'Enchanted and bewitching' is the theme for 2013 on Mainau Island on Lake Constance. And visitors are sure to be both enchanted and bewitched by the season-opening orchid show, on at the Palm House from 15 March to 5 May 2013. There is also a whole host of events for all the family highlighting the secrets and wonders of nature.

Throughout the year, and from sunrise to sunset, a huge variety of plants and flowers are on display at the Flower Island of Mainau. But it also hosts regular concerts and art exhibitions for the many visitors (around 1.2 million annually). Every year around 100 couples choose the island as the location for their wedding because of the stunning scenery.

German arts journalists from the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) have named the Städel Museum in Frankfurt their Museum of the Year for 2012. The museum's striking architecture and the presentation of its exhibitions were deciding factors. Since the beginning of 2012, a new 3,000m² extension, which is largely underground, has displayed an additional 300 works of contemporary art. The museum as a whole presents 700 years of art under one roof and attracted 450,000 visitors in 2012.

The Städel Museum is one of 13 museums that make up Frankfurt's museum embankment, located on the banks of the river Main between the Eiserner Steg footbridge and the Peace Bridge. This is where the annual Museum Embankment Festival takes place – it is one of Europe's biggest festivals of culture and offers a winning combination of art, music and food and drink.

The house in Eisleben where Martin Luther died reopened on 1 February 2013 after undergoing extensive renovation. Visitors will now be able to see where Luther was born in 1483 and where he died in 1546 as part of an exhibition entitled 'Luther's Final Path'. The 1,500 people who visited on the opening day were full of praise for the exhibition and the newly renovated rooms, with many already planning a return trip to fully appreciate everything on display. Music and prayer make this an experience for all the senses and the modern format is intended to give children and young people a better understanding of the subject.

The Luther memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996 and are popular destinations for many religious travellers.

23 March 2013 marks the start of the summer season for many theme parks in Germany, including Europa-Park in Rust, Phantasialand in Brühl and Heide Park in Soltau. And that means no end of fun and entertainment for all the family. Alongside the existing attractions, 2013 will again see a host of brand-new additions that visitors can try out. For young people there will be white-knuckle rides, and for older visitors good food and cultural events.

In remembrance of the consequences of tyranny, a series of events entitled 'Diversity destroyed – Berlin during the Nazi period' has been launched in Berlin for 2013. Between 30 January and 9 November 2013, themed events taking place across the city will illustrate the diversity found in art, theatre and architecture as well as everyday life. Kulturprojekte Berlin has teamed up with the Berlin Deutsches Museum and numerous other partners to put together a multi-faceted cultural programme designed to promote a year of remembrance, active involvement, contemplation and commemoration.

The campaign puts a spotlight on Berlin's tremendous – sometimes conflicting – diversity, which reached its height during the 1920s and has been witnessing a revival ever since the collapse of the Third Reich.

The Goldsteig Trail is celebrating its fifth anniversary. At 660 kilometres, it is Germany's longest walking trail and runs from the Upper Palatinate Forest through the Bavarian Forest to Passau. The Goldsteig trail network is augmented by a further 750 kilometres of circular paths and side trails. This premium route offers something for everyone: for nature lovers there is the Bavarian Forest National Park, for gourmands the regional cuisine and for culturally minded visitors a wealth of fantastic attractions.

In 2013, specially designed benches and shelters will be added to the Goldsteig, making the trail easily recognisable and more walker-friendly.

On 20 April 2013 the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory is opening its doors and giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside its workshops as part of the 'MEISSEN® in Bloom - Garden of Eden' programme. Watch in amazement as designers and painters handcraft perfection in the shape of Meissen porcelain. And while the kids get stuck in to a painting competition or try their hand at drawing and modelling under the watchful eye of experienced staff, the rest of the family can browse the Meissen outlet store.

The porcelain workshops are just a short detour from the Saxon Wine Route – the perfect way to experience the rich and varied culture of Saxony.

When #Twonn2013 gets under way on 6 April 2013, Twitter will be abuzz with comments and creative pictures of the best sights in Bonn. The mainly young participants will be led through Bonn on a 'Twitter safari' – guided only by their smartphones. 'Tweeters' will have the chance to meet other followers in the flesh, and the event also puts the spotlight on Bonn's biggest tourist attractions. The day culminates in a group photo in front of the Old Town Hall, plus a Twitter wall for participant feedback.

Of course, there's more to Bonn than social media. While you're in this city of culture be sure to visit the Federal Art Gallery or marvel at the Rhine in Flames fireworks spectacular which takes place every year between May and September.

Visitors still have until 7 April 2013 to see selected works by internationally acclaimed artist Joan Miró on display at Schwetzingen Palace. The works date from 1928 to 1980 and clearly illustrate the development of his distinctive graphic style. The exhibition also includes ceramics, sculptures and photographs showing Miró's life and where he worked. Special guided tours for children are available for families with little ones.

Schwetzingen Palace exemplifies the Palatinate baroque style and is one of more than 70 castles and palaces on the German Castle Route. Schwetzingen is also within easy reach of the Fantastic Road, a scenic route that joins the dots between some of the prettiest towns and cities in Baden-Württemberg.

In 2013 the existing Roman Route cycle path will become the Roman Lippe Route. This new long-distance cycle route runs right across North Rhine-Westphalia from Detmold to Xanten. The 425km track follows the Lippe river, passing by numerous attractions including the Roman camp at Anreppen, several Roman history museums, the source of the Lippe and Lippesee lake. Not only will the route keep the whole family fit but it will keep them fascinated too, with opportunities to learn about Roman culture and the river – all in beautiful natural surroundings.

Meanwhile, the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route guides cyclists from the Sauerland region to the Ruhr area along a four-star track certified by the German Cyclists' Federation. And like every accredited bike route in Germany it's an absolute joy to ride.