On Heritage Day, or Tag des offenen Denkmals, sites of historical and cultural interest throughout Germany open their doors to the public. It's a fantastic way to delve into the past and gain new insights!

What's the difference between going on holiday and simply 'travelling'? With holidays, you're often bound to a specific schedule once you arrive at your destination. Yet when it comes to travelling, your journey is the destination. You can do much less than usual, and not feel bad about it – particularly in Germany, where it's easy to take things slow while you're on the move.

In the late 19th century, artists flocked to the tiny fishing village of Ahrenshoop on the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula of northern Germany. The colony that they established is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

What once served as tracks connecting mountain villages now attract hikers and other tourists – at least those with a head for heights and a sense of adventure.

Spanning venues from Dortmund to Dinslaken, the Ruhrtriennale is one of Germany's biggest and best arts festivals. It's not only the performances and installations that make it so, but also the venues that play host to them – which have their own authentic stories to tell.

The darkness transforms everyday locations into places that are almost magical. It reveals a different world that simply has to be seen and experienced – so much so that an entire film has now been dedicated to the subject.

Mild summer evenings and clear skies provide the perfect excuse to gather together for some fantastic entertainment. Germany is home to 170 or so actively used outdoor stages, leaving theatre-lovers spoilt for choice.

Germany's nationwide competition of sustainable tourist destinations has come to an end for another year. Though there can only be one winner, you'll find many more contenders in other regions, letting you enjoy travelling today with tomorrow in mind.

They're not just an attraction for kids and teens, Germany's theme parks are also record breakers when it comes to fun and speed.

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, looks back over a 200-year history. Its unique quality is in many ways the result of a close friendship, which has become cause for celebration this year.