Horses and horse riding take centre stage at Eurocheval, the European equestrian trade fair held in Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg. On until 29 July 2012 it puts the focus on equestrian sport, horse rearing and horse husbandry. The trade fair is a popular attraction for young and old alike and offers an attractive supporting programme to complement the exhibitor stands.

Limburg in Hessen is hosting the annual Rheingau Wine Festival from 26 to 29 July 2012. Vintners from the Rheingau region will be showcasing their wines, which the many visitors can sample together with a mouthwatering array of food. The variety of accompanying entertainment and live music are bringing plenty of festival cheer to the town.

Visitors can enjoy the winning combination of music and wine in the Rheingau town of Oestrich-Winkel, where a jazz concert is being held at a selected wine estate every evening until 29 July 2012. Jazz bands representing a variety of genres will be providing the entertainment, while their audiences enjoy a glass of wine, regional food and a convivial atmosphere until late into the night.

The traditional Bremerhaven Festival Week, on from 25 to 29 July 2012, brings the Harbour Worlds summer season to a close. Its fun-packed programme features music, shows and ships galore, with something for all the family. The region is also ideal for excursions such as a walk on the coastal mudflats or a day at the beach.

Lake Rursee in the Eifel will be bathed in a magical glow from 25 to 28 August 2012. Each year thousands of people come to see the illuminations at this festival and to enjoy the live music and regional food and drink. A spectacular firework display lights up the skies above the lake every Saturday.

Wine is taking centre stage in Celle as the town hosts its wine festival from 25 to 29 July 2012. It offers German wines from the different vineyard regions and a wide selection of delicious food. Visitors can relax and while away the hours in the delightful setting of the market square while listening to live music being performed on stage.

The Queen Mary 2 is coming to Hamburg on 25 July 2012 and visitors will have the chance to watch this gargantuan cruise liner as she enters and leaves the port. The Queen Mary 2 is dropping anchor at the HafenCity West Cruise Center, right by the famous Speicherstadt warehouse district and the port theatre.

The Richard Wagner Festival continues in Bayreuth until 28 July 2012. This music and theatre festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, continually coming up trumps with exceptional productions. Operas by Richard Wagner are performed in the grand festival hall built on the fabled 'Green Hill', which was originally landscaped especially for this prestigious event.

Fans of cycling and the great outdoors will discover superb cycle routes in the Saarland offering mile after mile of enjoyable pedalling. Premium routes such as the Saar Cycle Route and Saarland Cycle Route take in beautiful unspoilt scenery and pass through the state capital Saarbrücken. The cross-border SaarLorLux Cycle Route connects Germany, France and Luxembourg.

The races in Bad Harzburg continue until 29 July 2012. This equestrian event is great fun for all the family and a fabulous opportunity to enjoy horse racing at the heart of the Harz nature reserve. Nailbiting action is guaranteed and there is a fantastic entertainment programme to accompany the week's racing.