Germany is celebrating a number of anniversaries in 2013, including the bicentenary of the Battle of the Nations – which took place outside Leipzig in 1813 – and the centenary of the monument built to commemorate the battle. This year's events marking the critical turning point in the Napoleonic Wars are all about commemorating, celebrating and participating. The programme features exhibitions, talks and music events that explore historical, religious and political themes. Children and young people can learn all about the battle on an activity tour.

The highlight of the double celebration is the commemorative week in October entitled 'Leipzig 1813 – 1913 – 2013. A Landmark of European History', which focuses on the peaceful coexistence of nations.

At 91 metres in height, the Battle of the Nations monument is one of the largest monuments in Europe and was voted one of Germany's Top 100 sights.

The 2013 season marks the start of a new cycle for the Störtebeker Festival on the island of Rügen. From 21 June 2013, performances of 'The Beginning of a Legend' will present new stories about the adventures of pirate Klaus Störtebeker. With 150 cast and crew, four ships, 30 horses and a host of special effects, this family event at the Ralswiek open-air theatre on the Great Jasmund Lagoon promises to be a theatre experience to remember. There is also an opportunity to watch eagles, falcons and buzzards in free flight at the 'Kings of the Air' show. The firework display every evening is a real highlight.

The island of Rügen with its seaside resorts of Binz and Sellin is an ideal destination for wellness holidays. However, the scenic highlights of the island's nature reserves are also well worth discovering and include the famous Cape Arkona.

At this year's film nights on the Elbe movie-goers will once again be enjoying summer evenings under open skies with views of the beautiful Dresden skyline. From 27 June to 25 August 2013, around 50 films will be shown in the city on Europe's largest mobile cinema screen. But it's not just movie nights that are on offer here: the screen will also serve as a giant backdrop for ten sensational concerts.

Visitors to the largest open-air cinema festival in Germany can look forward to a host of other attractions in Dresden including Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady.

Movie buffs can also enjoy film nights on Theaterplatz square in Chemnitz from 4 July to 1 September.

Fans of equestrian sport will be gathering in Aachen from 21 to 30 June for the 2013 CHIO festival. Riders and their horses will be demonstrating their skills in five different disciplines. This equestrian event of international standing has been named the world's best tournament on several occasions. In addition to various sporting highlights, the accompanying entertainment also includes sensational shows for all the family.

North Rhine-Westphalia has plenty more to offer in the way of sport, including the German Football Route that takes in iconic sites of the national and international game.

Music theatre is spectacularly brought to life every year at the opera festival in Munich, the most traditional festival of its kind in the world. From 27 June to 31 July, the 2013 Munich Opera Festival at the Bavarian State Opera will focus on two composers celebrating an anniversary this year, Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi. Discounted tickets are available for families on family afternoons, and also for young people, who can purchase cheap tickets through the Junges Publikum programme.

The anniversaries of Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi are being celebrated throughout the year in Germany. For the 2013 Wagner Year , special concerts are taking place across the country from Leipzig to Bayreuth.

Every year spectators and participants enjoy a unique mix of competitive action, fantastic running, unspoilt scenery and holiday atmosphere at the EWE Nordseelauf run. The 12th EWE Nordseelauf will be taking place beside the North Sea from 15 to 22 June 2013 with eight sections from Borkum to Cuxhaven. It's up to the runners whether they run all of the stages or just individual sections or single legs – the main thing is the taking part. The Nordseelauf also sends out a message of anti-violence every year, doubling as a protest run against violence in society.

The event is a fantastic opportunity to see the natural scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Lower Saxony Wadden Sea at close hand and can easily be combined with a holiday on Germany's coast.

Every year, the independent market research institute Skytrax surveys some twelve million passengers from over 160 countries on the quality of service at nearly 400 airports. On the basis of the results, the major international hubs receive awards in various categories.

The service programme run by Fraport AG with its slogan 'Great to have you here' has proved very successful and helped Frankfurt Airport win the award for World's Most Improved Airport. Fraport's concept ensures greater convenience for arriving and departing travellers as well as quick transfers between connecting flights. To complement the airport's prayer rooms, other services will be offered in future to reflect the many different languages and cultures of passengers.

Originally launched as part of the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010, the EMSCHERKUNST summer of art is making a return this year. From 22 June to 6 October 2013, numerous places along the Emscher river, a tributary of the Rhine, will serve as a stage for German and international artists. Art will be on display in the open-air at a range of unusual public places – from industrial sites to open countryside. Participating cities include Duisburg, Oberhausen, Essen and Gelsenkirchen.

Information centres and people who are there especially to explain what the art is trying to express make the installations more easily accessible to visitors.

Other top events in the Ruhr region include the Ruhrtriennale and the Ruhr Theatre Festival.

The classic maritime event Kiel Week continues to delight crowds year after year. From 22 to 30 June 2013 Kiel plays host to one of the world's biggest competitive sailing events. Sailing enthusiasts and international elite sailors race in thrilling regattas that will have all types of visitors on the edge of their seats. There's also a variety of music and food & drink in store for spectators on the beaches and in many other spots along the Kiel Fjord and in the city centre. During Kiel Week, the Krusenkoppel open-air theatre is transformed into a huge adventure playground, where younger members of the family can let off steam under supervision. The highlight of the festival is the tall ships parade featuring a great many sailing ships, steamships and yachts.

Of course, Kiel is also worth a visit at any time of year and offers a range of other events, including the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival – one of the world's biggest classical music festivals.

The Bach Festival returns to Leipzig from 14 to 23 June 2013, this year with the theme of 'Vita Christi'. Leipzig is the perfect venue for such a festival because it is home to the St. Thomas choir as well as many sites associated with Bach. The extensive programme reflects the diversity of Bach's works and highlights his connection to the music city of Leipzig. It places emphasis not only on theatre and music but also on the subject of religion. The wider programme includes other events such as 'BACHmosphäre' and the family programme 'b@ch für uns'.