Germany is set to host a multitude of festivities, ranging from anniversaries to events, giving travellers a multitude of reasons to visit Germany in 2024. The German National Tourist Office, India, has compiled a list of key events that can attract a variety of travellers seeking unique experiences in the country.
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. A series of exhibitions will be hosted in Berlin, Dresden, Greifswald and Hamburg, his hometown where a special mural will be unveiled. However, to better understand CDF, why not visit the illustrious landscapes in his paintings! Many of these sites still exist so visitors should take the opportunity to bask in the grandeur of nature. The tourism board says tourists should visit the island of Rugen or the Bastei Mountains to truly experience the splendour.
For the football fanatics: Germany to host European Championship 2024
From June to July, Germany will be hosting the European Championship 2024 football competition across 10 host cities namely Berlin, Münich, 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 necessarily 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: 35 Years Since the Fall of the Berlin 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. GNTO recommends setting aside a time to browse through Berlin’s iconic museums, especially the German Spy Museum, where visitors can get a first-hand experience on the history of espionage and delve into Berlin’s convoluted past.
For those interested in cultural heritage: UNESCO World Heritage Site at Erfurt
Should medieval times pique one’s 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 one to indulge in its beautiful medieval Jewish heritage. During the trip, visitors 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 one wants to bask in the arts, says GNTO.
Other highlights for some thrilling musical events listed by GNTO include:
June 7-16: ‘Rock am Ring’ Music Festival at the Nürburgring
June 14–15: Electronic Wine Festival Koblenz
June 21: Bonn celebrates 200 years of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
July 25–August 27: The Bayreuth Festival in honour of Richard Wagner
August 16–25: 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. GNTO says that whole the release has been postponed to 2025, however the delay gives one time to explore Germany’s illustrious fairy-tale 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, it adds.