Cities & Culture

Germany is characterised by its poets and thinkers. Those who want to follow in the footsteps of Goethe, Thomas Mann, and other famous figures can embark on a literary journey.

Every ten years the town of Oberammergau is transformed into a theater stage. 2,000 actors and extras from the community present the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during five-hour long performances.

What was it really like in the good old days? Germany's open-air museums invite you to gaze into the past. Celtic tombs, Roman temples and a reconstructed Viking settlement are waiting for you.

Berlin's cultural scene is constantly introducing fresh new trends. Whether theatre fan or museum visitor, clubber or cabaret lover: everyone will find the right event here - and something new every day!

It's difficult to believe, but there are around 6,800 museums in Germany – world-famous buildings and hidden collections featuring everything from ancient history right through to retro computer games. Here's a look at just some of them...

From Schinkel to Foster, Baroque to modern: Germany is a country of architecture. Architects left their mark here, Bauhaus was founded here and there is a wide variety of icons, both great and small, to choose from.

No more hanging around on draughty platforms: Germany's train stations have branched out to become a haven for (window) shoppers and diners. And, of course, there are still places to buy snacks and reading materials for the journey.

Germany celebrates 1700 years of Jewish Life this year.

When a thick blanket of snow covers the country, lights sparkle on Christmas trees and the air is filled with aromas of cloves and cinnamon, the festive season has arrived. From baking cookies to making Christmas decorations or singing songs: Germany's many Christmas traditions create a very special atmosphere in December and help children in particular to pass the long days until Christmas Eve when the 'Christkind' or Father Christmas delivers their presents.

Fancy paying a visit to film sets where the likes of Brad Pitt and Halle Berry do what they do best? Think that means you need to hop on a plane and travel all the way to Hollywood? Think again! You may not have realised it until now, but there are plenty of German towns and cities that double up as film sets for major cinematic releases. Here's a look at just some of them...

The "Historic Highlights of Germany" are 17 cities combining historical heritage with modern urban lifestyles, each making its own specific contribution to culture, business and science.

From Old Masters to modern masterpieces, Germany is home to extraordinary treasures of the art world spanning every period and century. Guests marvel at fine art in all its forms of expression and discover architectural wonders that defined their eras.

The tradition of the German Hanseatic cities goes back to the Middle Ages. In the course of time more and more cities joined the merchant association. Even if not all of them are located in the north of the country, the most famous are to be found here.

Germany's museums set the bar high. With an unparalleled variety of themes, genuine treasures, unique concepts and internationally renowned collections that open up completely new perspectives.

More than 10,000 German towns and cities between the North Sea and the Alps are just waiting to be discovered. Each and every one of them has its own unique character and impresses visitors with unforgettable highlights.