Advent in the courtyards

Quedlinburg is hosting the festive event 'Advent in the courtyards' on the three weekends before Christmas (30 November & 1 December, 7 & 8 December and 14 & 15 December 2013). On those weekends, a number of festively decorated courtyards will be filled with all kinds of stalls and pretty booths as well as an array of delicious food. Did you know that the old quarter of Quedlinburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site?

This former imperial palace on the Romanesque Route is one of the most important historical sites in Germany. The main attraction in Quedlinburg is the town itself. With its historical layout and over 1,300 half-timbered buildings from eight centuries, it is an outstanding example of a beautifully preserved medieval town. One of Germany’s oldest timber-framed houses (around 1340) contains the medieval architecture museum. The Collegiate Church of St. Servatius – with the burial site of the first German king, Henry I, and his wife Mathilde, and the famous cathedral treasury – is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. An imperial document from the 10th century refers to Quedlinburg as the ‘capital of the empire’. Under Henry I and his Ottonian successors, the town became a centre of European politics, education and culture. The Lyonel Feininger Gallery, featuring the largest collection of works by the artist in Europe, is well worth a visit.

New Year's Ski Jumping 2014

New Year celebrations don't get much more exciting than at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen New Year Ski Jumping contest. As always, the 2014 event will take place on the first day of the year at the second stop of the Four Hills tournament. This fantastic New Year's spectacle puts international ski jumping stars to the test on a newly built jump at Germany's top winter sports resort. Every year 30,000 people create an electrifying atmosphere here.

Scaling the heights: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

With all that's on offer in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it's no surprise that the town is actually two. Garmisch and Partenkirchen were once two separate market towns and both offer charming historical centres, a wealth of culture and plenty of good old-fashioned Bavarian hospitality amid scenic surroundings. Together they form the number one winter sports venue in Germany.


When people in Germany think of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the first thing that springs to mind is winter sports: seven months of snow, 60 kilometres of pistes, pristine slopes and Germany's only glacial ski area – the resort offers the very best conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. There are slopes suitable for skiers of all abilities, and the region has become a hot spot for international snowboarders and freeriders. Olympic venues, the famous Kandahar run for Super G and downhill events, and New Year ski jumping at the world's most modern ski jump: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is quite simply a mecca for winter sports. But don't forget that this picturesque town is also a first-class climatic health resortthroughout the year, the perfect place to unwind, pamper yourself and enjoy life's little pleasures. Also an experience at any time of year is the Partnachklamm gorge, a geological wonder that turns any walk into an adventure. On top of the world: Mount Zugspitze At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is Germany's highest peak and a fabulous destination for nature lovers, sun worshippers, walkers and skiers. You don't even need to be an expert mountaineer to reach the summit: starting at Lake Eibsee, the Zugspitzbahn cog railway chugs its way through the mountains for twelve kilometres, negotiating a staggering 25 per cent gradient in places. When you reach the top, a breathtaking vista across the Alps unfolds before you. Mount Zugspitze even has something for art lovers. Since 1995 there has been a spacious, light-flooded gallery covering 450 square metres of the mountain and offering magnificent panoramic views – a fantastic stage for works by important modern artists. Great art at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres: the world has never seen anything like it.

Strolling, shopping and sampling the nightlife

Once back in the town, a walk along historical Ludwigstrasse at the heart of Partenkirchen makes for a pleasant interlude. This chic, elegant boulevard is ideal for shopping, strolling or just sauntering along. Exclusive stores for an exclusive clientele rub shoulders with traditional Alpine inns and first-class restaurants. After a day's shopping, why not sample Garmisch-Partenkirchen's vibrant nightlife? The friendly bars, clubs and discos are often buzzing until the early hours, or in the casino you could try your luck at roulette, blackjack and poker.




Winter magic at Hannover Zoo

In the Christmas period from 1 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 Hannover Adventure Zoo will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. There will be ice-skating on the frozen village pond, thrilling rides on the sledding run, glühwein and roasted chestnuts at the winter village. The themed lands, and in particular the Canadian-themed Yukon Bay, will be adorned with a dazzling sea of Christmas lights as well. Enjoy this magical time of year at its very best at the Winter Zoo – a wonderful experience for the whole family!
For five weeks, from November until January, the theme worlds Meyer's Farm and Mollywoop become a magical winter wonderland resplendent with fairy lights and stars and lots of attractions for young and old, sponsored by Avacon.

