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Best time to visit

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Late spring and early autumn seem to be the best time to visit Germany. Shoulder season brings fewer crowds, lower prices, and fantastic occasions like Carnival of Cultures or Berlin Festival of Lights. The weather from June through mid-September is warmest, but it's the time with most rainfall and tourists, so book accommodation in advance and pack well. Two weeks of rattling Oktoberfest in autumn might be your best or worst time in Germany depending on the perception; otherwise, autumn months see lower prices and fewer tourists. Winter brings skiing and Christmas markets that will warm you up with festive mood and mulled wine.

89 things to do in Germany

New Year's Ski Jumping (Neujahrsskispringen)

December 30, 2023–January 1, 2024 Event

Share the best ski jumping moment at the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with over 30,000 winter sports enthusiasts

Berlin Festival of Lights

October 4-13, 2024 Event

Witness one of the most spectacular events in Berlin and immerse yourself in the magnificent light art!

Rock am Ring and Rock im Park

June 7-9, 2024 Event

Two huge rock events at the same time and almost in the same place? Yes, please!

Ostermünde

April 18–21, 2025 Event

Open spring season with Easter celebrations in Travemünde, a small German seaside town

Maypole (Maibaum)

May 1 Event

Check out this significant occasion to celebrate with local folklore groups and all the villagers dressed in their most exquisite traditional costumes

Landshut Wedding (Landshuter Hochzeit) 1475

June 25–July 18, 2027 Event

Immerse yourself in a medieval wedding celebration held in Landshut, Bavaria

Rhine in Flames (Rhein in Flammen)

May 4, 2024 (Bonn) | July 6, 2024 (Bingen) | August 10, 2024 (Koblenz) | September 14, 2024 (Oberwesel) | September 21, 2024 (Sankt Goar) Event

These amazing firework displays take place at several locations along the river Rhine

Almond Blossom Along the Wine Route

March–April Nature

The arrival of pink and white almond blossoms at the German Wine Route is a sure sign of spring

St. Martin's Day (Martinstag)

November 10–November 11 Event

Get your portion of family warmth sitting by the Martinsfeuer

Wave-Gotik-Treffen

May 17-20, 2024 Event

Watch Leipzig all dressed up in black at the world's largest goth festival

Frankenstein Halloween

October 18–November 3, 2024 Event

Imagine it's Halloween time, and bloodthirsty monsters are by your side!

Fasching, Karneval and Fastnacht

February 12–13, 2024 Event

Immerse yourself to a German version of Mardi Gras! Don't forget to wear a costume and a mask!

Toad Migration

March–April Nature

Have you ever noticed a traffic sign with a frog on it?

Asparagus Season

mid-April–June Food

Welcome the springtime with the first German spring vegetable

Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival

August 23–November 3, 2024 Event

Germans are totally into pumpkins. You can check it out at the largest pumpkin festival in the world

Bayreuth Festival

July 25-August 26, 2024 Event

Feel the atmosphere of the most prestigious opera festival dedicated to a single composer–Richard Wagner

Kiel Week (Kieler Woche)

June 22-30, 2024 Event

Don't miss a chance to observe a long line of hundred-year-old sailing vessels

Gamescom

August 21-25, 2024 Event

All passionate gamers flock to the most remarkable video game fair in Europe!

Berlin Biennale

June–September, 2025 Event

Every other year numerous Berlin venues turn into contemporary art galleries

Viehscheid

September 12–21, 2024 Event

A unique event held annually in Bavaria. When cows come back home, the locals greet them and celebrate their return

Floating Beer Garden (Isar Floßfahrt)

May–mid-September Activity

Enjoy a journey on a traditional raft with music, dancing, and lots of fun

Castles and Nature

May–November Nature

Bavaria is a country of castles and you'll have the chance to discover all of them

Day of German Unity

October 3 Event

Berliners celebrate the national holiday with a festival around Brandenburg Gate

Oktoberfest

September 20, 2025-October 5, 2025 Event

The most famous beer festival in the world welcomes everyone to enjoy Bavarian culture, rivers of beer, and great traditional cuisine

