The new 'Haus der Berge' visitor centre is opening in Berchtesgaden National Park in May 2013. It will be more than just an information point as it will combine information and education centres and an outdoor area – a one-stop shop for nature discovery! It will present the unique, Alpine character of the national park, which rises 2,200 metres from the bottom of Lake Königssee to the summit of Mount Watzmann – a popular ascent for walkers.

The centre will shed light on diverse habitats and vegetation zones and set new standards in environmental education. The intention is for visitors to appreciate the main purpose of all national parks – the conservation of unspoilt nature – and to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.

The 150th anniversary of the birth of the great artist Edvard Munch is not only being celebrated in his native Norway this year, but also in places that were influential in his life and work.

From 6 July to 6 October 2013 the State Gallery in Stuttgart is presenting an exhibition entitled 'From the First Kiss to Death', featuring a collection of 60 graphic works by the artist, which the museum has procured through selected acquisitions since 1911. Emotions and psychological states, such as illness, fear, death, love, jealousy and despair, are motifs that run through Munch's work in various forms. He used metal plates, lithographic stones and woodcut blocks to create numerous variations on these recurring themes.

On 24 May 2013 cultural institutions in Speyer are opening their doors at an unusual hour. From 7pm to 2am, the top cultural attractions in this historic town, such as the Technology Museum, and many smaller museums and galleries will be offering exciting activities and events throughout the night for visitors of all ages.

It is also well worth paying a visit to the imperial cathedral, which was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1981. The cathedral has towered over the rooftops of Speyer for more than a thousand years and has a 60-metre-high viewing platform that affords wonderful views of the town centre.

From 1 to 4 July 2013 the eyes of the fashion world will again be on the German capital for Berlin Fashion Week. Designers, buyers, media representatives and celebrities will be gathering in the city to get an overview of the latest trends.

Berlin Fashion Week encompasses a whole range of high-profile events such as the Bread & Butter fashion fair, 'Premium' and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week . Even though some of the shows are only open to invited guests, Fashion Week is not just for industry insiders. The numerous events, exhibitions and parties that have sprung up around Fashion Week also give followers of fashion an insight into the fashion world.

This year's Cologne Pride festival, incorporating Christopher Street Day, will be taking place from 22 June to 7 July 2013. Held over the course of nearly two weeks, the spectacle is all about the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community standing up for their rights in a demonstration march. Parades like this one have been a regular feature in Cologne since 1991 and the festival is the largest event of its kind anywhere in Europe.

And there is plenty more to discover in Cologne besides this dazzling display, particularly when it comes to the local cuisine. Tantalise your taste buds with a visit to the chocolate museum or a traditional Cologne bar where you can sample regional specialities such as himmel und ääd ('heaven and earth') or a kölsch beer fresh from the barrel.

From 2 to 7 July 2013 it's time to get 'on board' on Sylt as the island hosts the annual Kitesurf World Cup. The elite of the kite-surfing world will be coming together for a truly unique showdown. While the pros perform tricks and defy nature, navigating the unruly waves in a show of sporting prowess, spectators can watch in amazement from the beaches of this beautiful North Sea island.

With nearly 40km of beach to explore, the island's western shore is also a fantastic spot to witness Mother Nature's daily ritual of high and low tide. And if the tide happens to be out, then it's the perfect opportunity to take a walk along the Wadden Sea mudflats, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

In the summer of 1988 Munich welcomed the first ever Tollwood Festival back when it was still a week-long event. This year marks its 25th anniversary, and since opening the festival has grown to nearly 30,000m² in size. These days the summer festival is part of Munich's cultural identity and you can experience it for yourself from 26 June to 21 July 2013. Every year up to 900,000 people visit the Olympic Park site to enjoy the extensive programme of music, theatre and shows spread across numerous stages. The cultural celebrations are rounded off with the 'market of ideas' where you can find bazaars and culinary specialities from every corner of the world.

The Thuringia region will be a veritable paradise for walkers during the Thuringian Summer of Walking from June to September 2013. During the summer months there will be a variety of events taking place in the most beautiful parts of the region. The series of events kicks off on 26 May in Ohrdruf, where hikers and ramblers will have their appetite whetted for the many themed walks that lie ahead. With 23 quality-certified walking trails of varying levels of difficulty, Thuringia is the ideal region to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking and the great outdoors.

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.