On 27 and 28 May 2012, visitors to Heldburg Fortress in Thuringia will feel as if they have stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. The abundance of market stalls and entertainment performed by minstrels, strolling players and knights will appeal to young and old alike. There is also plenty of food and drink to keep hunger at bay. The highlight of the event is the Celtic rock 'n' beat concert in the castle courtyard.

A festival and fair in the woods in Frankfurt might sound somewhat unconventional, but it has a long tradition in the city. The Frankfurt Forest Festival (Frankfurter Wäldchestag) has been celebrated by the locals for centuries as a way of showing their love for the city. And in 2012, people young and old will again be heading to Frankfurt's municipal forest between 26 and 29 May to keep this wonderful tradition alive.

The Night of Tales in the Spree Forest in Brandenburg offers a compelling insight into the history, customs, language and mythology of the Sorbian and Wendish communities. From 26 to 28 May 2012, visitors can enjoy a varied programme of cultural entertainment on Schlossberg hill in Burg in the Spree Forest, a town that is also renowned for its health and wellness facilities.

The spectacular Dragon Boat Festival is being held for the seventh time in Frankfurt on 26 May 2012. Over 4,000 enthusiastic paddlers take part in this popular sporting event. Dragon boats and steerers are provided by the organisers and a varied programme of entertainment is laid on for the crowds, with 60 or so stalls appealing to all age groups.

On 26 and 27 May 2012, the sand yachting elite will be delivering some awesome performances at the International Whitsun Regatta, reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour. The sandbank in the resort of St. Peter-Ording is not only one of the best sand yachting areas in the world but also serves as a great natural arena for spectators.

Until 28 May 2012, there is a treat in store for anyone walking through the Stetten vineyards near Kernen in the Württemberg wine region. At the Culinary Wine Walk wine festival in Kernen, vintners and restaurateurs will be serving fantastic food and fine wines to walkers at five gourmet stations in the vineyards.

Over the Whitsun weekend, from 25 to 28 May 2012, the spotlight is on sekt, wine and brandy from vineyards in the Ahr wine region. On the historical market square in Ahrweiler, visitors will be discovering the bounty of the region, enjoying fantastic music and savouring the atmosphere. There are over 200 different wines just waiting to be sampled by connoisseurs and novices alike.

The Romantic Wine Nights in the wine region around Bingen are the ideal choice for an evening out with friends or with your loved one. Between 25 and 27 May 2012, local wines, delicious food and live music form a winning combination in the vineyards close to this town on the fringes of the UNESCO World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley. Breathtaking scenery, including views of the Rhine and its castles, provides the perfect backdrop for a special evening.

From 25 to 26 May 2012, Hamburg docks will again become one big stage for the Elbjazz Festival. It offers visitors a superb programme of music with over 50 concerts at unusual venues. The spotlight is also on jazz on the North Sea island of Borkum, where the Borkumer Jazztage runs until 28 May. So if you enjoy jazz, or even just music at offbeat venues, be sure to head to Hamburg or Borkum this Whitsun weekend.

On 26 May 2012, more than 120 yachts will be going great guns in the waters between Kiel and Eckernförde. The 'Eel Regatta' (Aalregatta) offers something for all the family including short-distance races in Eckernförde bay on Sunday and accompanying entertainment on land until 28 May. Though known mainly for the regattas, this long-established event also has a reputation for being a fun, friendly occasion.