A frozen village pond between idyllic half-timbered buildings, enchantingly and romantically illuminated, is the meeting point for all ice skaters. The small market place with a round-about and stalls selling e.g. mulled wine conjures up the spirit of Advent.

Winter is simply marvelous at Hannover Adventure Zoo!

Look forward to a perfect winter day and come as early as possible - there's so much to see and to do until late in the evening!
• Huge, open-air ice rink on Meyer's Farm
• Ice-rink for children (until 2 pm)
• Ice-curling for groups (after 3 pm; advance booking required)
• Three super fast slides with snow tubes
• Slides for the little ones with snow gliders
• Several gift shops open until late
There´s no better place to celebrate wintertime -
just see for yourself at the end of the year!




Discover Germany by bike

With 200 long-distance cycle routes covering 70,000 kilometres, Germany offers countless opportunities for discovering the country on two wheels. The German Cyclists' Federation (ADFC) can help you choose where to go: it classifies premium cycle routes that have good signposting, high safety standards and excellent services along the way. The Allgäu Cycle Loop, a recent addition to the ADFC's premier list, is perfect for getting to know the landscape, history and famous personalities of the Allgäu region. The ADFC also maintains a directory of Germany's 5,400 Bed & Bike establishments, which offer ideal accommodation for touring cyclists. Cycling in Germany: between city and countryside by bike.

Cycling is healthy, good for the environment and, of course, lots of fun. More than 200 long-distance cycle routes in Germany offer opportunity for sightseeing in cities and for romantic rides through unspoilt nature.
With 200 long-distance cycle routes spanning a wide range of regions, you're spoilt for choice. Cycling is tough but rewarding in the Alps, or for more leisurely tours take your bike through the vineyards. Ideal for families are the many riverside routes which offer plenty of wayside distraction. Or perhaps you'd prefer to cycle from museum to museum? Whatever you decide, Germany has a range of cyclist-friendly accommodation – from farmstays to castle hotels.




Family accommodation in Germany

Everyone in the family demands something different of their holiday, and the little ones in particular want a new adventure every day. This makes choosing the right holiday destination no easy task. However, help is at hand from Kinderland Bavaria, who test accommodation across the state and rate establishments in terms of child-friendliness. Important considerations include hotel services and an attractive setting. There's also plenty for families to discover beyond the borders of Bavaria – such as a trip to a theme park. With so much variety on offer, Germany guarantees fun for the whole family! Holidays in Germany – the perfect choice for families.

For spending a holiday together as a family, Germany is the ideal destination. Visitors of all ages will love going to theme parks, water parks, castles, museums and fun pools, getting close to nature in the national parks, and engaging in active pursuits such as cycling, swimming and walking.


Attractions that all ages can enjoy are a feature of family holidays in Germany. Particularly popular with young and old are the theme parks such as Europa-Park and Phantasialand with their white-knuckle rollercoasters and fairytale themed lands. For a playtime that's larger-than-life visit Playmobil-FunPark, Legoland® and Ravensburger Spielland. Go on a fascinating journey through the ages at medieval castles and fairytale palaces – from famous Schloss Neuschwanstein to the longest castle in Europe at Burghausen. Historical insights can also be gained at a multitude of museums. Interactive exhibitions, covering more modern subjects such as technology and art, educate and entertain in equal measure. Many are geared specifically to a younger audience.

Families can come face to face with all manner of exotic and indigenous animals at more than 800 zoos and wildlife parks in Germany. No ape enclosure anywhere is bigger than the one at Leipzig Zoo, while Berlin's zoo has the world's greatest number of species. Families can experience even more of the natural world at close quarters in Germany's nature reserves and national parks. Unique landscapes from the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea to the Bavarian Forest are ideal for families to discover together. Walking,Cycling and water sports come top of the list for family fun. The many excellent cycle routes, some of which cover long-distances, are great for holidays with the kids. Gentle gradients, flexible distances and fascinating sights and attractions on the wayside are what make the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, the Mecklenburg Lakes Cycle Route and others like them so popular. Kids will also love the water-based activities – just part of the fantastic entertainment on offer along the North Sea and Baltic coasts and by Germany's multitude of lakes.Should the weather prove unsuitable for outdoor activities, any number of swimming pools offer a genuine alternative.


