Meier, Yehudi Menuhin, Trevor Pinnock und Jukka-Pekka Saraste have been on stage.

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Castle Illumination

The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.

To commemorate the destruction of the castle by the French, Heidelberg celebrates castle illuminations three times every summer. Picturesque and otherworldly Bengal fires drench the ruined walls in a dazzling red light. When the "fake fire" dies away, a cheerful, brilliant fireworks display takes over, which enthuses thousands of visitors every time, and adds festive glamor to the beautiful Old Town.

Further information

Castle Illumination package     

Wine Festival at the estate “Bürgerspital”

This is a traditional Würzburg wine festival that takes place in the historical courtyard of the “Bürgerspital zum Hl. Geist” (Bürgerspital - Wine Estate to the Holy Spirit). Great place to sample top wines from the estate and to meet friendly locals.

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Sanssouci Music Festival - Frederic the Great, music and Europe


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Heidelberg Castle Festival

Every summer, the Castle Festival is eagerly awaited by Heidelberg's residents and guests. The unique Renaissance buildings of the castle, its dreamy nooks and crannies, as well as the extensive gardens and parks, provide an architecturally and atmospherically fascinating locale for the artistic work of the theatre. It is, indeed, a theatre with tradition: the Shakespeare Globe Theatre group stayed here as a guest when in 1613 the Globe Theatre in London was destroyed by fire.

Further information

Festival package

"Johannisnacht"

The traditional Mainz Midsummer "Johannisnacht" (St. John's Night Festival) is the climax of the festival season in Mainz. In addition to the traditional features of a fair come the typical "Johannisnacht" attractions. The initiation ceremony for printers, the ducking of printing apprentices, takes place in the direct vicinity of the Gutenberg-Museum, at the "Liebfrauenplatz" (Square of Our Beloved Lady).

Four days long, music, theater and folklore groups, itinerant entertainers and marching bands make their mark in the city center. Musical and artistic performances are given continuously on five stage within the festival area. The program at "Ballplatz" (Ball Square) promises paroxysms for your laughing muscles. Cabaret artists put everything into a nutshell that is not nailed or screwed down, not always meaning things seriously, or do they?

Further information

Festival package

Hofgarten Wine Festival

An unforgettable baroque setting: The picturesque grounds of the Residence Palace’s Court Gardens are the location of this atmospheric wine festival, courtesy of the “Staatlicher Hofkeller”, one of the most prestigious German vineyard estates. Admission is free.

July

"ZMF" International Tent Music Festival

The Zelt-Musik festival has been one of the top cultural events in Freiburg for years. For three weeks a city of tents offers an unparalleled range of all music genres - rock, pop, jazz, blues and classical. In addition, further events from the areas of dance and variety take place. In midnight jam sessions the visitors of the festival can experience the artists "up close and personal". The circus tent, tent of mirrors, performance stage, hot-dog stands and lawns for sunbathing - encircled by a terraced hilly landscape, enlivened by artists and the audience - make a visit at the Zelt-Musik-Festival an unforgettable experience.

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Freiburg Wine Festival

Wine growers' cooperatives and wine growers invite you to a festival with food and wine on the Münsterplatz: More than 400 wines and sparkling wines representing the variety and extraordinary quality of the region's produce will be available to drink. Renowned restaurants in Freiburg and the region around serve the ideal complement to the wine: Badisch specialities and international cuisine. The offerings of food extend from the typical Zwiebelkuchen [onion tart] to the gourmet dishes for the connoisseur.

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Trier Moselle Festival

Due to its location on the Moselle River, the Trier Moselle Festival always has a very special charm: People sit on the riverbank, listen to the music and enjoy some of the food specialties and drinks or amuse themselves at the kermis.

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75. Warnemünde Week

The Warnemünde Week promises top-class sailing in one of the world's most beautiful sailing areas. Every year, more than 2000 regular sailors and surfers compete for world rankings in all Olympic boat classes just off the coast of Warnemünde and 200 aquatic athletes vie for the Laser European Cup. An attractive "shore leave" is guaranteed by the traditional "Waschzuberspektakel" (a wash tub race), a dragon boat race, music and entertainment at the lighthouse and the "Niegen Ümgang" (a procession in traditional costumes) to commence the event.

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Every summer the "Domstufen" (Cathedral Steps) which run between the magnificent architectural ensemble of the "Mariendom" (St Mary's Cathedral) and "Severikirche" (St Severus Church) are transformed into one of the world´s most beautiful festival stages. It is traditional for the "Festspiele" (Festival Plays) to bring together artists from all genres in a way which unites singers, choirs and orchestras, theater and ballet.

Further information

Festival Package

Castle Illumination

The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.

