Located in Wulsbüttel between Bremen and Bremerhaven, Hoope Park is one of the best off-road courses in Germany. It offers tracks of all difficulty levels for motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles. The park is especially suitable for recreational drivers and their families as it features a cross-country training course, children's course and beer garden.

Until 20 May 2012, stars from the world of classical music are descending on the small Swabian town of Ochsenhausen, south of Ulm, to perform before delighted audiences at the Benedictine abbey. This year, the artists in residence including Christian Altenburger, Christoph Schiller and Gérard Wyss are reinterpreting famous works by Mozart, Schumann, Beethoven and many others.

The 2012 Richard Wagner Festival is taking place from 16 to 22 May 2012 in Leipzig, the city where he was born. Wagner's famous opera 'Twilight of the Gods' provides the focus for this year's festival, which marks 199 years since the great composer's birth. Another highlight is the Speakers' Cube where well-known Leipzig personalities will give talks or musical renditions.

The International Charlemagne Prize has been awarded in Aachen since 1950. It recognises the outstanding contributions of individuals or institutions to the cause of European unity. The accompanying programme of events runs until 17 May 2012 and includes talks, panel discussions and a festival on Katschhof square behind the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Aachen.

Until 20 May 2012, Dresden is hosting the 42nd International Dixieland Festival 'Riverboat Shuffle', which sees top acts from the old-time jazz scene making guest appearances in Saxony. Thirty-nine musicians are performing at the festival's 28 concerts. To introduce the genre to a wider audience, Dresden city centre will be turned into a 'jazz mile' on 19 May 2012 where all-comers can enjoy the fantastic music absolutely free.

The International Day of Families has taken place on 15 May every year since 1993. Throughout Germany, there will be events, debates and activities highlighting the importance of the family as the fundamental pillar of society. The idea is also to strengthen public perception of the role of the family and to promote equality and the rights of children.

Anyone with a love of music will find plenty to enjoy in Dresden, Saxony's regional capital, until 3 June 2012. This year's Dresden Music Festival has 'Heart of Europe' as its theme, and explores the influence of the Royal House of Saxony on the Habsburg monarchy. The result is a creative mix of Hungarian and Bohemian folk music and the royal music of the era.

An exhibition running until 13 January 2013 at the Reiss Engelhorn Museums in Mannheim takes you back in time to the era of St. Benedict and the early monasteries. It highlights the important role played by monasteries in the Middle Ages in research, knowledge and education, and in the coming together of Europe. An insight is also provided into the lives of the monks and the emergence of the monastery as we know it today.

From 15 to 20 May 2012, the picturesque town of Boltenhagen is hosting the world championship in the biggest Olympic boat class, the laser. Located between the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Wismar and Lübeck, this Baltic seaside resort in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania promises five days of thrilling sporting action. The first Laser World Championship in Germany is also the last chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.

Until 20 May 2012, acclaimed artists are gathering in the seaside resort of Heringsdorf on Usedom Island to capture the beauty of the region on canvas. Under the banner '7 paint beside the sea', seven artists from five countries are working from various locations such as the Villa Irmgard Museum and the Loriot pier, one of the oldest piers in Germany.

The cycling and activity week on Föhr, which runs until 20 May 2012, is a great opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore the island and keep fit. Visitors can learn all about this beautiful North Sea island on the many guided cycling tours. There is also an extensive programme of recreational activities, including sailing, horse riding and Nordic walking – perfect for relaxation!

The Johann Strauss Festival in the modern, cosmopolitan city of Dresden features an exceptional programme of operettas until 20 May 2012. The Strauss classic 'Die Fledermaus' is followed by famous and lesser known works. The concert version of 'Carnival in Rome', presented by German cabaret star Désirée Nick, is a real highlight.

The 22nd International Firework Competition in Hannover, one of the leading competitions of its kind in the world, has started with a bang. Until 22 September 2012, top pyrotechnicians from five countries will be lighting up the skies above Herrenhausen Gardens and there's also a great programme of entertainment for the whole family.

A new way of exploring Bavarian Swabia is being launched in May 2012 for iPods and smartphones. These fantastic audio tours whisk visitors back to the times of witches and knights and reveal to them the secrets of the moors. And with six different tours to choose from – three walks, two town tours and one driving tour – there is also plenty of variety.

The Jazzfest in Bonn showcases the diversity of the jazz genre in all its many facets. Until 19 May 2012, seven venues in the city centre are hosting acclaimed acts such as the WDR Big Band, Michael Heupel and Uwe Kropinski. The event is a real highlight for lovers of great music!

As part of the anniversary celebrations to mark 300 years since the birth of Frederick the Great, the town of Grossderschau in Brandenburg is hosting a potato festival on 13 May 2012. There will also be a large farmers and crafts market, speciality food and drink and numerous attractions for all the family.

On 13 May 2012, St. Peter Ording plays host to the Eighth Nordic Walking Half Marathon. The beautiful North Sea coast provides the backdrop for the signposted 21km route running along the Ordinger Strand beach. And because times are not recorded, there is no competitive angle. The focus is much more on doing your best and having fun!

The GTM Germany Travel Mart™ is the biggest annual marketplace for inbound tourism to Destination Germany. Tourism providers from Germany will be meeting with influential buyers from the international travel industry between 13 and 15 May 2012 in Leipzig. Hosts for the event are the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH and Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH. This year's GTM is putting the focus on Green Meetings for the very first time.

The Baltic seaside resort of Damp provides the setting for the Roll & Skate inline skating extravaganza on 12 and 13 May 2012. A feature of the Saturday is the half marathon. Handbikes, recumbent bikes and push scooters are also allowed, and a highlight for the little ones arrives on Sunday in the form of the children's race.

On 13 May 2012, Mother's Day is being celebrated in Germany and in a number of other western countries. It's a day for children to express their love and gratitude to their mothers by giving presents and making a special effort. Originally conceived as an occasion for sending flowers, Mother's Day has been celebrated in Germany for 90 years.

On World Fish Roll Day, stalls and kiosks will be offering delicious fish rolls in all their many varieties along the length of the Baltic coast of Schleswig-Holstein from Lübeck to the Danish border. This popular event is accompanied by a programme of entertainment ranging from a fish roll contest to a themed activity day. Besides fish rolls, visitors can of course look forward to many other culinary delights from Schleswig-Holstein.

For over 30 years now, dancers from all over the world have been coming to Frankfurt for the Hessen tanzt dance competition. The event on 12 and 13 May 2012 is the world's biggest amateur dance tournament and is a great opportunity to watch ballroom and Latin American dancing live. Away from the competitions, visitors can find out about the latest dancing trends and enjoy spectacular shows.

A fantastic culinary experience awaits visitors to the Hohenlohe open-air museum in Schwäbisch Hall-Wackershofen. At the Cheese Market of Southern Germany on 12 and 13 May 2012, small dairies from Germany and abroad will be showcasing their finest artisan cheeses. Other regional specialities will also be on offer, such as fine wines from the Württemberg wine region.

The Notenspur Music Trail in Leipzig, home of St. Thomas Choir, opens for the first time on 12 May 2012. This major occasion is being marked by a festival of music involving the whole community. There will be music and dance throughout the city in honour of this great new visitor experience, whose three different tours allow Leipzig's many musical attractions to be explored on foot or by bike.

The tenth Dresden Theatre Night, the showcase evening for Dresden's wide-ranging arts scene, takes place on 12 May 2012. In addition to the famous Semper Opera House, the regional capital of Saxony offers a huge range of theatres and cultural events.

The spa town of Bad Schandau is hosting the fourth Saxony walking festival (Sächsische Wandertage) from 11 to 13 May 2012. The guided walks on offer are a wonderful way for the whole family to explore the region. There are wonderful views of the Elbe valley and surrounding peaks on a network of marked trails covering more than 1,200km.

The spotlight is on ships, maritime themes and Hamburg docks from 11 to 13 May 2012, as the Hanseatic city celebrates the biggest port festival in the world. Hundreds of thousands of visitors will line the banks of the Elbe to enjoy fresh fish rolls, watch the tugboat ballet and marvel at the spectacular firework displays over the port buildings. So come along and experience the fantastic atmosphere at the Port Anniversary!

Bookworms, writers, publishers and other members of the arts community will be gathering in Mainz from 11 to 13 May 2012 to network and share ideas in a relaxed atmosphere at the Mainz Literature Festival. All aspects of literature come to the fore here, and just as much attention is given to young and experimental authors as to sound performances and other unusual facets of the arts scene.

The popular Himmelfahrtsmarkt in the beautiful town of Kempten, Bavaria, gets under way on 11 May 2012. This typical German volksfest with its fairground rides and stalls is fun for the whole family. There will be plenty of entertainment and culinary delights from all over the world on Königsplatz until 20 May 2012.

The 40th May Festival in Osnabrück is taking place from 11 to 20 May 2012 and features a varied line-up of performers across ten different stages. The Hanseatic town is also putting on a wide-ranging programme of entertainment for visitors of all ages. This typical German volksfest opens with the barrel-tapping ceremony on 11 May 2012.

The Gloria church trade fair is being held at the Schwabenhallen in Augsburg – the city of parity and religious peace – for the first time from 10 to 12 May 2012. Open both to members of the public and the trade, this is the largest and most important ecclesiastical fair in the German-speaking countries. An extensive programme of talks, music and discussions rounds off the event.