New Year's Eve, or Silvester

December 31 Event

Berlin is one of the best destinations in Europe for celebrating New Year's Eve

Climbing

May–October Activity

Enjoy classical and sport routes, via-ferratas, and some bouldering suitable for climbers of any experience level

Badeschiff Bathing Season

May–September Activity

One of the best recreation areas during hot summers close to the center of Berlin

Skiing at Zugspitze

November–April Activity

The highest mountain in Germany presents an unforgettable view

Pyronale Fireworks World Championship

August 30-31, 2024 Event

Witness a great fireworks competition where international teams try to get recognition from the jury and support from the spectators

Hiking

April–October Activity

Discover and enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife in this gorgeous Alpine region

CSD Berlin or Berlin Pride

July 27, 2024 Event

Berlin Pride, referred to as “Christopher Street Day” (CSD in short) features two major events—the CSD Demo March and CSD Finale, a big final rally

Krampus in Germany

December 5–14, 2024 Event

This scary demon can frighten even adults, so be sure you are ready to meet Krampus!

Fête de la Musique (Berlin Open Air Music Festival)

June 21 Event

The beginning of summer is a great time to be in Berlin. That's when the Fête de la Musique takes place.

Berlinale—Berlin International Film Festival

February 13-23, 2025 Event

The Berlinale is the city's most glamorous film event. With more than 400 films shown, it attracts the film industry elite as well as one of the biggest audiences of the world film festivals

Carnival of Cultures

May 17-20, 2024 Event

See the Berlin streets come to life while the colorful kaleidoscope swirls you in a bright wild dance!

Funkensonntag

March 9, 2025 Event

The reflection of bonfires set along the riverbank and the magical colours of the evening sky is something not to miss. Don't miss this authentic and unique tradition of driving away the spirits of winter in the Allgau region

BMW Berlin Marathon

September 29, 2024 Event

Berlin, the city of runners, hosts one of the most popular marathons in the world

Eltz Castle

April 1–November 1, 2023 Activity

This centuries-old medieval castle over Elzbach river is one of the most beautiful in the Rhineland-Palatinate region

Lichtenstein Castle

March–December Activity

The iconic fairytale Gothic castle has appeared in movies and books

Ulm Minster (Ulmer Münster)

April–September Activity

Enjoy the view from the world's tallest church

Christmas Markets

late November–late December Event

A German tradition that has spread all over the world

Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval)

February 8–13, 2024 Event

Over a million people gather to see this colorful spectacle

Frühlingsfest Stuttgart (Stuttgart Spring Festival)

April 20-May 12, 2024 Event

Europe's largest spring festival

Hurricane Festival

June 21-23, 2024 Event

One of the best festivals of rock, indie and electronic music in Germany

About You Pangea Festival

August 8-11, 2024 Event

A vivid mix of music, sports, arts, and playfulness

Wacken Open Air

July 31-August 3, 2024 Event

Headbang till sunrise at one of Europe's best heavy metal festival

Summerjam Festival

July 5–7, 2024 Event

One of the largest reggae, dancehall and hip hop events in Europe

Japan-Tag Düsseldorf/NRW

June 1, 2024 Event

The largest festival of Japanese culture outside of Japan

International Motor Show Germany (IAA)

September 17–22, 2024 | September 9–14, 2025 Event

The largest and one of the oldest automobile shows in the world

Mainova Frankfurt Marathon

October 27, 2024 Event

The second largest marathon in Germany after Berlin

Halloween Festivals & Parties in Germany

late September–mid-November Event

A perfect occasion to dress up and party

XJAZZ

May 6-12, 2024 Event

The largest jazz festival in Berlin

Ballonfestival Bonn

June 6-9, 2025 Event

One of the best balloon events in Europe takes place in the green heart of Bonn

New Year’s Eve (Silvester) in Germany

December 31 Event

Ready to jump on the bandwagon of Germans who celebrate New Year’s Eve loud and wild?