To commemorate the destruction of the castle by the French, Heidelberg celebrates castle illuminations three times every summer. Picturesque and otherworldly Bengal fires drench the ruined walls in a dazzling red light. When the "fake fire" dies away, a cheerful, brilliant fireworks display takes over, which enthuses thousands of visitors every time, and adds festive glamor to the beautiful Old Town.

Further information

Castle Illumination package    

"Münster verwöhnt..."

Muenster's gourmets can look forward to a very special culinary happening this year - the gourmet-event "Münster verwöhnt...". The culinary captial invites their guests to discover exclusive delicacies. 19 restaurants and prestigious top chefs from the Muensterland present the finesses of top cooking.

Further information

Heidelberg Bach Festival

Since more than 27 years the Heidelberg Bach Week excites thousands of visitors each year. Themed concerts can be heard in the Heiliggeistkirche church during this week. The "Heidelberger Bachwoche" has devoted itself to a theme that relates Bach's works to other areas of music, art, or religion.

August

Hanse Sail Regatta

Barques, brigs and schooners create a magical romantic atmosphere at Rostock?s quaysides during one of the greatest maritime festivals in the world. For four days in August, Warnemünde and the Rostock City Harbor will host impressive windjammers, traditional sailing ships and museum ships. Hanse Sail Rostock is the name of this fantastic rendezvous of majestic ships attracting more than one million guests from home and abroad. Among the highlights of the Hanse Sail Rostock are the regattas of the traditional ships, firework displays, music and colorful markets.

Further information

For more than 35 years, the "Rheingauer Weinfestival" (Rheingau Wine Festival) has turned the center of Wiesbaden into the "longest wine bar in the world" or the largest Wine Festival in the world - and is an attraction for more than thousand of visitors. At about 120 booths, winegrowers present their products, both newly made and superior wines, as well as bubbly sparkling wines. To go with the special flavors of the Rheingau Riesling wines, culinary delicacies may be purchased at Wiesbaden's "Schlossplatz" (Palace Square), at the "Dern?sches Gelände" (Dern'sche Square) and on the square in front of the "Marktkirche" (Market Church). Moreover, music bands and other show acts provide entertainment on a number of stages and make this Wiesbaden street festival unforgettable.

Further information

Trier Wine Festival

Every year on the first weekend of August the regional renowned Trier Wine Festival takes place in the wine village Olewig. During this time visitors can try local specialties, such as “Schwenkbraten” (marinated pork neck steak), or the local wines. In addition to eating and drinking one can enjoy different kinds of bands and performances. The highlights are always the great fireworks sent from the opposing Petrisberg.

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Rhine in Flames

Every single year, this unique spectacle delights around 250.000 visitors on the banks of the Rhine and around 20.000 guests on the brightly decorated boats. "Rhein in Flammen®" (Rhine in Flames) is the largest and oldest firework show in Germany and enjoys over 200 years of tradition in Koblenz. In 1756, fireworks were set off in Koblenz in honor of the electoral prince Johann-Philipp von Walderdorff.

In addition to the unique fireworks show, the main attraction and the trademark of "Rhein in Flammen" is without a doubt Europe?s largest boat parade.

Around 75 boats glide through the river currents passing romantic Rhine locations, castles and mansions which are illuminated with Bengal lights.  

Eight firework programs accompany the journey on the 17 kilometers between Spay and Koblenz, which finishes with a wonderful final firework display over the "Festung Ehrenbreitstein" (Ehrenbreitstein Fortress) in Koblenz.

Further information

Wine Festival

Every year the Mainz's "Rosengarten" (Rose Garden) and "Volkspark" (Peoples' Park) are the sites for the "Weinmarkt" (Wine Market), the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September. White wines and rosés from the previous year are offered as well as some reds as well as wines from earlier vintages. It is a great chance to meet hundreds of vintners and thousands of other wine lovers, discover new wines and simply have fun on a fine summer day.

Festival package

Wine Parade Würzburg

The wine parade is beyond comparison: Imagine sitting in a cozy pagoda-shaped tent on the market square, in front of the “Marienkapelle” (Chapel of St Mary). You have the choice of 100 wines from the best wine estates plus culinary treats of the highest quality.

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"Schauraum/ Show room"

This inspiring festival of art and culture transforms familiar locations in the city with light installations, open-air events and outdoor eateries.

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Bread & Circuses

The historic Amphitheater will again be transformed into a fight arena when the Roman gladiators swing their fists. The festival "Brot und Spiele" (Bread and Circuses) presents hands-on history when the Amphitheater's past comes to life with its gladiator games. On the sports grounds of the "Kaiserthermen" (Imperial Baths), the legionaries will set up their tents and conduct mock battles in their splendid armament. Craftsmen will offer their wares and musicians will provide for fun and entertainment. Specialties from Roman cuisine will offer truly fascinating tastes.