The Gloria church trade fair is being held at the Schwabenhallen in Augsburg – the city of parity and religious peace – for the first time from 10 to 12 May 2012. Open both to members of the public and the trade, this is the largest and most important ecclesiastical fair in the German-speaking countries. An extensive programme of talks, music and discussions rounds off the event.

This popular equestrian event, hosted by Carl Graf von Hardenberg, is taking place from 10 to 13 May 2012 at the foot of the historical Hardenberg Castle ruins, north of Göttingen, and sees the world's show jumping elite competing for the Golden Whip. The tournament takes place at the same time as the Hardenberg Klassika, a garden design and lifestyle festival held in the grounds of the Hardenberg estate.

The talented acrobats and performers of Salto Globale will be captivating audiences from 10 to 20 May 2012. Held in the grand marquee in Mainz, the show combines the best of Cologne pop music with amazing circus acts. It brings together the four elements of earth, fire, water and air and promises to be an experience to remember!

Sekt, Germany's sparkling wine, is perfect for parties and for making toasts – and that's reason enough to celebrate the drink itself! The Bingen Sekt Festival in Rhineland-Palatinate sets the ball rolling from 10 to 12 May 2012 against the magnificent backdrop of Klopp Castle. Sparkling wines come under the spotlight again on 13 May, when sekt wineries of all sizes in the rest of the country celebrate German Sekt Day 2012.

The town of Winningen, idyllically situated on the Moselle, is hosting its third art festival from 11 to 13 May 2012, bringing together art, wine, daily life and creative flair. In an informal atmosphere, 15 international artists will be displaying their works. Tours are possible with or without a guide, and some are accompanied by music.

The largest cold-water geyser in the world can be found in the Namedyer Werth conservation area on the fringes of the Eifel hills, reports Spiegel Online. Located in the small town of Andernach on the Rhine, the fountains of water erupt to heights of up to 60m and are in part a side effect of the volcanic activity in the Eifel region.

The Empress Elisabeth Museum in Possenhofen, Bavaria, is showing a special exhibition entitled 'Empress Elisabeth at Lake Starnberg' about the life of the young monarch. It sheds light on Elisabeth's carefree childhood years at her father's palace in Munich and her close family ties, which led her to return there every summer even when she was empress. There is also a new concept for the museum's permanent collection.

Until 13 May 2012, the Kunsthalle gallery in Hamburg is presenting works by celebrated contemporary artists such as Ferdinand Hodler, Aleksandr Deyneka and Neo Rauch. Featuring over 80 paintings, the 'Exhausted Heroes' exhibition explores the utopian ideal of the new man and its history in the 20th century.

It is Europe Day on 9 May 2012 – and to celebrate peace and unity in Europe, activities and events are being held in Berlin and throughout the rest of Germany. This annual event aims to give people a sense of European unity and make them feel part of Europe, and features panel discussions, plays and much more besides.

On 9 May 2012, experts from the tourism industry are meeting in Berlin to hold lectures and discussions highlighting the importance of the new Berlin Brandenburg airport. Throughout the day, key representatives from the industry, including Burkhard Kieker, Managing Director of VisitBerlin, will be exploring the opportunities that the airport will create for Berlin as a leisure and business destination.

Electrically powered bikes are becoming more and more popular because they take a lot of the effort out of cycling long distances and up steep hills. A route from Berlin to Copenhagen is now the first international long-distance cycling tour to reflect this trend. Over the course of 600 kilometres, there are 57 charging stations for topping up electric bike batteries. This route is also open to anyone wanting to try their hand at driving a segway – another new craze!

Artists, industry representatives and cartoon fans will be gathering in Stuttgart, the regional capital of Baden-Württemberg, for the 19th International Festival of Animated Film from 8 to 13 May 2012. This is one of the largest and most important festivals in the world for this genre and features workshops, award presentations and, of course, screenings of animated films.

A cheerful theme provides the focus for a special exhibition at the Episcopal Cathedral and Diocesan Museum in Mainz. 'Seliges Lächeln und höllisches Gelächter' (Blessed Smiles and Hellish Laughter) looks at laughter in medieval art and culture. Until 16 September 2012, the exhibition raises the question of how people in the Middle Ages laughed, who was allowed to laugh and what they laughed about.

Culturally minded visitors from all over the world will be flocking to Wiesbaden from 28 April to 31 May 2012 for the 116th International May Festival (Internationale Maifestspiele). Kirsten Harms – former director of the Deutsche Oper in Berlin – and her team are presenting a varied mix of inhouse productions and guest performances. Wagner's romantic opera 'Lohengrin' opens the festival.

A true piano legend will be appearing at the Mercatorhalle at the CityPalais in Duisburg on 8 May 2012 at 8pm. Famous concert pianist Daniel Barenboim, who has been a loyal supporter of the Ruhr Piano Festival for many years, providing many musical highlights, will focus this year on the piano compositions of Franz Schubert. The pieces that are being performed were also great favourites of Robert Schumann.

The Rothenbergkreuz in Geisenheim in the Rheingau wine region has been named the first of Germany's '13 Most Beautiful Vineyard Views', reports the German Wine Institute. These are views of the thirteen German wine regions whose exceptional beauty has something both for nature lovers and for wine enthusiasts. A sculpture standing nearly three metres will mark each of the views.

Last weekend saw the start of celebrations for the thousand-year anniversary of Bamberg imperial cathedral. Part of this is a special exhibition running until 31 October 2012: 'Towards the heavens – 1,000 years of Bamberg imperial cathedral 1012-2012' offers a journey back through a millennium of history and grants access to places usually closed to visitors. The cathedral treasury also welcomes the return the Reliquary Crown of Henry II in replica form. A host of family events in the coming weeks provide a great opportunity to join in the celebrations.

The annual Green Sauce Festival in Frankfurt am Main runs until 12 May 2012 on Rossmarkt square. A culinary extravaganza in honour of Frankfurt's signature sauce, it sees top chefs from the region conjure up their delicious creations at an evening show to be tasted and rated by festival-goers. Acclaimed artists feature in the evening programme of entertainment.

A new exhibition opens on 5 May 2012 at Friedenstein Palace in Gotha entitled 'Mit Lust und Liebe singen' (singing with love and passion). It takes the most beautiful German hymns, hymn books and historical musical instruments and presents them in their historical context. As well as being able to look at the exhibits and hear some of the music, visitors also have the opportunity to sing themselves.

This year, great names in the world of piano music return to the Ruhr region to enthral music lovers at the Ruhr Piano Festival from 5 May to 14 July 2012. Alongside already established artists, the programme features up-and-coming musicians who have the chance to prove themselves in front of a big audience. Many pieces are given their premiere at the festival and the Little Piano School introduces the little ones to the piano.

The Electoral Palace in Koblenz provides the historical setting for a wine tasting on 6 May 2012, which is being hosted by the best wineries in the six vineyard regions of Rhineland-Palatinate: Ahr, Middle Rhine, Moselle, Nahe, Palatinate and Rheinhessen. Wine at the Palace (Wein im Schloss) offers connoisseurs the chance to sample a number of top wines produced from different grape varieties and in different regions.

This year, the Westweg is hosting the opening of the Black Forest walking season for the very first time. To mark the occasion, 15 stations have been set up along the waymarked trail providing a varied range of entertainment – from music, food & drink and activities for kids to guided walks and guided tours. The Westweg is a popular choice among walkers because of its idyllic location and glorious views.

The Trollinger Marathon in Heilbronn, the region's biggest amateur sporting event, takes place this year on 6 May 2012. But it's not just for runners. The name Trollinger comes from a local grape variety so there's also the chance to enjoy the finest Württemberg wines and much more besides. A prize is awarded for the most unusual costume and the many trackside wine tastings fly the flag for one of Germany's best red wine regions.

As part of an initiative to get Germany moving, the German Spa Association is calling for people to dust off their walking poles and take part in the 10th German Nordic Walking Day on Sunday 6 May 2012. In the Kneipp hydrotherapy resort of Gras-Ellenbach, newcomers and seasoned striders alike can try out Nordic walking and walking for fitness under professional instruction, regardless of their ability or experience.

The inaugural Uckermark Walking Day: on 6 May 2012, the Uckermark region in north-east Germany is inviting the whole family to join guided walks in the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park. Each of the three routes is approximately 8km in length and all lead to Boitzenburg. From there, the Uckermark shuttle service returns walkers back to Prenzlau and Templin in the evening.

The town of Offenburg is located at the heart of the sunny Baden wine region, between the river Rhine and the Black Forest amid the vineyards and orchards of the Ortenau. For the friendly and hospitable locals, wonderful wines and excellent food are part of everyday life. In addition to the region's modern vinotheks and lively wine festivals, the Baden Wine Fair in Offenburg on 5 and 6 May 2012 gives visitors another opportunity to discover the delights of Baden wines, brandies, sekt and other culinary highlights.

On 5 and 6 May 2012, the town of Weyher in the Palatinate wine region offers visitors a chance to enjoy the wonderful vineyard scenery as well as gourmet food on the Weyher Wine Panorama walk. At the most scenic vantage points, local vintners will invite participants to sample some of their wines, which will be accompanied by culinary specialities from the Palatinate region prepared by local restaurants.