The wide choice of holiday activities is matched by a wide choice of accommodation. There's everything from holiday homes, farmstays and campsites to family hotels, baby-friendly hotels and youth hostels.

New routes from London to Germany

Thinking about your next trip to Germany? Two airlines have added new flight schedules for the winter period 2013/2014. For a visit to Dresden check Cityjet. Alternatively, if you're more interested in Weimar and Erfurt, visit the website of Germania!

World Christmas circus 2013/2014

This Christmas, the annual Weltweihnachtscircus will be taking place for the 21st time at the Cannstatter Wasen festival grounds in Stuttgart. Top artistes and acrobats from all over the world will be captivating audiences every day from 5 December 2013 to 6 January 2014. Germany's biggest international circus event attracts more than 100,000 people annually. The theme for this year's programme is world records: the world's fastest juggler, an act featuring 50 parrots, and a performance of a quintuple somersault are just a taster of what the evening has in store.


Whether it's a circus, a musical or a classical concert, you can enjoy magical live performances in Destination Germany!

New pilgrim house on St. James' Way

The new Pilgerhäusl in Zittau-Hirschfelde was officially opened last weekend. This 300-year-old house, located on the Zittau section of St. James' Pilgrimage Way, was restored as part of an EU-funded project. As well as serving as a meeting place and a shelter, it will be a place of tradition and hospitality that will welcome pilgrims on their travels. Another notable feature is the eco-friendly restoration of the building, which is heated using geothermal energy and is therefore highly energy efficient.


Franz Gertsch in Baden-Baden

Swiss painter Franz Gertsch, one of the most important artists of our time, is currently exhibiting his work at the Frieder Burda Museum in Baden-Baden. You have until 16 February 2014 to see the exhibition, which opened on 26 October 2013. As well as large-format woodcuts, which Gertsch has been creating since the late 1980s, the exhibition mainly features portraits and landscapes. The artist will be in conversation at the museum on 11 December 2013, and there is also a series of events held specially for children, making this a fantastic attraction for all the family.

Winter sports in Oberhof

The Biathlon World Cup will be taking place in the Thuringian town of Oberhof from 3 to 5 January 2014. As well as cheering on the competitors from the sidelines, you might like to get to know the sport better yourself and have a go at some of the activities on offer. But that's not all that's going on in Oberhof – a week later, from 10 to 12 January 2014, the town will also be the venue for the Luge World Cup. This is a fantastic opportunity to watch thrilling high-speed sled runs at close hand and to spur the racers on to new world records.

Away from the big events, those seeking relaxation are also well catered for. TheThuringian Forest is ideal walking terrain even in winter – or you can simply enjoy one of the many spa packages on offer.

Festival of Lights in Neustadt

From 5pm on 6 December 2013 the pedestrian area of Neustadt am Rübenberge (near Hannover) will be transformed by the town's Festival of Lights, now in its eighth year. Neustadt's town centre has a novel approach to lighting. Instead of regular street lamps, spotlights are mounted on the buildings. These are then fitted with colour filters to produce a spectacular light show on the front of the buildings. And that's not all – the festival also boasts the world's strongest projector, fire artists and fantastic food and drink. Watch as buildings are brought to life and let yourself be swept away by a world of lights.

St. Thomas choir Christmas Oratorio

This year's performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio by the St. Thomas choir will be held on 15 December 2013. As ever, the Church of St. Thomas inLeipzig provides the venue. The history of St. Thomas choir dates back 800 years, to 1212, and some 300 years ago the choir's conductor was none other than Bachhimself. With a little luck, you might secure one of the remaining tickets for this unparalleled concert experience, which are released on 1 November 2013. The captivating and overwhelming sound of the choir will stay with you long after the performance ends.

C.P.E. Bach anniversary year 2014

8 March 2014 marks 300 years since the birth of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the son ofJohann Sebastian Bach. C.P.E. Bach, who is widely regarded as the leading exponent of the Empfindsamer Stil (Sensitive style), produced a wide range of musical compositions in numerous instrumental genres. The anniversary year in 2014 encompasses some 185 events presenting the life and works of the composer. The main venues are found in the six Bach cities of Hamburg, Potsdam, Berlin, Frankfurt an der Oder, Leipzig andWeimar.