Further information

September

Castle Illumination

The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.

To commemorate the destruction of the castle by the French, Heidelberg celebrates castle illuminations three times every summer. Picturesque and otherworldly Bengal fires drench the ruined walls in a dazzling red light. When the "fake fire" dies away, a cheerful, brilliant fireworks display takes over, which enthuses thousands of visitors every time, and adds festive glamor to the beautiful Old Town.

Further information

Castle Illumination package

International Street Music Festival

More than 300 artists from all over the globe enchant downtown Würzburg. This unique cultural happening is the largest stage-free open air music festival in Europe. Performances take place on 20 public squares. Admission is free.

Further information

Wine Cellar Open Days

On these days the participating Rheingau winegrowers present their wines in a relaxed atmosphere in their own wine cellars.

The "Heidelberger Herbst" (Heidelberg Old Town Autumn Festival), with its Medieval Market and cultural programs throughout the pedestrian zone, includes an arts & crafts market, flea markets, and regional specialties. Musical entertainment of the widest range is offered in virtually every available space.

The great stages start their programs of live music as early as 11. a.m., others commence in the afternoon. By nightfall at the latest, the Old Town has been transformed into a single vast Open Air Concert with a musical program of dazzling variety.

Further information

October

Mozart Festival

The Augsburg Mozart Festival combines rarely heard works from the 18th century with the music, thoughts and the language of artists from the 21st century. During the days of the festival, there will be a focus on a hardly approached aspect in music history and it will provide numerous links to the early music events in Germany's City of Mozart. Artists from different parts of the world will present their works, focusing on original performing style and featuring the unique concert venues in Augsburg, which reflect the glamour of Mozart's times.

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Wine Forum Rheinhessen

For the 26th time this famous wine tasting with more than 200 different wines takes place in the “Museum für Antike Schifffahrt” (Museum of Ancient Shipping). Although Rheinhessen is dominated by the cultivation of white wines, the best red wines of the region will also be presented. As a bonus visitors can buy handmade local fancy foods made of wine, such as wine vinegar, wine jelly or Riesling mustard. 

November / December

Wine Fair

This culinary and cultural event in the “Neues Rathaus” (New Town Hall) invites visitors to sample wines and sparkling wines from the region.

Further Information

Glorious Rheingau Days with Riesling Gala

Presentations of the top Rheingau wines, integrated into exciting menus from top chefs. The grand finale is the Riesling Gala, a lavish dinner at “Kloster Eberbach” (Eberbach Abbey).

Potsdam Winter Opera Season

The theater at the New Palace in wintry "Schloss und Park Sanssouci" (Sanssouci Palace and Gardens) is a beautiful setting for the pre-Christmas opera season.

Further information

The traditional Koblenz Christmas market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Rhineland-Palatinate and takes place in the picturesque ambiance of the romantic Old Town throughout the shopping streets. There is everything your heart could desire at Christmas among the 130 and more stalls with handmade arts, Christmas decorations and a massive selection of gift articles. Seasonally decorated with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine in the air and Christmas melodies in the picturesque ambiance of the romantic Old Town: that is the Koblenz Christmas market. An extensive range of handmade crafts and Christmas decorations along with a huge selection of gift items are waiting for the visitors each year. Rounded off with an extensive program with live concerts called "Christmas Vokal", the Christmas bakery and many more attractions; a visit to the Koblenz Christmas market is an experience you will not want to miss.

Further Information

Christmas market package

The Rostock Christmas Market is the largest in Northern Germany. The colorful fair offers seasonal treasures such as "Rostocker Bratwurst" (fried sausage) and "Backbanane" (banana baked in dough) as well as traditional craftwork, music and a Ferris wheel. The market begins with the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus and his wife on a sailing ship. Santa then will give presents to the children while his wife is telling fairy tales.
A very special part of Rostock's Christmas Market is the Mediaeval Market situated in the "Klostergarten" (Monastery Gardens). Here visitors get a glance of old times and ancient traditions. You can watch a blacksmith at work or a woman felting, haggle with the wood carver or gown maker. A further attraction is the fairy tale tent and story teller. At dawn and in the evenings fire bowls and flaming torches spread a pleasant, festive atmosphere. At weekends actors dressed as pirates put on a spectacular show with games, fire and jugglery.
Surrounded by merchant houses, brick gables and churches, the Rostock Christmas Market offers you a unique and very cozy atmosphere.


Further information

Würzburg Christmas Market

Würzburg is the northern gateway to the Romantic Road. In the heart of Old Town, one of Germany's most picturesque and enchanting Christmas markets carries on a tradition of holiday cheer dating from the early 19th century and provides a charming scene fit for a Christmas card with its Gothic Chapel.