On 5 May 2012, seventy-eight museums, galleries and exhibitions in Leipzig and Halle will be open from 6pm to 1am for the nachtaktiv night of culture. The varied entertainment programme offers visitors of all ages a fascinating introduction to the world of art and culture. Tickets are also valid for travel on buses and trains, enabling people to visit exhibitions in both cities.

This year's Rhine in Flames on 5 May 2012 will once again be drawing gasps of delights from the crowds along a stretch of the Rhine between Bonn and Linz. In addition to the five fireworks displays, there will be 60 illuminated boats on the water and a host of castles, hilltops and other sights lit up on the riverbanks. Festivals featuring live bands are also taking place on the promenades in Bonn, Linz, Remagen and a number of other towns.

On 5 and 6 May 2012, passionate runners have a great opportunity to put their fitness to the test in the city of Mainz. The route of the Mainz Marathon runs through the beautiful old quarter, past the thousand-year-old cathedral and across the bridge to the opposite side of the Rhine. Along the way there is a range of entertainment on offer for spectators as well.

The Theatertreffen series, part of the Berliner Festspiele theatre festival, takes place from 4 to 21 May 2012 in Berlin. It features the ten most noteworthy theatre performances from the past year as selected by an independent jury comprising seven people. There are also lots of youth competitions for promoting new talent, giving audiences the chance to see new plays and the stars of tomorrow.

While touring the museum at Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, visitors can now also see a special exhibition entitled 'Luther's Picture Biography' from 4 May 2012 to 31 March 2013. Back in the 19th century, the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach commissioned famous painters from Weimar to capture Martin Luther's legacy in art. These 18 paintings are now on show and create a fascinating visual picture of the great Reformer's life.

Now in its 23rd year, the International Lake Constance Festival is taking place from 4 May to 3 June 2012. The basic idea is that the Lake Constance region forms one cultural whole despite extending across three countries – and this is reflected in a great variety of cultural entertainment all around the lake that includes chamber concerts, organ recitals, dance performances and a 'literature ship'. The singing weekend is a real highlight of the festival and gives amateur singers the chance to work with professionals.

The Leipzig Lakes sports association is inviting walking enthusiasts to don their walking boots and explore the beautiful countryside around Leipzig on the seven lakes walk (Sieben-Seen-Wanderung). The ninth edition of this walking extravaganza takes place from 4 to 6 May 2012. There's something for all ages – from a short 4km route to a 104km trek. The seven lakes walk has also maintained a tradition of informality to make it easier for people to get to know each other.

From 4 to 6 May 2012, beach polo teams from Germany and abroad will be gathered in Timmendorfer Strand near Lübeck for the Holstein Masters. Players and their horses compete for the title against the beautiful backdrop of the Baltic Sea. But the exciting matches are not all there are to see – in recent years, the Beach Polo Masters has attracted increasing numbers of VIP and celebrity guests.

Asparagus season is here! Until late June, the white variety of this delicious vegetable will be harvested along the Lower Saxony Asparagus Route, the Baden Asparagus Route and many other places in Germany. Asparagus is a delicacy in regional dishes and a true culinary delight when enjoyed with a glass of German wine. Events and activities take place in many regions of Germany to tie in with the asparagus season.

Until 6 May, there is even more reason to visit Schwerin, the regional capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as the city hosts a programme of culturally and socially significant films at the filmkunstfest. The feature film and short film competition at the festival puts the focus on guest country Russia, with many of the entries screened in their original language with German subtitles.

The International Variety Festival is taking place for the fourth time in Sennfeld near Schweinfurt. From 3 to 12 May 2012, variety artist Dirk Denzer presents four completely new two-hour shows entitled Variety Dream Travels, Avant-Garde Variety, Creating Laughter and Worlds of Light. The many magical moments are sure to captivate audiences.

The Munich Biennale traditionally features several opera premieres and this year's event from 3 to 19 May 2012 is no exception. Loss, love and yearning, fundamental themes of life, provide the central focus. The wide-ranging programme of entertainment also includes concerts by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and the Munich Chamber Orchestra as well as projects at several schools.

The Köstritzer Mirror Marquee, once an attraction at funfairs and festivals in the Netherlands, is now hosting a fantastic programme of entertainment for culturally minded visitors. In May and June 2012, thirty-three different acts will be performing at the marquee on Beethovenplatz in Weimar. Acclaimed singers Anna Depenbusch and Jasmin Tabatabai plus four a cappella bands, including Maybebop, feature in the line-up.

For the fourth time, big names in world music and jazz will be performing a wide spectrum of music at Waldfrieden Sculpture Park in Wuppertal as part of the Klangart concert series. The line-up includes internationally acclaimed artists such as Ana Moura and Chico Freeman. African sounds add a further dimension to the programme and accompany an exhibition of Nigerian sculptures and masks at the sculpture park.

Mannheim is not only a popular destination for lovers of wine and fine dining. One of the city's oldest attractions is the May Market. First documented in 1613, it is one of the biggest regional fairs in Germany and showcases more than 20,000 products and services in an area of over 75,000 square metres. The fair is an opportunity for consumers to find out about products of interest, test them out and – if they like them – make a purchase there and then.

Wineries, wine cellars, courtyards, taverns and restaurants in the Rheingau region are taking part in the ten-day 'Schlemmerwochen' festival from 27 April to 6 May 2012. During the event, over 120 wine-growers and restaurateurs will be inviting visitors to sample specialities from the Rheingau region, and presenting the new 2011 vintage to the public for the first time. As well as regional food and drink, there will be music and dancing.

A new exhibition in Düsseldorf provides the perfect excuse to take a cultural city break on the Rhine. The 'El Greco and Modernism' exhibition at the Kunstpalast Museum in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, runs until 12 August 2012 and presents the works of Spanish master El Greco (1541-1614). A hundred years ago, a first exhibition of his paintings inspired artists of the Modernist period such as August Macke and Franz Marc.

More than 100,000 cyclists already know that the Weser Cycle Route is well worth a trip and it's now official! In a survey, 99 per cent of respondents said that they would recommend the route to friends and relatives. As well as the scenic countryside, the cycle-friendly bus services are a real highlight. The Spargel-Linie or 'Asparagus Line', for example, makes it possible for cyclists to freely alternate between bus and bike along the route.

Once again, top teams from the cycling world are lining up for the classic Eschborn-Frankfurt city loop (Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt). This sporting event is open to professionals as well as those cycling for fun and inline skaters. The race attracts a large number of spectators, who also enjoy the great programme of accompanying entertainment.

Munich is most famous for the Oktoberfest, but there are many more festivals in the city that are great fun for visitors of all ages – this includes the Auer Dult, which takes place three times a year in the Munich district of Au. The first after the winter break is the May Dult (ends 6 May 2012), which celebrates the start of spring and the new Dult festival season.

The 19th Erlangen Rädli on 1 May 2012 is a great cycling rally for the whole family. Participants get to explore Erlangen and the surrounding region on three different routes, with the many stops along the way making it a really enjoyable experience. Afterwards, cyclists and spectators alike can try their luck at the tombola on Rathausplatz square.

The 170km German Fen Route passes through the scenic East Frisian countryside and is ideal for long-distance cycling tours. To mark its 20th anniversary, there will be guided electric bike tours, an anniversary tour pass and a host of events. A highlight of the anniversary year is the celebration on 1 May at the Pünte, the last remaining hand-operated ferry in Europe.

A parade of the nine historical paddle steamers and two pleasure cruisers belonging to the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt fleet is taking place on 1 May 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity to see these historical boats at close quarters, enjoy live music on board and take in some beautiful views of the Elbe river scenery near Dresden.

Take time for yourself and enjoy the pleasures of wine and culture in the Moselle wine region, where there have been vineyards for 2,000 years. From 28 April to 3 June 2012, more than 80 different events are taking place around Saarburg, Trier and Koblenz as part of the WeinKulturZeit season. The wide-ranging programme includes active pursuits in the vineyards and at places of historical interest as well as cultural entertainment at wineries and restaurants.

Every year on the feast day of St. Walpurga, hordes of revellers in witches' costumes gather on the summit of Mount Brocken in the Harz mountains to celebrate Walpurgis Night. This traditional German festival, an extravaganza of broomsticks and dancing, now attracts people from all over the country. Why not join the thousands of would-be witches on the night preceding the first of May and turn back the clock to the Middle Ages?

Fans of electronic music, and any other music fans looking for a great party, should head to Dortmund on 30 April 2012. The Westfalenhallen complex in Dortmund is the venue for 'MAYDAY Made in Germany', which has set the standard for many rave parties all over the world. Featuring more than 50 DJs and live acts, it promises to be a night to remember.

Health-conscious holidaymakers and thalassotherapy fans will be congregating on the island of Juist from 29 April to 4 May 2012. This island in the North Sea is offering a selection of top packages for the start of the summer. Visitors looking to get away from it all can book courses teaching them yoga, relaxation techniques, cooking and even how to be happy, as well as numerous spa and wellness treatments.

The Jazz Spring Festival in Kempten offers plenty of variety again this year with over 90 concerts on the programme. From 30 April to 6 May 2012, music fans can enjoy the sounds of the Allgäu's largest jazz festival. The event boasts the highest jazz stage in Germany in terms of altitude, and there are also a number of free concerts giving newcomers a taste of the genre.

