'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.

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.

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.

Strolling around the historical centre of Staufen near Freiburg with its romantic courtyards, winding lanes and wonderful old buildings is like taking a step back in time. The open-air Wine and Music Festival is being held in the delightful setting of the old quarter until 3 June 2012 and offers regional specialities such as Baden wines and a programme of international music.

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.

Once a year, the otherwise genteel Westerland promenade on the North Sea island of Sylt is transformed into a highway to hell when several hundred bikers on iconic Harley-Davidsons gather for the Harley parade. The Harley-Davidson rally is fast becoming a tradition on Sylt and runs until 3 June 2012.

Düsseldorf is known first and foremost for the shops along Königsallee and the colourful carnival, for trade fairs and the Media Harbour , for altbier and the university hospital. But the city is also home to a large Japanese community. During Japan Day on 2 June 2012, Düsseldorf is celebrating its Japanese friends and neighbours through traditional customs and culture, fireworks and a range of events and information for people from Europe and the Far East.

Music takes centre stage on 2 June 2012 for the 2012 !Sing – Day of Song in the Ruhr region. Events in around 50 towns and cities, including Düsseldorf, Essen and Duisburg, give everybody the chance to sing along and simply enjoy the music. The idea of the day is for people to connect through song.

Jazz and blues are taking centre stage once again in Celle on 2 June 2012. 'Back to the roots' is the theme for this year's street parade, which draws its inspiration from the original parade in 1992. Numerous marching bands from Germany and other countries will take to the narrow lanes of Celle, bringing a touch of New Orleans to the picturesque old quarter.

'In search of the blue flower' is the theme for the 16th Carnival of Cultures in Bielefeld on 2 June 2012. The international street parade with its colourful masks and costumes is a festival of tolerance, attracting visitors from Germany and abroad. Festivities continue afterwards at Ravensberg Park.