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A special attraction of Osnabrück's Christmas market is the largest Christmas music box in the world. Atmospheric bright lights illuminate the Old Town as a lovingly restored children's merry-go-round from 1907 turns and festively decorated stalls offer craftwork, wooden toys, or sweets. St. Nikolaus visits each day to open a window on the huge Advent calendar in front of the "Rathaus" (City Hall) where Osnabrück's Treaty of the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648.

Further information

Christmas market package

As Germany's oldest city, Trier's glorious history can be witnessed at every step on a stroll through the bustling Old Town that is made particularly inviting for the holidays. The "Hauptmarkt" (Main Market) and the "Dom" (Cathedral) present themselves as a picturesque backdrop for the annual Christmas market.

Further information

Christmas market package

The Freiburg Christmas Market on the "Rathausplatz" (City Hall Square) in the heart of the Old Town is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the whole of Germany. Framed by the Gothic cloister of the one-time Franciscan monastery, the nave of the "St. Martinskirche" (St. Martin's Church) and the picturesque, newly renovated facades of the new and old city halls, an enchanting collection of little houses is erected four weeks before Christmas. The Freiburg Christmas market is very much part of a tradition of Black Forest Christmas Markets.

Further information

Münster's Christmas markets are unique: over 250 stands and festive illumination await the visitors in the wonderful atmosphere of the historical Old Town. The Christmas markets stand in rows along the market streets like pearls in a chain. They are just a few minutes walk from each other.

Christmas market package

Augsburg's Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market)

Augsburg's Christkindlesmarkt radiates the charm of the holiday season with more than 500 years of tradition. Every weekend evening, the impressive Renaissance "Rathaus" (City Hall) turns into a huge Advent calendar as twenty-four angels make music while standing in the windows of the Renaissance structure.

Further information

Traditional Christmas Markets are situated in Potsdam's historical Old Town near "Schloss Sanssouci" (Sanssouci Palace) as well as in the midst of the UNESCO world cultural heritage site "Krongut Bornstedt" (Bornstedt Crown Estate), where a nostalgic atmosphere with its children's railway and steam-powered merry-go-round, dating to 1893. In the famous "Holländerviertel" (Dutch Quarter), the "Sintaklaas Christmas Market" takes place in Dutch tradition with culinary delights from Holland.

Christmas Markets in:
Babelsberg Palace
Bornstedt Crown Estate
Dutch Quarter
Old Town

Further information

Erfurt's historic Old Town and the "Mariendom" (St Mary's Cathedral) where Martin Luther was ordained as a priest in 1511) provide a magical atmosphere at Christmas time and the "Domplatz" (Cathedral Square) is an ideal place for the Christmas market with a tradition of more than 150 years. Craftsmen sell a wide range of Thuringian handicrafts from Christmas tree decorations to blue print textiles and a rich choice of ceramics and pottery.

Further information

Christmas market package

Twinkling Star Christmas Market

The picturesque "Schlossplatz" (Palace Square) forms the fascinating setting for the Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market. Four gates decorated with stars grant access to this fairytale like scene, where young and old will find desirable and beautiful items. Not only will the ambiance provide for a cheerful mood, but so will the accompanying program comprising choirs, nativity plays, wind quartets, concerts, storytelling and much more.

Further information

Heidelberg Christmas Market

Every year, on the last Wednesday in November at 5 p.m., the "Christ Child" makes a special visit to Heidelberg's "Marktplatz" (Market Square) to festively open the Heidelberg Christmas Market. From then through December 22nd, the Old Town is aglow with the enchantment of Christmas. More than 140 special stands fill Heidelberg's large and small squares with an endless variety of everything that makes the season so  unique. With a cup of hot mulled wine to warm the hand and heart, and delicious treats from the wide range of the region's gastronomic offerings, a leisurely stroll through the fairytale setting at the foot of the castle ruins is an unforgettable experience.

The castle itself is decoratively adorned for the season and offers a special Christmas program.

Further information

Christmas market package

The historic market square in Mainz is a blaze of lights. The air is scented with a Christmassy mixture of roast almonds, gingerbread, hot chestnuts and mulled wine. Large and small visitors gladly let themselves be enchanted by this pre-Christmas atmosphere. On a stroll through Mainz Christmas market, the stress and hectic pace of everyday life are quickly forgotten.

Against the imposing back-drop of the over thousand year old "Dom" (Cathedral), showmen and craftsmen offer Christmas specialties and original presents. People saunter leisurely past festively decorated stands, collecting many suggestions for fine Christmas presents in passing. Home-made Advent garlands and straw stars, Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, carvings, ceramics, candles and much more are on offer.

Further information

Christmas market package