Spring arrives and nature bursts into life in the vineyards of Germany – which is why young vintners and chefs are hosting a leisurely wine-themed walk through the Bopparder Hamm vineyards in the Middle Rhine region on 29 April 2012.

Those who prefer to enjoy the grapes after they have been harvested might also like to visit the 4th Esslingen Wine Forum on 28 and 29 April. Regional vintners will be showcasing over 100 wines from the Württemberg wine region and inviting visitors to sample them.

You know that the wild garlic season has started in Germany when the forests are filled with its unmistakable smell. This is the time of year when the annual Wild Garlic Festival takes place at Lorch Abbey in the Rheingau wine region. It provides information on wild garlic and other herbs and medicinal plants and the benefits they have for our health. The festival takes place on 29 April 2012 in the abbey courtyard and also features a herb and flower market, guided tours, talks and wild garlic specialities.

On 29 April 2012, the tourism association for the Liebliches Taubertal (Charming Tauber Valley) is putting on a special steam train to Bamberg, where visitors can take a guided tour of this town famous for its cathedral and its beer. One of the main attractions is the old quarter, which has been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO.

On the route from the Tauber Valley to Bamberg, visitors can board the train at various stops including Tauberbischofsheim, Lauda, Würzburg, Rottendorf and Schweinfurt.

In 2012, Potsdam, the regional capital of Brandenburg, is celebrating the 300th anniversary of Frederick the Great's birth in style with a grand anniversary exhibition in Sanssouci Park and at the New Palace. Entitled Friederisiko, it offers twelve themed sections devoted to the life and times of the Prussian king. As well as exquisite interiors and remarkable artefacts, the exhibition offers new perspectives on Frederick as a person and on the era in which he reigned.

From 28 April to 1 May 2012, Germany's top kitesurfers will be celebrating the start of the German Championships, being held for the first time in the Baltic seaside resort of Damp. Visitors can look forward to some thrilling competitions in the freestyle and race disciplines, followed by a big beach party. Aside from the championships, there is also lots going on – in, on and beside the water.

The centre of Constance will once again become a hotspot for jazz fans as the town hosts its Jazz Downtown festival. The opening concert is taking place in the minster, the town's most famous landmark. A multitude of bands will be performing a mix of jazz styles until 1am. All of the proceeds from the event, which closes with a big aftershow party, are donated to the Constance Hospice Association.

In association with regional wine promoters, the German Wine Institute is hosting a wine and walking weekend (WeinWanderWochenende) on 28 and 29 April 2012. There are 150 guided tours offering walking enthusiasts various opportunities to discover the scenic landscapes, wine regions and culinary delights of Germany – on challenging or leisurely walks, at wine festivals and wine tastings.

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Culturally minded visitors will be in their element in Berlin on 28 April 2012. Over 56 theatres will be opening their doors and staging 150 different programmes, with entertainment ranging from opera and variety to dance. Special performances for the little ones begin at 4pm and the ‘theatre for all’ gives the older ones the opportunity to tread the boards themselves.

On 28 April 2012, guests from the worlds of politics, business and German gastronomy will spend an evening sampling the very best German wines. At the Kurhaus in Wiesbaden in the Rheingau wine region, the finest German wines will be paired with dishes created by Germany's star chefs. British tenor Paul Potts is the evening's top act.

On 28 April 2012, the museums and galleries of Hamburg and Düsseldorf will be starting a wide-ranging cultural programme at a time when they are usually ushering the last visitors out of the doors. Museums Night takes place on the same evening in both cities and provides a great opportunity for people to look round exhibitions and enjoy dance performances, films, music, guided tours and much much more.

Regional garden shows are starting in two different towns this weekend. In idyllic Nagold in Baden-Württemberg, the 3,000 supporting events offer a broad range of entertainment for the whole family. A real highlight in addition to the flower displays is the big German golden oldies party on 5 May. There is also lots to discover in the town of Loebau in Saxony, including an appearance on stage by the Sorbian National Ensemble.

The vibrant city of Berlin becomes a forum for modern art as it hosts the Berlin Biennale from 27 April to 1 July 2012. Every two years, the festival gives acclaimed curators an opportunity to seek dialogue with the city, the public and people interested in art. The wide-ranging programme of events at various locations in the German capital offers visitors a chance to discover new artistic developments and visions.

The Gallery Weekend in Berlin from 27 to 29 April 2012 is a real must for art lovers. A host of galleries and institutions take part in the weekend and use it as an opportunity to open their new exhibitions of contemporary art. Over the last eight years, this event has become well established in the German art scene and attracts visitors from all over world.

From 27 to 29 April 2012, church choirs from around the world are congregating in Leipzig to celebrate the Luther decade. This ties in with the 800th anniversary of St. Thomas Choir, a special focus for the German National Tourist Board this year. The IRMF is special because it's not just about choirs from different countries getting together. A love of music and the enjoyment of singing with others are at the heart of this festival.

The town of Weinstadt in the Rems valley near Stuttgart is celebrating its wine festival from 27 April to 1 May 2012, as regional vintners and restaurateurs invite locals and visitors to the 'wine village' on the historical market square. The food and drink on offer ranges from Swabian specialities such as rostbraten and the signature trollinger wine from the Württemberg wine region to racy rieslings, sekt and fresh prawns.

Film fans can look forward to a fantastic programme at the 58th International Short Film Festival in Oberhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, from 26 April to 1 May 2012. Because of the extraordinary spectrum of formats and genres that are presented at the festival, plus the numerous competitions, the event is also of interest to curators, editors and journalists.

Surrounded by water and known for its historical market gardens, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bamberg in Bavaria is hosting the Regional Garden Show from 26 April to 7 October 2012. The show's five 'garden islands' each have a different horticultural or conservation theme. In Bamberg's newly designed park there is a 1.2km fish ladder that makes the river Regnitz accessible to fish again, and a pyramid meadow affording glorious views.

The Access all Areas design festival is now taking place for the sixth time in Wiesbaden. As every year, the event offers an attractive programme for the creative industries , local companies, students and anyone with an interest in design. Interesting talks are given, and there is ample opportunity for discussion and for making all sorts of new contacts.

If you love the water and all things maritime be sure not to miss WasserWelten (water worlds) in Bremerhaven this weekend. People will be there to look at boats, try them out and perhaps even buy them. But that's not all. There is also a varied programme of entertainment for visitors of all ages, which includes competitions, historical ships to marvel at, an evening tour on the illuminated river Weser and the 'dance into May' festival.

Oranienbaum Palace, set amid beautiful countryside near Dessau, is part of the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz – a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports, German Federal President Joachim Gauck welcomed Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to the palace on 25 April 2012 for the opening of a new exhibition on Dutch design.

The 2012 European Medical Travel Conference, a key forum for the medical tourism industry in Europe, is taking place in Berlin from 25 to 27 April 2012. As an EMTC partner, the German National Tourist Board is using the event to present Germany as a destination of choice for medical treatment and healthcare.

The Shadowland tour is coming to many towns and cities in Germany in 2012, and from 25 to 29 April it is the turn of Frankfurt. During the show, this American dance theatre company presents a combination of creative shadow theatre and poetic choreography, transporting its audience to an amazing world full of magic.

Twice a year, walking enthusiasts gather in Rothenburg ob der Tauber to explore the beautiful Franconian wine region and the countryside that surrounds it. Free guided tours of the Tauber Valley from 21 to 29 April 2012 offer the perfect start to the walking season. To round off the Spring Walking Week, there is also an extensive programme of cultural entertainment and special walking breaks available at local hotels.

The spring festival in Munich with its funfair and beer tents heralds the arrival of spring and makes the wait until the next Oktoberfest seem just that little bit shorter. Now in its 48th year, the Oktoberfest's 'little sister' is a great attraction for all the family with typical Bavarian food and lots of fairground stalls. The frühlingswiesnbier, brewed specially for the festival, is a real treat for fans of Bavarian beer.

Walsrode Bird Park, one of the largest and most bio-diverse parks of its kind worldwide, is celebrating its 50th birthday every day during 2012. The 24-hectare park in Lower Saxony is home to around 4,200 birds of 675 different species from every continent and climate zone in the world. In addition to the park's spectacular shows, feeding demonstrations and other attractions, visitors will also discover a wide variety of plantlife, and birds as well, on Lüneburg Heath.

Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg is not only the largest theme park in Germany, but it is also the most popular. In the 2011/2012 Parkscout Awards, Europa-Park triumphed yet again, coming in first place in five categories and being named the 'best theme park' overall. The awards, the most important in the theme park industry, are based on votes cast by around 40,000 Parkscout readers.

Around 240 showmen and publicans have set up their stalls and attractions in Stuttgart to provide fun and entertainment for young and old alike. The Spring Festival opens on 21 April, when the Mayor of Stuttgart taps the first barrel of beer, and goes on until 13 May. For these 23 days, people from all over the world will be gathering in Stuttgart to celebrate the start of spring.

The largest international student film festival, now in its 41st year, is taking place in Potsdam this April. From 24 to 29 April 2012, students and amateur film makers will be presenting their work in the three categories of feature, documentary and animated film. But sehsüchte is much more than a competition – the event aims to bring young directors closer to their audience and promotes the exchange of ideas among industry insiders.

