Narrow lanes with medieval half-timbered buildings, ancient abbeys and churches, Roman monuments, vineyards and castles – this is what makes Germany such a romantic destination. Thirteen historical cities in Germany have joined forces to create the Historic Highlights of Germany association. It puts the focus on destinations that have a particularly prominent history and strong appeal to visitors: in cities such as Freiburg, Trier and Münster, you can experience a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity. Don't miss the chance to take a tour through Germany's history and discover its many romantic cities – perhaps on a special occasion like a honeymoon.

The Potsdam Schlösserlauf (Potsdam Palaces Run), organised by Sportbund Potsdam e.V., is holding its tenth-anniversary event on 2 June 2013. For running enthusiasts and active holidaymakers this presents an ideal opportunity to visit the regional capital of Brandenburg. There is a half-marathon or 10km race, both of which are open to race walkers and Nordic walkers.

And away from the course as well, Potsdam is well worth a visit. Whether it's the Russian Alexandrowka colony or the wonderful rococo Palace of Sanssouci, where Frederick the Great once lived – there is much to marvel at in this former seat of the Prussian rulers. At the top of the list for families is the nearby Babelsberg Film Studios, where famous films such as 'Die Feuerzangenbowle' were made.

Thomas Mann, who was born in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, is one of the greatest German writers of all time. The city is home to Buddenbrooks House, named after Mann's Nobel Prize-winning novel 'Buddenbrooks'. Here you can find out all kinds of interesting information about the life, work and family of the famous novelist. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty this year, Buddenbrooks House is hosting a special exhibition from 14 June to 13 November 2013 about Buddenbrooks House and Heinrich Mann (Thomas Mann's brother) and his connection to France.

Afterwards, a stroll through Lübeck's old quarter, awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO®, is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the city's many facets. A walk past Lübeck's most famous landmark, the Holsten Gate, with a piece of the finest Lübeck marzipan in your hand – there is no better way to see the city!

It is going to get loud in Nuremberg's Dutzendteich Park from 1 to 3 June 2013 when the city hosts its annual Rock im Park music festival. The festival, which runs at the same time as Rock am Ring, is one of the biggest events in Germany, attracting nearly 80,000 people. Every year since 1997, fans of live music have been flocking to the festival and partying to the sounds of more than 60 well-known bands. This year's line-up includes world-famous acts such as Green Day as well as popular German pop and rock bands.

If you prefer something a little quieter, be sure to visit the beautiful centre of Nuremberg. With its picturesque buildings and countless museums – the Albrecht Dürer House for example – it has plenty to offer culturally minded visitors. And in winter, the Christmas market is a magical experience for all.

There are three opportunities (18-19 May, 15-16 June and 1 September 2013) to discover some of the most beautiful gardens in Rheinhessen. The countless different examples of garden design are testament to the versatility of this remarkable region. From arboretums through to English rose gardens and even lovingly tended herb gardens, nature lovers will be in awe with so many unique gardens to explore.

Afterwards, the magnificent old quarter in Mainz or the Hessian capital of Wiesbaden are well worth a visit. You can soak up the region's magical atmosphere there while sipping fine wine.

Following the success of the existing Discovery Centre in Berlin a new centre will be opening its doors in May 2013 in Oberhausen. Painstaking attention to detail has transformed this indoor park into a paradise for kids. Whether it's fighting off evil trolls with laser guns, singing on the LEGO® karaoke stage or seeing colourful pellets turned into those famous little bricks at the live factory show – there's something for everyone at the Discovery Centre. And after all those energetic activities you might feel like grabbing a bite to eat in the café or taking it easy in the 4D cinema.

As an alternative (or in addition), other attractions in the area include Sealife and Germany's biggest shopping centre, Centro Oberhausen. It's a mecca for shoppers, and also gives parents something to look forward to.

Ever wanted to touch a life-sized dinosaur or get close to prehistoric reptiles that still walk the earth today? Then head to the Klimahaus in Bremerhaven between 15 March and 3 November 2013 for an exhibition exploring 'Prehistoric Creatures – the Limits of Evolution'. It's a day out the whole family will enjoy.

Bremerhaven boasts plenty of other attractions too, including the German Emigration Centre. In the early 20th century, thousands of people passed through this city on the North Sea as they set sail across the 'pond' to embark on a new life in the distant land of America. This fascinating history is brought to life at the museum.

On 2 June the spotlight falls on the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Germany. 2013 marks the eleventh edition of this annual spectacle celebrated on the first Sunday of June. This special day is all about preserving and shaping UNESCO World Heritage, and encourages people to discover the reach and uniqueness of the UNESCO philosophy.

World Heritage Day in Germany is hosted by a different UNESCO site each year – and this time it's the turn of Bamberg with its World Heritage old quarter. There's lots going on here and at other World Heritage attractions such as the Messel Pit Fossil Site and Saalburg Roman fort, part of the Limes frontier in the Taunus hills.

There will be an explosive atmosphere in Hannover from 25 May to 21 September 2013 as the city hosts its 23rd International Firework Competition.

On five different dates, teams of pyrotechnicians from all over the world will be putting on impressive shows to demonstrate their skills. No expense will be spared on the colourful rockets and amazing displays that will light up the sky in spectacular fashion. To accompany the competition, events will be taking place in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. In the impressive setting of the gardens, visitors can enjoy a programme of theatrical performances, music and other firework-themed entertainment. Also worth a visit is Herrenhausen Palace, which is located in the gardens and has recently reopened after extensive restoration.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner, a host of events exploring the life of the great composer are taking place in Dresden this year. As part of the Richard Wagner anniversary year, cultural institutes in the capital of Saxony are hosting numerous events under the banner 'Dresden. where Wagner evolved into WAGNER'.

The exhibition at Dresden City Museum, on from 27 April to 25 August 2013, is especially worth seeing. It presents sites in the city associated with Wagner's life and work, and sheds light on the people who most influenced him as a person and as a creative individual.