Visitors to the island of Rügen can look forward to a brand-new tourist attraction opening in May 2013: a treetop walk at the beach resort of Prora. The path, which winds its way through the trees above the rooftops of the island, is a fantastic experience for the whole family and also forms part of the new natural heritage centre on Germany's biggest island.

From an 80-metre-high viewing tower shaped like a giant bird's nest, visitors will be able to see vast swathes of Rügen – from the flint fields to the World Heritage beech forests in Jasmund National Park.

There is yet another highlight in store for art and media buffs in Frankfurt: for the very first time, the Schirn art gallery on Frankfurt's museum embankment is exploring the impact of the glam rock movement of the early 1970s, which was started by famous musicians such as David Bowie and Marc Bolan. Organised in collaboration with Tate Liverpool and the Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz, the exhibition, entitled 'Glam! The Performance of Style', shows the wide-ranging influence that the glam era had on film, photography, fashion, graphic design, performance and installation art, painting and sculpture.

In addition to the Schirn, Frankfurt offers an exceptional collection of museums along the southern bank of the river Main.

Have you always dreamed of watching cowboys and Indians fight it out with bows and arrows and guns – just like in the movies?

Then be sure not to miss the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg, which recreates the days of the American Wild West. Now in its 61st year, this annual event is always a big hit with visitors, whether young or old. With impressive stunts, breathtaking pyrotechnic effects and superb acting, the festival brings to life the stories of Winnetou in 1870s America. The festival is on from 22 June to 1 September 2013 at Bad Segeberg's open-air theatre, which has capacity for 7,500 people. Yeehaw!

The former Carlshütte foundry provides a unique setting for NordArt, one of Europe's largest exhibitions of contemporary art, which is taking place this year from 8 June to 6 October. The foundry halls seem almost out of place against the natural landscape – but it is exactly these contrasts that make the foundry such a perfect venue for the event, an annual fixture since 1999. The exhibition shows a creative side to northern Germany, which is so often portrayed as rather bleak and rugged. The exhibition rooms available here offer the 200-plus artists from all over the world an opportunity to showcase their work in an appropriate environment.

Narrow lanes with medieval half-timbered buildings, ancient abbeys and churches, Roman monuments, vineyards and castles – this is what makes Germany such a romantic destination. Thirteen historical cities in Germany have joined forces to create the Historic Highlights of Germany association. It puts the focus on destinations that have a particularly prominent history and strong appeal to visitors: in cities such as Freiburg, Trier and Münster, you can experience a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity. Don't miss the chance to take a tour through Germany's history and discover its many romantic cities – perhaps on a special occasion like a honeymoon.

The Potsdam Schlösserlauf (Potsdam Palaces Run), organised by Sportbund Potsdam e.V., is holding its tenth-anniversary event on 2 June 2013. For running enthusiasts and active holidaymakers this presents an ideal opportunity to visit the regional capital of Brandenburg. There is a half-marathon or 10km race, both of which are open to race walkers and Nordic walkers.

And away from the course as well, Potsdam is well worth a visit. Whether it's the Russian Alexandrowka colony or the wonderful rococo Palace of Sanssouci, where Frederick the Great once lived – there is much to marvel at in this former seat of the Prussian rulers. At the top of the list for families is the nearby Babelsberg Film Studios, where famous films such as 'Die Feuerzangenbowle' were made.

Thomas Mann, who was born in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, is one of the greatest German writers of all time. The city is home to Buddenbrooks House, named after Mann's Nobel Prize-winning novel 'Buddenbrooks'. Here you can find out all kinds of interesting information about the life, work and family of the famous novelist. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty this year, Buddenbrooks House is hosting a special exhibition from 14 June to 13 November 2013 about Buddenbrooks House and Heinrich Mann (Thomas Mann's brother) and his connection to France.

Afterwards, a stroll through Lübeck's old quarter, awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO®, is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the city's many facets. A walk past Lübeck's most famous landmark, the Holsten Gate, with a piece of the finest Lübeck marzipan in your hand – there is no better way to see the city!

It is going to get loud in Nuremberg's Dutzendteich Park from 1 to 3 June 2013 when the city hosts its annual Rock im Park music festival. The festival, which runs at the same time as Rock am Ring, is one of the biggest events in Germany, attracting nearly 80,000 people. Every year since 1997, fans of live music have been flocking to the festival and partying to the sounds of more than 60 well-known bands. This year's line-up includes world-famous acts such as Green Day as well as popular German pop and rock bands.

If you prefer something a little quieter, be sure to visit the beautiful centre of Nuremberg. With its picturesque buildings and countless museums – the Albrecht Dürer House for example – it has plenty to offer culturally minded visitors. And in winter, the Christmas market is a magical experience for all.

Following the success of the existing Discovery Centre in Berlin a new centre will be opening its doors in May 2013 in Oberhausen. Painstaking attention to detail has transformed this indoor park into a paradise for kids. Whether it's fighting off evil trolls with laser guns, singing on the LEGO® karaoke stage or seeing colourful pellets turned into those famous little bricks at the live factory show – there's something for everyone at the Discovery Centre. And after all those energetic activities you might feel like grabbing a bite to eat in the café or taking it easy in the 4D cinema.

As an alternative (or in addition), other attractions in the area include Sealife and Germany's biggest shopping centre, Centro Oberhausen. It's a mecca for shoppers, and also gives parents something to look forward to.

Ever wanted to touch a life-sized dinosaur or get close to prehistoric reptiles that still walk the earth today? Then head to the Klimahaus in Bremerhaven between 15 March and 3 November 2013 for an exhibition exploring 'Prehistoric Creatures – the Limits of Evolution'. It's a day out the whole family will enjoy.

Bremerhaven boasts plenty of other attractions too, including the German Emigration Centre. In the early 20th century, thousands of people passed through this city on the North Sea as they set sail across the 'pond' to embark on a new life in the distant land of America. This fascinating history is brought to life at the museum.