From 21 to 29 April 2012, stars of the international tennis scene will be battling it out at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. Top names such as Maria Sharapova and last year's champion Julia Görges will be competing against each other for the title. Visitors can also look forward to a lively mix of sport and entertainment off court.

In this dramatic interpretation of the Danish fairytale at the Hamburg Ballet, Silvia Azzoni makes her way through the underwater world to reach the world of mortals. Director of the Hamburg Ballet, John Neumeier , created this free adaptation in collaboration with the Royal Danish Ballet to mark the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birth. It is a real must for culture lovers in Hamburg, who will find themselves swept away by this tragic tale.

On 23 April, the focus in Bavaria is firmly on beer. On this day more than 500 years ago, the Beer Purity Law was passed in Bavaria, which ever since has safeguarded the quality of the region's 'national drink'. To mark the occasion, many Bavarian breweries will be open to visitors and restaurants will be offering special menus themed on beer. The festivities will be opened by the new beer queen Barbara Hostmann.

Every spring, up to 50,000 Brent geese stop to rest on the North Frisian Hallig islands and the surrounding Wadden Sea before making the 5,000km flight to their breeding grounds on the Arctic coast of northern Siberia.

This amazing natural spectacle is the focus for the 15th Brent Goose Festival, which is taking place this year from 21 to 29 April. You can watch the migrating birds while taking part in numerous events offering fun for all the family.

Every summer, the young and young-at-heart can't resist building sandcastles on the beaches beside the North Sea and Baltic Sea. But sand art is also a highly skilled craft and many seaside towns host events and festivals where artists from all over the world create masterpieces out of sand.

One such example is 'Warnemünder Sandwelt' in the resort of Warnemünde, which this year has a historical Hanseatic theme. From 23 April there will also be guided tours of the open-air exhibition.

Between 23 April and 10 May 2012, keen readers of all ages will be meeting in Weimar to immerse themselves in the world of books. The 2012 Lesarten festival includes more than 20 readings on a wide spectrum of subjects. Adults can hear top German speed skater Claudia Pechstein reading her biography, while little ones can listen spellbound to the Wuddelwald stories. With concerts, readings and theatre performances, there really is something for everyone.

There are two cultural highlights in Munich this week. From 21 to 29 April 2012, Radikal Jung , the festival for young directors, offers up-and-coming directors of the younger generation a forum and a stage for their work.

By contrast, the 2012 Ballet Festival, held by the Bavarian State Ballet, features well-known and highly acclaimed performers. This week of dance at the National Theatre offers inhouse productions by the Bavarian State Ballet as well as guest appearances by internationally renowned ballet companies.

The Baden-Württemberg Classics wine fair is bringing a taste of southern Germany to Dresden on 21 and 22 April 2012. Wineries, wine cooperatives and vintners from the Baden and Württemberg wine regions will be presenting their finest wines, sparkling wines, brandies and fruit schnapps at the event.

There is a real highlight in store for nature lovers in Rurberg in the Eifel region on 22 April 2012. To mark the start of the walking season, there will be a variety of events for all the family. You can take part in numerous guided walks, try out a segway or electric bike, or let author Ralf Kramp whisk you away to the world of crime in the Eifel.

On 22 April 2012, the Park der Gärten horticultural centre in Bad Zwischenahn in the Ammerland region is opening its doors to visitors for the start of the new season. There will be guided tours of the park, including areas not usually accessible to visitors, plus the opening of two new themed gardens. Experts from the Garden Academy of Lower Saxony will also be on hand to answer questions about visitors' own gardens.

On 22 April 2012, running enthusiasts from all over Germany will be lining up for the German Wine Route marathon in the Palatinate. Local food and drink and entertainment for all the family will be on offer along the route through this scenic vineyard region, making it a great day out for runners and spectators alike.

Sport is also top of the agenda in Bonn, with almost 11,000 people taking part in the Deutsche Post Marathon. They include marathon or half-marathon runners, Nordic walkers, inline skaters and handbikers, competing individually or in teams.

Just days before the Federal Horticultural Show is due to begin, the Market Gardeners' Museum in Bamberg is reopening on 22 April 2012 after extensive modernisation. The museum illustrates the life and work of local vintners and gardeners in days gone by, people who helped make Bamberg what it is today. The Bavarian town and UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the Franconian wine region, is still known for its gardens today.

Culture never sleeps – as anyone in Frankfurt on 21 April 2012 will experience. Around 50 cultural institutions in Frankfurt and Offenbach are opening their doors between 7pm and 2am for the 13th Museums Night, promising a varied evening of entertainment with numerous events to suit every taste.

The wine-growers in the Ahr wine region are inviting visitors to a special wine experience on 21 April 2012, the 'wine cellar open day'. A shuttle service will take people to the participating wine estates, where they can enjoy a wine tasting, take a look behind the scenes and get the inside story on viniculture.

Fans of all things medieval will be in their element on 21 and 22 April 2012, when this year's Medieval Festival Tour gets under way in the beautiful Lower Rhine region. The first stop is Weeze Airport, where a medieval-themed world for the whole family has been created, featuring a crew of more than 1,000 people and a fantastic programme of entertainment including a craft market, fire displays and demonstrations.

Other stops on the 2012 tour include Dresden, Dortmund, Karlsruhe, Cologne and Hamburg.
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The Schloss Johannisberg and G.H. von Mumm wineries are hosting the Weinmarkt wine festival on 21 and 22 April 2012. A mix of new wines and old favourites will be presented to visitors in the refurbished Fürst von Metternich hall. The wine tasting will be rounded off with a tour of the historical cellar at Schloss Johannisberg and culinary specialities from the estate restaurant.

Voted the best wine festival in the Palatinate wine region in 2008, the Weintestival in Rhodt unter Rietburg kicks off this year with a dance evening on 20 April, the highlight of which is the crowning of the new Rhodt wine princess. During the weekend, the twelve participating vineyards will be open to visitors, who can sample the wines and admire works of art spanning a range of genres.

The top 100 attractions in Germany have now been announced. In a survey undertaken by the German National Tourist Board, international visitors voted Heidelberg Castle into first place. Neuschwanstein Castle and Cologne Cathedral complete the top three, and there is a high number of Germany's UNESCO World Heritage sites in the remaining places.

The results of the survey are being incorporated into a special app, available from summer 2012, which will provide visitors with information on travel destinations and attractions in Germany.

The Dresden Dance Festival is turning 21 this year and will be celebrating in style. A host of sensational artists will be gathering in the city to offer their creative reinterpretations of famous and less-familiar pieces. More than 34 dancers and dance groups will be appearing in Dresden between 19 and 29 April 2012 and mesmerising their audiences with exceptional performances.

On 20 and 21 April 2012, the sunny island of Usedom in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is hosting the glamorous Baltic Fashion Awards , a major international fashion event featuring designers from the Baltic countries. Against a backdrop of sandy beaches, blue skies and seaside spa architecture, visitors can get an insight into the skill of the designers and their original fashion collections.

On 20 and 21 April 2012, the sunny island of Usedom in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is hosting the glamorous Baltic Fashion Awards, a major international fashion event featuring designers from the Baltic countries. Against a backdrop of sandy beaches, blue skies and seaside spa architecture, visitors can get an insight into the skill of the designers and their original fashion collections.

Leipzig is getting musical on 20 and 21 April 2012, when it hosts the 8th Operetta Ball that features everything from Viennese waltz to rock 'n' roll. Those who prefer to listen rather than dance should be sure to catch one of eleven concerts of the 13th A Cappella Festival, on until 29 April, to experience all that is possible with the naked human voice.

The third event in the 'Wine meets...' series in Rheinhessen is taking place on the weekend of 20 to 22 April. Once again, it combines the best Rheinhessen wines with fantastic food, this time with a focus on saltwater and freshwater fish. The Rhineland-Palatinate wineries provide the most wonderful setting in which to enjoy these excellent wines and fish specialities.

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The new generation of vintners in the Saxony wine region is leading the way in Europe. The German Wine Institute has announced that the new 2012 'European Wine Champion' comes from Saxony. Twenty-four-year-old Matthias Schuh from the Walter Schuh winery in Sörnewitz near Meissen was able to fend off 63 competitors from 14 European countries to win the competition organised by the network of European vinicultural colleges. As a member of 'Generation Riesling', Schuh is an ambassador for new German wines.

2012 is the seventh year that the East Frisian island of Spiekeroog is hosting its annual jazz festival. Seven ensembles featuring sensational professional musicians will be delighting audiences with the sounds of jazz, swing, boogie-woogie and blues. The North Sea health resort of Spiekeroog on the World Heritage Wadden Sea will also be hosting many other music-themed attractions from 19 to 22 April.

Jazzahead! in Bremen is a leading jazz expo for music fans from all over Europe. It is also gives industry insiders an opportunity to network and share ideas. The concept of Jazzahead! is quite unique in that it combines a trade fair with a festival and a club night which are open to everyone.

The baroque festival in Stuttgart, one of Germany's oldest festivals of early music, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012. It takes place this year from 19 to 22 April and 'mysteries' is its theme. Featuring Stuttgart Chamber Choir, Stuttgart Court Orchestra and composers from the region, the festival transports music fans to a fascinating world of fantasy and wonder.

