In 2024, Germany is set to host a multitude of festivities, ranging from anniversaries to arts and sports events, giving travellers a multitude of reasons to visit the European nation in 2024. And who better that than the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) to call out some of the main events and themes that are sure to inspire.
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). Or visit the beautiful landscapes in his paintings – many of them still exist, such as the island of Rugen or the Bastei Mountains.
Calendar:
- “Wasser versetzt Berge” – New permanent exhibition at the Königssee (ongoing)
- “Man & Mining” Exhibition at ‘Museum der Arbeit’ (Hamburg) – until May 1
- Long Night of the Museums (Stuttgart) – March 16
- The Museum Reinhard Ernst Opening (in Wiesbaden) – Spring
- Käthe Kollwitz Exhibition (in Frankfurt Städel Museum) – March 20-June
For football fanatics
European Championships 2024: From June to July, Germany will host the European Championship 2024 across 10 host cities: Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Leipzig, with each of which set to 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, and enjoy local beer and traditional German street food.
For the history buffs
Berlin – 35 Years Since the Fall of the Wall: In November, Berlin will celebrate 35 years since the fall of the Wall, making for an ideal occasion to explore the city and witness the changes since 1989. Berlin’s iconic museums, especially the German Spy Museum, offer a first-hand look at the history of espionage and delve into Berlin’s convoluted past.
For cultural heritage
Erfurt – UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Romantic Erfurt is the 52nd addition to the German World Heritage list, recognizing its historic Medieval Jewish heritage. Visitors will discover 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 named European Capital of Culture 2025 and is the ideal place to head for those who want to bask in the arts. The German Tourism Board will be hosting the annual Germany Travel Mart (GMT) there April 21-23 to promote the cultural gem and its surrounding region to international trade and media.
Calendar
- June 7 – June 16 ‘Rock am Ring’ Music Festival (at the Nürbugring)
- June 14 – June 15 Electronic Wine Festival Koblenz
- June 21 – Bonn celebrates 200 years of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
- July 25-Aug. 27 – The Bayreuth Festival (celebrating Richard Wagner)
- 16-Aug. 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 people grew up with Disney’s versions from almost 90 years ago, the studio is planning to release a new movie in 2025. The Fairy Tale Route stops by many mystical and rural towns including Bad Wildungen, which claims to be the real home of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
For 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 ‘feel good’ travel alternative to a sustainability conscious travel audience. 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.