The once heavily industrialised Ruhr region has been transformed into a cultural hotspot – and not only because of the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein mine. The Ruhr has much to offer in the way of culture and music – one highlight is the Rock im Pott festival, taking place in Gelsenkirchen on 25 August 2012.

Rock fans will also be in their element at Lake Constance. Celebrated bands such as Green Day and the Beatsteaks are performing in Constance at the Rock am See, one of southern Germany's most popular one-day festivals.