From 19 to 22 April 2012, nearly 600 exhibitors will be presenting the latest trends in the health and fitness sector to industry professionals and consumers at Essen Exhibition Centre. Even those who are new to the fitness scene will find plenty to interest them in Essen. Guided tours of the exhibition centre are also being offered for the very first time.

It's easy to let your hair down in Cologne as you enjoy a glass or two of kölsch beer and talk to the friendly locals. Anyone who has visited the cathedral city will know that already. A survey carried out by an online community has now confirmed that Cologne not only offers a fabulous choice of clubs and bars but also plenty of places to flirt in – and people to flirt with. And on that score, the city in North Rhine-Westphalia is even ahead of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt.

From 18 to 24 April 2012, the German Film Institute is hosting the goEast Festival of Central and Eastern European Film in Wiesbaden, which presents notable, highly original films, often with an important message, that are unlikely to be screened as part of a conventional cinema programme. The highlight of the festival is the feature film and documentary competition.

The European Media Art Festival in Osnabrück is a leading forum for international media art and takes place this year from 18 to 22 April. It features installations, digital formats, performances and experimental films and provides plenty of inspiration for artists, curators, gallery owners and indeed anyone with an interest in art .

From 18 to 22 April 2012, Cologne Exhibition Centre is hosting the international art fair ART COLOGNE , now in its 46th year. New in 2012 is the collaboration between ART COLOGNE and the New Art Dealers Alliance from New York. Art aficionados can look forward to classical modernist, post-war and contemporary art, as well as a variety of accompanying events in and around Cologne.

In June 2011, the prehistoric pile dwellings in the Alpine regions were awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. The museum and prehistoric pile village in Unteruhldingen on Lake Constance shows finds from the newly christened World Heritage sites around the lake as well as an exhibition on mobility in the Stone Age. After looking round the exhibition, the whole family can have a go on the recently reopened Stone Age 'driving course'.

Around 100 years ago, Berlin was the European centre of the electrical industry and cradle of the second industrial revolution. The 26th Denkmaltag or Heritage Open Day on 17 April 2012 celebrates this chapter in the city's history and examines its potential to gain world heritage status. You can also see the 'Elektropolis Berlin' photography exhibition at the Modellsaal in Köllnischer Park until 3 May 2012.

Every April, the film festival in Dresden provides a great opportunity to see the best short films from around the world. The highlight of the five days is the competition in which almost 70 films are screened to the public. Those interested in film can also get involved in other events as part of the festival programme, such as panel discussions and talks.

Film fans and culturally minded visitors from all over the world will be congregating in Cologne from 17 April 2012 to highlight the contribution made by women in every area of film production. Directorial debuts made by women are a special focus of the festival. The programme also includes discussions accompanying the film screenings and training courses for female film makers.

Bevern Castle in Lower Saxony, a grand example of Weser Renaissance architecture, is celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2012 with a special exhibition inviting visitors to 'come to Bevern'. Divided into seven themed areas, the 800m² exhibition chronicles the castle's history since it was completed in 1612. The collection of art and rare treasures is a real highlight.

The Grüne Hölle (Green Hell) walking trail in the Eifel combines exercise, creativity and technology. While walking the trail, which is almost ten kilometres long and takes about four hours, you can use an iPod to listen to locals from the village of Bollendorf talking about the landscape and recounting stories of smugglers and witches. It's a great way for nature lovers to see the surrounding countryside in a completely new light.

The PODIUM – Young European Music Festival in Esslingen in the Württemberg wine region is a festival free of conventions that offers fans of classical music a varied and enthralling programme. Guest appearances by the National Youth Ballet, part of John Neumeier's Hamburg Ballet , on 15 and 16 April provide a fascinating link between chamber music and dance. The festival runs until 21 April 2012.

On show this spring at the Waldfrieden Sculpture Park near Wuppertal is a large selection of Nigerian masks and sculptures from the last two centuries, many of which are on public display for the first time. An extensive accompanying programme of concerts, talks, readings and film screenings provides a fascinating insight into African culture.

The municipal museum in Lindau is showing an exhibition of works by celebrated Russian artist Marc Chagall to mark 125 years since his birth. Entitled 'Magic of Light', it features a selection of his paintings completed after his return from exile. In addition, the museum offers a number of different ways to get the whole family interested in art.

Until 6 May 2012, the NRW Forum in Düsseldorf features a creative exhibition of works by the photographers of tomorrow. Forty artists from Europe, America and South Africa are presenting their interpretation of modern photography at the show. Many adopt a scientific or academic approach, which pushes the boundaries of conventional photographic art.

The new cable car in Thale, which takes passengers up to Hexentanzplatz (the witches' dancing ground), will be opening nine days ahead of schedule. To make the experience all the more thrilling, ten of the 21 cars have been fitted with glass floors. Improvements have also been made to the cable car's speed and capacity, which means passengers now enjoy a more comfortable ride.

Heinrich Christian Wilhelm Busch, born on 15 April 1832, was one of the most influential satirical poets and caricaturists that Germany has ever known. His most famous work is Max and Moritz – A Story of Seven Boyish Pranks, which was first published in April 1865. The Wilhelm Busch Mill in Ebergötzen near Göttingen, the setting for Max and Moritz's mischievous antics, has been a memorial, museum and farm garden since 1977.

Atmospheric concerts are the hallmark of Sylt Art Festival. From 15 to 20 April 2012, the North Frisian island is a rendezvous for all those interested in classical music, art and entertainment. International stars from the world of classical music are just as likely to perform on stage as young virtuosos. As well as classical concerts, the programme features various art exhibitions and some great food and drink.

The Luminale takes place every two years in Frankfurt and at the same time as the international Light+Building exhibition. This celebration of light art transforms the city on the Main from 15 to 20 April 2012 and accompanies the evening programme at Frankfurt Exhibition Centre. Installations by international light artists and designers illuminate streets, squares, skyscrapers, churches, museums and galleries to spectacular effect.

A total of eleven towns in the Danube valley are taking part in the 'Rad Total' cycling event, now in its 14th year. On this day, over 70 kilometres of roads are closed to traffic so that cyclists can ride undisturbed. With numerous attractions such as bouncy castles, bike parties and boat trips, there is something for all ages.

'Water and power' is the theme for the fifth Industrial Heritage Day in Saxony-Anhalt, which features many special events and tours giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about engineering and technology in the region. The Museum of Technology in Magdeburg, for example, is offering steam engine demonstrations.

On 14 and 15 April 2012, skilled artisans will be demonstrating a variety of crafts in the historical half-timbered buildings of the open-air museum in Hagen, south of Dortmund. All of them involve a needle and thread in some way and all are traditional skills – such as weaving, spinning, felting, sewing, knitting, embroidery and beadwork. You can also follow the different stages of processing wool from the fleece of the sheep to the finished yarn. Various hands-on activities will give people of all ages a chance to get creative themselves and many of the historical museum workshops will also be in operation.

The continual process of artistic creation is the focus of an exhibition by the Eisenturm Art Association in Mainz entitled 'Die Herrschaft des Übergangs'. Artists from Berlin, Frankfurt and Mainz will be presenting their interpretations of the subject in painting, print and sculpture. An extensive programme of talks, readings, performances and concerts accompanies the exhibition, which runs from 14 to 28 April 2012.

Hanami, the traditional Japanese cherry blossom festival celebrating the start of spring, has taken place in Bad Langensalza every year since 2004. The event offers a taste of Japanese culture with concerts, workshops and typical food. The festival also sees the crowning of a sakura and a samurai who will represent Bad Langensalza and the Japanese Garden at various events in the year ahead.

Every spring, the almond trees in the Landau region along the Southern Wine Route are covered with a profusion of pink blossom to the delight of locals and visitors. The Sigibaldus vintners are celebrating this special time of year with an event that features a winning combination of regional wines, almond specialities and rockabilly beats. 'Gewächshaus des Geilweilerhofs' is the venue.

Now in its tenth year, the Honky Tonk festival in Bad Salzuflen attracts music fans from all over the region. At this anniversary event, visitors can look forward to a varied line-up of bands and musicians with plenty of opportunities to dance and sing along. A single festival wristband grants admission to all 16 of the live concerts.

As well as wellness and relaxation, there are plenty of surprises in store at the Carolus thermal baths in Aachen on 13 April 2012. At the murder mystery sauna night, a group of actors play out a thrilling crime story in which visitors get to put their detective skills to the test. During the course of the evening, even the sauna infusions and food and drink have a murder mystery theme.

At the Europa-Park theme park in Rust, even your food and drink can be delivered to you on a rollercoaster. FoodLoop, the only place in the world where your order does a loop the loop before arriving at your table, has been a popular attraction for the whole family since it opened in 2011. The Themed Entertainment Association has now chosen this innovative combination of rollercoaster and restaurant to receive its THEA Award in the restaurant category.

Preserved in Trier Cathedral, the Holy Robe is a precious relic believed to be part of the tunic worn by Christ. It is on public display very rarely and only on the occasion of the Holy Robe pilgrimage, which last took place in 1996. The year 2012 marks 500 years since the Holy Robe was first shown during the Imperial Diet in Trier in 1512. The motto this year is 'And join together what is asunder'. All are welcome to join the pilgrimage, which takes place between 13 April and 13 May 2012.

