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

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

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

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

This year the seven lakes walk celebrates its tenth anniversary. You can join in the fun from 3 to 5 May 2013, as walking enthusiasts of all ages are welcomed in Markkleeberg for this event. The walk takes in seven of the 22 Leipzig Lakes on a total route of 104 kilometres. Visitors can put together their own tour from the individual walks, adapting the length and route to their particular needs. The supporting programme includes live entertainment on all three evenings, creating a great atmosphere for the walkers. The grand finale is a spectacular firework display on Sunday evening.

The famous 'green sauce' will be taking centre stage in Frankfurt from 11 May 2013. This regional speciality (which according to legend was invented by Goethe's mother) is so important to the Frankfurt locals that they hold a week-long festival in its honour every year on Rossmarkt square.

In seven different shows, seven restaurateurs from the Frankfurt area will compete to create the finest green sauce of all. Every evening 400 fans of this local delicacy, which is made with seven herbs, will decide which of the seven chefs should be crowned the winner. The whole event is complemented by a varied programme of entertainment including German golden oldies, comedy, a cappella music and lots of other live acts.

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

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

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

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

With an area of 16,000 hectares, the Baden wine region is the third-largest wine region in Germany. Surrounded by the Odenwald hills and the Black Forest on one side and the Vosges mountains on the other, it enjoys the sunniest and warmest climate in Germany. Because the Baden wine region is spread out across a long, thin strip of land, it is divided into nine smaller regions with very different soils that produce very different wines. This is one of the leading wine regions in Europe and is best known for its excellent pinot varieties.

A region of pretty wine villages and varied scenery, Baden is also home to the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany, some of which can be found along the Baden Asparagus Route. Active holidaymakers are well catered for as well with numerous cycling and walking trails.

The Carnival of Cultures captures the multicultural character of Berlin and has taken place in the German capital, along with its Whitsun Festival, since 1996. From 17 to 20 May 2013, it is once again bringing together music, arts and crafts and fantastic food and drink from many different countries, taking visitors on a miniature tour around the world. The highlight is the street parade on Whit Sunday that celebrates Berlin's cultural diversity with a dazzling display of dancing in traditional costumes. Other entertainment includes a fun-packed children's programme for families and numerous music events.

This fantastic event is just one of the many facets that make Berlin such a great place to visit. As well as its historical sights, Berlin features a number of museums both on Museum Island and elsewhere in the city, which reflect only a small part of creative Berlin .

The town of Dessau is dedicating its anniversary year in 2013 to its UNESCO World Heritage sites. To complement the grand anniversary festival from 5 to 7 July 2013, special events are taking place throughout the year, such as exhibitions, plays and concerts focusing on the Bauhaus and master houses and the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Also well worth a visit is the annual Kurt Weill Festival, dedicated to the life and work of this captivating composer.

In addition to the UNESCO World Heritage sites that are being celebrated this year, Saxony-Anhalt is home to three further World Heritage sites that are among the cultural and natural highlights of the region.

From 17 to 19 May 2013 the streets of Holzminden will be transformed into a stage for exciting theatre productions. At the 12th International Street Theatre Festival, artists from all over the world will be putting on great shows right up close to their audiences. At around 40 music, dance, theatre and acrobatics performances, visitors will encounter characters from the past and the future.

When visiting the region, it is well worth getting out into the countryside. The Solling-Vogler National Park offers people who like to get active on holiday the opportunity to go walking or cycling, and the Weser Cycle Route and Bike&Rail Route are ideal for exploring the Weserbergland hills.