© GNTB/Francesco Carovillano

In 2024 Germany is set to host a multitude of festivities, ranging from anniversaries to arts- and sport events, giving travellers a multitude of reasons to visit Germany in 2024. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has compiled some of the main events that will inspire your next story.

For the art enthusiasts: 250th Anniversary Caspar David Friedrich

June marks the 250th anniversary of Caspar David Friedrich (CDF), a pivotal figure in Romantic painting. Whether you love his work, or are newly acquainted with the artist, seize the opportunity to celebrate his legacy. A series of exhibitions will be hosted in Berlin, Dresden, Greifswald and Hamburg – his hometown where a special mural will be unveiled. However, if museums are not your style or you want to better understand CDF – why not vsit the illustrious landscapes in his paintings. Many of these sites still exist so you should take te opportunity to bask in the grandeur of nature. We suggest visiting the island of Rugen or the Bastei Mountains to truly appreciate the splendour.

Mark your calendars for a season of artistic discoveries you will not want to miss:

• “Wasser versetzt Berge” New permanent Exhibition at the Königssee - ongoing
• “Man & Mining” Exhibition at ‘Museum der Arbeit’ (Hamburg) - untill May 01, 2024 
• Long Night of the Museums (Stuttgart) - March 16, 2024 
• The Museum Reinhard Ernst Opening (in Wiesbaden) - Spring 2024 
• Käthe Kollwitz Exhibition (in Frankfurt Städel Museum) March 20 – June 9, 2024

For the football fanatics: Germany Hosting the European Championship 2024

From June to July, Germany will be hosting the European Championship 2024 across 10 host cities: Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Leipzig – each of which will roll out the red carpet and shine a light on the cultural and natural treasures of their regions. To enjoy the football, visitors won’t need a seat at the stadiums. Every town will have vibrant live public viewing zones where they can revel in a friendly and fun atmosphere, nice beer and traditional German street food. 

 

For the history buffs: Berlin – 35 Years Since the Fall of the Wall 

In November, Berlin will be celebrating 35 years since the fall of the Wall. This will be the perfect occasion to explore the city and witness the changes since 1989. We also recommend setting aside a time to browse through Berlin’s iconic museums, especially the German Spy Museum, where you can get a first-hand experience on the history of espionage and delve into Berlin’s convoluted past.

For those interested in cultural heritage: Erfurt – UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Should medieval times pique your interests, why not head to the newest addition to the list of German UNESCO sites, Erfurt. This romantic city is the 52nd addition to the German World Heritage list and visiting it will allow you to indulge in its beautiful Medieval Jewish heritage. During your trip, you will be able to admire some fascinating remains of the period, including an Old synagogue, the Mikveh (Ritual Bath), and a wedding ring found amongst the ‘Erfurt Treasure’. 

For the culture lovers: Chemnitz, European Capital of Culture 2025

Chemnitz has been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2025 and is the ideal place to head to if you want to bask in the arts. The German Tourism Board will be hosting the annual Germany Travel Mart (GMT) there in April (21 – 23, 2024) to promote its cultural gem Chemnitz and its surrounding region to international trade and media.

Save the dates for some thrilling musical events that you will not want to miss:

• June 7 – June 16, 2024 ‘Rock am Ring’ Music Festival (at the Nürbugring) 
• June 14 – June 15, 2024 Electronic Wine Festival Koblenz 
• June 21, 2024 Bonn celebrates 200 years of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony 
• July 25 – August 27, 2024 The Bayreuth Festival (in honour of Richard Wagner) 
• August 16 – August 25, 2024 Opera Festival at the Saar Polygon 

For those believing in fairy tales: Fairy tale route Germany

In the 19th century, the Brothers Grimm published a collection of tales including “Snow White”. While many of us grew up with Disney’s versions from almost 90 years ago, the studio was planning to release a new movie in 2024. Sadly this has now been postponed to 2025, however the delay gives you time to explore Germany’s illustrious Fairytale Route. This attraction stops by many mystical and rural towns including ‘Bad Wildungen’, which claims to be the real home of Snow White and the 7 dwarfs.

For the sustainable travellers: New Train Connections and Nature Holidays

There is a series of new train connections such as night trains from Paris to Berlin or Hamburg to Vienna as well as direct Eurostar booking links from Brussels to Aachen or the Ruhr area. These new connections are great opportunities for city trips by train and offer a Feel Good travel alternative to a sustainability conscious travel audience. No matter where in Germany you decide to go every region of Germany offers great authentic and sustainable experiences. Travellers can visit traditional beekeeper farms in Luneburg, take green city tours and boat trips on Lake Constance, try out multicultural food markets in Berlin or immerse in a historical village experience in the Black Forest.