A great gourmet event is taking place in Stuttgart from 12 to 15 April. The 2012 Slow Food show offers consumers and industry professionals an opportunity to discover culinary specialities from various regions in Germany and to meet the producers in person. As well as informative events, the programme offers plenty of chances to sample the fine food on offer or to discover the wide range of German wines in the vinothek at Stuttgart Exhibition Centre.

Wiesbaden, the regional capital of Hessen, is hosting its spring festival on Elsässer Platz from 13 to 16 April 2012. With food stalls in abundance, culinary specialities, fairground rides and a fun-packed activity programme, this is a great way for all the family to welcome the arrival of spring.

The second Lied Akademie is taking place from 12 to 22 April 2012 as part of the Heidelberg Spring, an international music festival in Heidelberg. The aim of the academy is to get audiences interested in lieder and to give young singers a thorough grounding in this genre. As every year, the event offers a wide-ranging programme of daily lieder classes, workshops, forums and lectures.

The Kunsthalle art gallery in Mannheim is showing a vibrant, visceral exhibition by internationally acclaimed video artist Pipilotti Rist until 24 June 2012. For many years now, the Swiss has wowed critics with her video projections and sculptures. Entitled 'Pipilotti Rist: Eyeball Massage', the exhibition displays a number of her works accompanied by music and text fragments. Pipilotti Rist describes her artistic creations as a narrative of uncivilised beauty and of devotion to life and she hopes to energise her audience with her images.

Stuttgart Exhibition Centre is being transformed into a garden paradise from 12 to 15 April 2012, when 'GARTEN Outdoor – Ambiente 2012' opens its doors to visitors. Featured innovations include vertical planting, and there is a focus on the latest colour and design trends in landscape gardening. The show gardens demonstrate a range of new designs, while the 'GARTEN-Dinner' area combines lifestyle, dining and tableware, and offers a taste of what's new for the summer barbecue season.

Until 12 August 2012, the North Rhine-Westphalia art collection (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen) on Grabbeplatz in Düsseldorf is offering a somewhat different perspective on art . The exhibition 'Fresh Widow – The Window in Art since Matisse and Duchamp' features 100 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, objects and projections showing the diversity and heterogeneity of the window as an artistic motif from 1912 to the present day.

The demand for bikes with electric motors is racing ahead in Germany. As the German bicycle industry association (ZIV) reports, sales of electric bikes are expected to increase by around 50 per cent in 2012, which equates to 1.3 million of them on Germany's streets.

Electric bikes are also extremely popular in Germany's holiday regions – from the North Sea coast to the Alps. Visitors can hire electric bikes at numerous centres throughout the country and discover a huge range of cycle routes.

On 11 April 2012, the North Sea island of Langeoog in the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea is being officially named as Germany's first Fairtrade island by the Fairtrade Deutschland association. This is of course being celebrated in fitting style, and afterwards there will be a fairtrade festival at the Beiboot function hall and 'One World Shop' at the island church. Visitors of all ages can look forward to numerous activities, a fairtrade coffee and cake buffet and information stands.

Until 1 May 2012, the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is inviting visitors to join its spring festivities. The Franconian town will be celebrating the spring in fitting style with exhibitions, guided tours and cultural events on an Easter theme.

Among the highlights are the spring walking week from 21 to 29 April 2012 and the Rothenburg Stadtmosphäre town festival on 28 and 29 April 2012.

'Vive el español!' is the theme in Tübingen, Stuttgart and Freiburg for the week beginning 11th April. The three towns have put together a varied and engaging programme of Latin American and Spanish films, which offer a fascinating insight into the everyday life and culture of countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Spain.

The Pictoplasma Festival, a festival of contemporary character design, art and animation, is taking place in Berlin from 11 to 15 April 2012 and is sure to attract hordes of art lovers to the German capital. Accompanying the festival is the 'Character Walk', which takes visitors through numerous galleries and project spaces containing a variety of exhibitions. A highlight is the Berlin premiere of the group exhibition 'Post-digital Monsters', which saw record numbers of visitors in Paris.

For 13 years now, the Weimar Spring Festival of Contemporary Music has taken place in the week after Easter. It has become one of the leading events for new music in Germany. Visitors can once again look forward to a varied programme of workshops, orchestral music, jazz, talks and films, with a special focus on video art. The festival is being held in Weimar from 11 to 15 April 2012.

Visitors to the Black Forest can now take advantage of an unusual transport option, reports Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, the Upper Black Forest Tourism Organisation. Ten accommodation providers in the region are offering free electric car hire as one of the many benefits of the Hochschwarzwald Card. Around 100 electric bikes are also available for visitors to hire for free. These are two great ways to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday in this popular region of Germany, located to the east of Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg.

There is no doubt that spring has arrived, particularly on Mainau Island on Lake Constance. Famous for its flowers, the island is hosting an orchid show at its palm house, which this time is themed on vanilla. One of the leading shows in Europe, it features around 3,000 beautifully arranged orchids. The riot of colourful blooms and the alluring scent of vanilla is a delight for the senses that you simply wouldn't want to miss!

Until 15th May 2012, visitors can marvel at a sea of flowers at the Heide Park Resort in Soltau. The stunning display includes over 150,000 blooms, among them different kinds of daffodils and pansies.

The Easter and Spring Flower Festival is one of the largest flower festivals in Germany. A leisurely stroll around the flowerbeds, which have been lovingly arranged, is a real delight, and the beautiful displays leave you in no doubt that spring is well and truly here.

Originally devoted solely to dance, the Movimentos Festival in Wolfsburg has since expanded its programme to include concerts, readings, exhibitions and workshops. Ten years since it was founded, the Movimentos Academy opens this year's event on 10 April with a theatre premiere. The six-week festival features outstanding dance performances, numerous classical and jazz concerts, dramatic readings and includes many famous artists in its line-up. Festival-goers can look forward to a number of highlights until 20th May 2012, including concerts by British rock legend Peter Gabriel at VW's Autostadt in Wolfsburg.

Lübeck has been named city of science for 2012, and as part of the special programme of events and activities for the year, Lübeck University is hosting the MenschMikrobe exhibition until 6 June 2012. This interactive exhibition by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) takes a fascinating look at the relationship between humans and bacteria and viruses. At ten themed stations, visitors of all ages can learn which microbes are harmless or even beneficial for humans, and why some cause illness.

Every year, a traditional Easter market takes place in Essingen near Aalen on Easter Monday. The town centre will be a hive of activity on 9 April 2012 as visitors from near and far browse the vast array of products on offer at over 100 stalls. What's more, there is a large amusement park, and plenty of delicious food to keep hunger at bay. For old and young alike, a visit to the Easter market in Essingen is a great experience!

A somewhat different Easter event is taking place in Cologne on Easter Monday. On 9 April 2012, the classic Rund um Köln cycle race is being held for the 96th time in the cathedral city. Professional cyclists battle it out over a 200km course through the Bergisches Land region, and the area around the finishing line at the Rheinauhafen docklands in Cologne is completely given over to cycling for the event. What with amateur races, the Rund um Köln challenge and the cycling trade fair, there is plenty here to appeal to cycling enthusiasts.

For the first time, the 'Young Choreographers from The Hamburg Ballet' are showing their own works on stage at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg. On 9 and 10 April 2012, ten young choreographers are presenting a varied programme of dance theatre to a wide spectrum of music.

The 'Young Choreographers' series was founded in 1974 by John Neumeier, Director of The Hamburg Ballet .

If you would like to discover the Trier holiday region, the AktivWoche from 10 to 14 April 2012 is a great opportunity to do so. Professional guides will be leading five walks of 12km to 17km in the region surrounding Germany's oldest town. The Eifelsteig Trail and Saar-Hunsrück Trail also provide fantastic terrain for keen walkers.

If you're wondering where best to look for amber on the beach, pay a visit to the Baltic island of Usedom, which is hosting its Amber Festival until 14 April 2012. There are fantastic opportunities to learn all about the 'gold of the sea' – you might like to make your own amber jewellery or find out about the legendary story of the Bernsteinhexe or 'amber witch'. The highlight of the week is the ball with a buffet and live music and the coronation of the new amber princess.

In Catholic Upper Lusatia, where Easter is celebrated with great fervour, there are a whole host of traditional and religious events.

The highlight of the Easter festival, however, is on Easter Day, this year on 8 April 2012. Following an old Sorbian custom, around 1,600 riders in top hats and tails on festively decorated horses deliver the joyous news of Jesus Christ's resurrection to the local communities around the three towns of Bautzen, Kamenz and Hoyerswerda.

Gutach in the Central Black Forest is home to the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum, which presents the cultural history of all the rural parts of the Black Forest over the last 400 years. The museum has a varied programme of events including daily guided tours of the mill, craft demonstrations, themed tours and hands-on activities for children.

The ensemble of pretty Black Forest farmhouses at the museum is a wonderful setting for the Easter egg hunt on 8 and 9 April 2012. As well as taking part in the hunt for more than 1,000 Easter eggs, children can also bake Easter goodies with their parents and local farmers' wives from the scenic Kinzig valley.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Easter celebrations in the 'three royal spa resorts' of Ahlbeck, Bansin and Heringsdorf on the island of Usedom. The fun-packed programme, which includes an Easter bonfire, Easter egg hunt and many other surprises, will make any visit here a memorable one. The highlight this Easter is the '12th grand games festival by the sea' in Heringsdorf on 8 April 2012, which will tempt people to the beach throughout the day with a whole host of original games ideas.