Warsteiner Montgolfiade Balloon Festival

September 5–13, 2025 Event

Visit the jolliest festival in Europe

Cologne Christmas Markets

late November–early January Event

Explore some of the coziest festive fairs in Germany

Nuremberg Christmas Market

November 29-December 24, 2024 Event

Don't miss one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world

Dusseldorf Christmas Market

November 21, 2024-December 30, 2024 Event

Visit one of the biggest Christmas markets in the world

Dresden Christmas Markets

November 27, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

Step into a world where holiday traditions meet modern festivity, all wrapped in the magic of the season

Aachen Christmas Market

November 22–December 23, 2024 Event

This amazing Christmas market is located near a UNESCO world heritage site, Aachen Cathedral

Rothenburg Christmas Market

November 29-December 23, 2024 Event

Rejoice in this traditional Advent pre-Christmas market that offers plenty of delicious treats, lots of holiday music, and unforgettable atmosphere

Stuttgart Christmas Market

November 27–December 23, 2024 Event

The top Advent attraction in Baden-Württemberg, southwest Germany

Trier Christmas Market

November 22-December 22, 2024 Event

Enjoy Christmas shopping and Advent events in the most romantic setting worldwide!

Bremen Christmas Market

November 25-December 23, 2024 Event

Get into the holiday spirit at one of the best Christmas villages in northwest Germany

Baden-Baden Christmas Market

November 21, 2024-January 6, 2025 Event

Nestled in the mountains of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is a true winter wonderland

Leipzig Christmas Market

November 26-December 23, 2024 Event

Enjoy an ambient atmosphere at Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt

Hamburg Christmas Markets

mid-November–December Event

Some of the best holiday food and entertainment in North Germany

Heidelberg Christmas Market

November 25-December 22, 2024 Event

One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in southwest of Germany

Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

November 22–December 15, 2024 (on selected days) Event

Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market is a one-of-a-kind Christmas market that will impress you

Esslingen Christmas Market

November 26-December 22, 2024 Event

This annual winter celebration features unique gifts, live music, and lots of entertainment

Koblenz Christmas Market

November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

One of the best seasonal fairs in Rhineland-Palatinate

Monschau Christmas Market

November 29–December 22, 2024 Event

The fairytale Christmas market you won't forget

Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht)

April 30–May 1 Event

A wild pagan celebration, originating from local myths and folklore

Ballonfest Chemnitz

August 16-18, 2024 Event

Three days of entertainment, fun, and balloons for the whole family

Kevelaer Hot Air Balloon Festival

July 12–13, 2024 Event

The premier ballooning event of North Rhine-Westphalia

MoselBallonFiesta in Föhren

August 18–20, 2023 Event

Enjoy hot air balloon launches, races, and glows at one of Germany's largest ballooning events

Balloon Sail in Germany

June 21–30, 2024 Event

Discover the thrilling world of hot-air balloons at this highly anticipated festival

Montgolfiade Tegernsee

January 26–February 2, 2025 Event

Get a bird-eye view of Bavaria's most beautiful valley

Cannstatter Volksfest

September 27-October 13, 2024 Event

The second largest beer festival in Germany

AERO Friedrichshafen Expo

April 9-12, 2025 Event

Visit Europe's largest aviation event!

Dixieland Festival Dresden

May 12–19, 2024 Event

Germany's oldest and Europe's largest old-time jazz fest

JazzBaltica Festival

June 27–30, 2024 Event

Five stages and 30 concerts during one summer weekend by the Baltic sea

Moers Festival

May 17-20, 2024 Event

A long-lasting jazz tradition on the the Lower Rhine

Bamberg Christmas Market

November 28-December 23, 2024 Event

While away and feel the Christmas spirit at this one-of-a-kind event

MELT Festival

July 11–13, 2024 Event

Dance through the night, experience the unforgettable vibe, and feel the charisma of MELT one last time

Citadel Music Festival

June 1–August 31, 2024 Event

Experience Berlin’s iconic festival with top international artists all summer long

Hive Festival

June 20–22, 2025 Event

A 56-hour techno music marathon on 6 stages with over 200 artists

Krampus in Munich

early December Event

Immerse yourself in a spooky Christmas tradition right in the heart of Munich

Kramperln and Buttnmandl in Berchtesgaden

December 5, 2024 Event

A Christmas tradition that captivates with its vibrant atmosphere

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