The Hessentag festival, Germany's oldest regional festival, has taken place in different locations in Hessen every year since 1961 to showcase the diverse appeal of the region. This year's festival, which runs until 10 June 2012, offers a varied and entertaining programme with over 1,000 events including a parade, lots of music, cultural attractions, exhibitions and children's activities.

'The Archimedes Codex. On the trail of a genius' is the title of an exhibition running until 9 September 2012 in the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum in Hildesheim. Nowhere else in Europe can you find out more about the incredible odyssey of this ancient manuscript, the mathematician who wrote it and the world of antiquity.

First held in 1921, the Mozart Festival in Würzburg is one of the oldest music festivals in Germany. The 2012 programme, which runs until 1 July, features 50 classical music concerts at over 20 different venues in Würzburg. 'Mozart's Claviere' provides the theme for this journey of discovery through the world of historical keyboard instruments.

91st Mozart Festival in Würzburg

Cyclists in their thousands are gearing up to take part in the 15th Tour de Prignitz, which runs from 4 to 9 June 2012. In all six legs of this leisurely, stress-free route through the Brandenburg region, locals will be giving the cyclists a reception to remember in the towns along the way. At the end, the Tour de Prignitz town with the most participants will be declared the winner!

In 2012, Württemberg State Museum in Stuttgart is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a new permanent exhibition entitled 'LegendäreMeisterWerke. Kulturgeschichte(n) aus Württemberg' (LegendaryMasterWorks. Culture and History of Württemberg). Its 1,000-plus artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the early 20th century take you on an enthralling journey back through the history of the region.

'Ornament. Perspectives on Modernism' is the title of a new exhibition at the Kunstmuseum in Wolfsburg. On show until 6 January 2013, it displays engravings, etchings and prints from the 15th to the 18th century. The exhibition traces the history and development of this art form, highlighting the role played by the ornamental on modern abstract art.

In 2012, Germany is marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Frederick the Great. The life of this famous Prussian king is also being celebrated on stage. Entitled 'Mythos und Tragödie' (Legend and Tragedy), the musical based on Frederick the Great's life is a centrepiece of the anniversary year and will be wowing audiences daily until 30 June 2012 at Metropolis Hall in Potsdam.

The Moselle region with its picturesque vineyard scenery is a popular destination for cyclists and walkers. Taking place on 3 June 2012, the Happy Moselle car-free fun day is a great opportunity to explore the region on a bike or inline skates. The event promises a fun and entertaining afternoon along the 80km stretch of the river from Schweich to Reil with live music, typical Moselle food and children's entertainment.

Destination Germany boasts a wealth of cultural treasures and stunning natural landscapes, 36 of which have been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. The 2012 UNESCO World Heritage Day is taking place on 3 June under the banner 'exploring world heritage' with the aim of raising the profile of the sites, especially among children and young people.

As well as the main event in and around the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin, numerous events will also be taking place at other World Heritage sites in Germany.

On 2 and 3 June 2012, Cranzahl in Saxony is celebrating 115 years of the Fichtelbergbahn narrow-gauge railway and ten years of the Erzgebirgsbahn railway. Modern and historical trains operated by various railway companies will be travelling from Chemnitz, Annaberg-Buchholz, Aue, Schwarzenberg and the neighbouring Czech Republic to the festival in Cranzahl.