Until 29 April 2012, you can see a completely new side to Cologne. Expedition Colonia is a city discovery festival, which offers a programme of 119 tours on unusual themes scheduled over 240 dates.

How about a culinary journey back in time through Cologne, perhaps, or an exclusive tour of Cologne Cathedral by night? Take part in Expedition Colonia and prepare to be surprised!

The Osterbend funfair in Aachen opened its doors on 7 April 2012. You can join in the fun until 23 April 2012 and visit this huge funfair, which occupies an area of 40,000 square metres, and attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year to 'Bendplatz' in the north of the city.

With its variety of fun attractions, the 'Bend' is one of the highlights in Aachen's events calendar. The annual firework finale on the last day of the festival is particularly spectacular.

World Health Day on 7 April commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Every year, the organisation chooses a new theme for the day in a bid to make the public more aware of important health issues. The 2012 theme 'Ageing and Health' aims to increase public awareness of demographic and social change worldwide.

Since 1954, the day has been marked in Germany with a number of different events on the respective theme for the year, which are adapted to reflect specific German circumstances.

The Spandau Citadel in Berlin is one of the most important and best preserved late Renaissance fortresses in Europe. It is a regular venue for historical medieval markets and many other events. The Easter Knights' Spectaculum at the fortress from 7 to 9 April 2012 brings the Middle Ages to life with medieval tournaments, jousting contests and a lively market. As medieval melodies play, street performers, acrobats and jugglers perform spectacular tricks, fakirs and fire eaters amaze with spellbinding performances and storytellers delight children with tales of magical lands.

The annual Rhythm & Wine event is taking place on Easter Saturday, 7 April 2012 at Nells Park Hotel in Trier. It has become a must-attend event for lovers of wine and music. While enjoying new wines from the Moselle wine region, you can listen to the sounds of The Soul Family, who will be providing the evening's musical entertainment. They will be performing soul and R&B classics as well as the latest hits and are sure to turn this event into a great party.

When the air is filled with the aromas of roasted almonds and candy floss, the Nuremberg Spring Festival must be under way. From 7 to 22 April 2012, fairground rides and snack stalls fill the fairground at Dutzendteich lake in Nuremberg. With the tapping of the first keg of beer on Saturday evening, the 66th Spring Festival will be declared officially open. There are many events and themed days so that the whole family can enjoy this wonderful Franconian festival.

Celebrating Easter on the island of Föhr is a wonderful experience for all the family. Many events and activities on the North Sea coast offer plenty of opportunities to spend free time together and have fun, such as a walk along the coastal mudflats.

On 7 April 2012, the Easter bonfire is lit on the south beach in Wyk, and with pop and rock music in the background, there is a great atmosphere for all the family. Another highlight, especially for the little ones, is the Easter egg hunt in the sand on 8 April 2012.

Until 29 July 2012, Frankfurt's Caricatura Museum is showing an exhibition of works by one of Germany's most brilliant illustrators, Nikolaus Heidelbach. Featuring over 250 illustrations, this new exhibition at the museum in Frankfurt focuses on the famous German sausage (wurst) along with the culinary themes of wine, Christmas, game and vegetables. The way Heidelbach turns wurst or other foods into art, and his way of illustrating proverbs or human tragedy is simply heart-warming.

The historical Kaiser Wilhelm baths at the foot of the Taunus hills were once frequented by emperors, kings and princes. Today, anyone can refresh body and mind in the luxurious surroundings of the Kur-Royal Day Spa in Bad Homburg – perhaps in the saline relaxation pool or in gently heated waters scented with hay, herbs or fruits. A visit to the spa can also include cleansing treatments from the Far East or traditional and oriental massages carried out by qualified therapists. Refreshing drinks and light meals are also available at the bar.

For 18 years now, benefit concerts have been held every year at Easter to help children suffering from cancer. The International Youth Orchestra Academy (IJOA) is playing at the Bayreuth and Northern Upper Palatinate Easter festivals, and making guest appearances in Selb, Jena and Bielefeld to support this worthy cause. Whether it's jazz, baroque or Easter passion music, you can expect music of the highest calibre performed by young musicians from all over the world.

Every year, Ferienparadies Heidehof, a self-catering holiday park south of the Eifel National Park, hosts a popular tulip festival. The event, which this year runs from 6 April to 20 May, sees the gardens transformed into a glorious sea of colour.

You and your family can easily combine a visit to the festival with one of four GPS walks that begin at the holiday park.

Anne Frank, who was born in Frankfurt, became world famous through her diary. It is one of the most haunting documents from the Third Reich. In March this year, a waxwork figure of Anne Frank was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Berlin. The backdrop for the figure is a recreation of her room in Amsterdam. Many of Anne Frank's possessions will also soon be on display at the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt.

Bad Homburg vor der Höhe is celebrating a special anniversary in 2012. It is 100 years since it became an officially recognised spa town and received the coveted prefix 'Bad'. Even back then, the resort was popular with members of Europe's high society, who recognised the benefits of the therapeutic waters, mud packs and massages. Still today, the health treatments with water, steam and fragrances at the historical Kaiser Wilhelm spa offer the perfect respite from the stresses of everyday life. The museum at the Gothic House in Bad Homburg chronicles the history of the spa and spa architecture with a special focus on the bathing traditions in the town in the 19th century. Bad Homburg is celebrating its 100-year anniversary as a health resort with many festivities throughout the summer.

Hanseatic Lübeck has been named 'City of Science' for 2012 and this is being celebrated with many events throughout the year under the banner 'Hanse meets Humboldt'. The idea is to get people in Lübeck discovering things for themselves, conducting their own research and playing an active part in science. In the old quarter, which is surrounded on all sides by water, there is a science trail with ten stations that are being opened month by month and are accompanied by a programme of activities. This means that every month brings new scientific discoveries!

Spring has long since sprung in Germany, and what better way to enjoy it than on a pleasure cruise on Lake Constance? The lakeboat operators in the region began running their services again on 1 April 2012. There's so much to see and do here, such as relaxing in Überlingen and Friedrichshafen, taking in the scenery and culture in Constance and Ludwigshafen or enjoying a day out on the Flower Island of Mainau. You'll find everything your heart could desire on the shores of Lake Constance!

A new temporary exhibition in the Museum for Communication in Frankfurt tells you all you need to know about different youth cultures – think punks, emos and mods – and the messages their 'uniforms' convey. You'll get answers to questions such as how and why trends emerge, who determines what's in and what's out, and how the complex rules of 'fashion' work. The 'Fashion Talks' exhibition, which is on show now until 2 September 2012, sheds light on the strategies pursued by fashion houses and designers, and also invites visitors to get actively involved and do their own bit of designing.

Romy Schneider was a strong woman who is still remembered fondly years after her tragically early death. And the Federal Art Gallery in Bonn is now devoting an entire exhibition to this great German actress. Running from 5 April to 23 June 2012, it features private photographs, posters, letters and costumes. The exhibits give visitors an insight into the life of the actress who won the hearts of many, especially through her portrayal of 'Sissi', Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

The visitor area at the television tower on Alexanderplatz in Berlin has been given a new look. The entire area, including the entrance, viewing platform and restaurant, has been remodelled and modernised. The renovations to the tower, which was built in the 1960s, are in keeping with the dynamic development and modernity of the German capital. Its original character has been retained and the warm colours have been incorporated into a modern design. Visitors to Berlin's most prominent landmark can now expect red sofas and a twinkling night sky ceiling as they enjoy traditional East German cuisine.

The North Sea island of Pellworm has been transformed into Germany's very own 'Easter Island' for the Osterwiese festival, which ends on 13 April 2012. And the Easter bunny has hopped its way through the Wadden Sea mudflats to join in the fun! At the Kaydeich multi-sport arena, around 10,000 brightly coloured eggs have been hidden in the straw and are just waiting to be discovered during the great Easter Egg Hunt on 7 April.

The island's exciting Easter programme is packed with fun and entertainment for the whole family. Children's eyes will light up at the prospect of seeing the sheep and lambs, going on pony rides, doing Easter crafts and splashing around in the water, while the great Easter market features hand-made toys, pottery, textiles and much much more. The great Easter bonfire, a popular annual tradition, takes place on Easter Sunday.

The award-winning Lokschuppen arts centre in Rosenheim, Bavaria, has teamed up with leading German marine research institutes to present the TIEFSEE - DEEP SEA exhibition (on show now until 4 November 2012). Experts, enthusiasts and indeed the whole family can learn more about our underwater worlds from around 60 original specimens, a host of deep sea species in model form, live animals such as giant octopuses and phosphorescent fish, and real lava from the ocean floor. There are also a number of hands-on stations for children and young people to experiment and learn by doing.

The UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012. To mark the occasion, the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin is presenting an exhibition on 'World Heritage in Germany', highlighting the beauty and diversity of the country's 36 World Heritage sites. The exhibition, which runs until 13 April 2012, shows Germany's world heritage from different perspectives and includes photographs, large panoramic pictures and satellite images. Also among the exhibits are miniature versions of Cologne Cathedral and the Roman baths in Trier.