NordArt is one of Europe’s largest annual exhibitions of contemporary art, held every summer at the historic Kunstwerk Carlshütte in Büdelsdorf, Schleswig-Holstein. Set in a unique former iron foundry with vast indoor halls and expansive outdoor sculpture park, the exhibition brings together works by over 200 selected artists from around the world — spanning paintings, photography, sculpture, installations and multimedia art. Curated anew each year, NordArt creates a global dialogue through art that reflects the hopes, challenges and cultural perspectives of our time. The programme also includes special projects, guided tours and cultural events for visitors of all ages.
Every October, the historic harbour town of Husum celebrates the Husum Crab Days, a lively autumn festival dedicated to the North Sea crab — a beloved regional delicacy. Along the colourful harbour promenade and market streets, visitors can enjoy freshly caught crabs sold right from the cutter, live cooking demonstrations, and plenty of tasting opportunities. The event also features a vibrant artisan market, live entertainment and music, and a Sunday shopping day that invites you to explore Husum’s shops and cafés in maritime atmosphere. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for a unique coastal experience, the Husum Crab Days blend tradition, flavour and community spirit in a festive seaside setting.
Welcome the magical autumn and early winter season along the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein at the Lichtermeer — a shimmering celebration of light and community. From late September into early November, seaside towns and landscapes are transformed with colourful illumination, artful light installations, fire shows and torchlight walks that brighten the evenings and invite visitors to explore scenic promenades, parks and waterfronts. Each participating location adds its own festive touch, combining visual spectacles with music, strolls and atmospheric moments that make this coastal event a highlight of the season.
Each autumn, the legendary GWA Windsurf World Cup turns the island of Sylt into a global stage for the world’s best windsurfers. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the North Sea, the event combines world-class competition on the water with a vibrant beach atmosphere onshore. Visitors can experience thrilling heats, meet top international athletes and enjoy a unique festival vibe shaped by wind, waves and coastal lifestyle. The Windsurf World Cup is one of Sylt’s most spectacular sporting highlights of the year.
Experience a true North German tradition at the Dithmarschen Cabbage Days — a festive celebration of the region’s iconic winter cabbage harvest. Every winter in Dithmarschen, local farmers proudly display a wide variety of cabbages and brassicas at colourful market stalls, offering fresh produce, local specialties and hearty regional dishes. Visitors can enjoy tasting sessions, culinary delights, family-friendly activities and a lively atmosphere rooted in agricultural heritage. Whether you’re curious about local food culture or simply looking for a unique winter event, the Dithmarschen Cabbage Days combine tradition, taste and community spirit in a memorable way.
Celebrate late summer with wine, flavours and music at the annual Eutin Wine Festival on the historic market square. The festival brings together a wide selection of wines from regional and national winemakers, served alongside culinary specialties and local delicacies in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Live music, cosy wooden stalls and plenty of comfortable seating create a stylish yet laid-back ambience right in the heart of Eutin. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a festive late-summer experience, the Eutin Wine Festival is the perfect occasion to savour fine wines and local hospitality.
In autumn, Helgoland is one of Europe’s most important bird migration hotspots. Thanks to its unique location in the North Sea, the island becomes a vital stopover for countless migratory birds, attracting birdwatchers from around the world. During the Birdwatching Days, visitors can join guided observation walks, expert-led excursions and talks organised in cooperation with Helgoland’s ornithological institutions. Whether spotting rare species or witnessing mass migration events, autumn birdwatching on Helgoland offers unforgettable nature experiences in a truly exceptional setting.
Each spring, the Halligen islands become a vital resting place for thousands of brent geese as they feed on the lush green grass before continuing their migration north. The Brent Goose Days celebrate this remarkable natural spectacle with a varied programme of guided walks, nature tours, talks and local events. Visitors are invited to experience the unique landscape of the Halligen, discover the close bond between nature and culture, and enjoy springtime on these small islands in the North Sea.
Each spring, Mölln’s spa park is transformed into a paradise for garden lovers during Garden Romance. Set among blooming trees and landscaped grounds, this open-air event brings together hobby gardeners and professionals alike, offering fresh inspiration, the latest garden trends, and creative decoration ideas. From plants and flowers to garden design and accessories, Garden Romance invites visitors to welcome the new season in a relaxed and atmospheric setting.
Every spring, the North Sea town of Husum comes alive with colour at the Crocus Blossom Festival, celebrating the spectacular bloom of millions of purple crocuses in the castle park around Schloss vor Husum. Over one weekend in March the city bursts into a vibrant spring celebration with the crowning of the Crocus Blossom Majesty, a lively artisan market, shopping on a shop-open Sunday, and a festive atmosphere throughout the town. Discover this unique blend of natural beauty and local tradition as Husum welcomes the season with joy and colour
Step back in time in the state capital of Kiel. With roots dating back to the 15th century, the Kieler Umschlag is a historic folk festival that continues to delight visitors of all ages. Each year, the city centre transforms into a lively medieval marketplace offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, regional food and drink, traditional crafts, and unusual goods. Blending history with a festive atmosphere, the Kieler Umschlag brings centuries-old trading traditions vividly to life.
The Bremerhaven Christmas Market transforms the city into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, cozy wooden stalls, and seasonal delights. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats, handcrafted gifts, and a magical atmosphere in the heart of the city. The highlight is the “Blaze of Lights”, illuminating the harbor and creating a unique maritime Christmas experience.
SAIL 2025 in Bremerhaven is one of the world’s largest windjammer festivals, bringing together majestic tall ships from around the globe. Visitors can enjoy spectacular ship parades, onboard tours, maritime markets, and a vibrant cultural program. This international event celebrates seafaring tradition and offers a unique experience for maritime enthusiasts and families alike.
The command “Im Doubliertritt, Marsch!” (“In double step – march!”) traditionally opens the world’s longest procession of marksmen, a highlight of this festival celebrated since 1529. On the first Sunday, around 10,000 members of marksmen, folklore, and carnival groups march through the Old Town. Over ten days, the world’s largest marksmen festival offers thrilling rides, lively marquees, Bruchmeister (ceremonial stewards), shooting skills, and Hannover’s iconic Lüttje Lage – beer and a shot, served separately but drunk together!
A chance to experience that holiday feeling and maritime flair in the middle of town! Over 19 days, visitors to Niedersachsen’s largest local festival can take a culinary and artistic trip around the world. Year after year, international cuisine, free concerts, water sports activities, open-air dance evenings and an exciting programme for children guarantee a non-stop holiday feeling for everyone.
Enjoy the world-famous Christmas market in Goslar, the many Christmas markets in Hanover and numerous other markets in Niedersachsen. You can also find special large or maritime German Christmas markets. Discover beautifully decorated stalls with traditional crafts and typical German specialities such as gingerbread, roasted almonds and mulled wine throughout the region.
Bremen’s market square and the Schlachtepromenade shine in festive splendour during the Advent season. The historic Hanseatic city of Bremen shows its most dazzling side during the Advent season. Whether it’s the glittering lights on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval atmosphere on the Schlachte, ice skating fun in the north or Christmas shopping in style – the choice of Christmas markets is diverse.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Advent season between the Elbe and Alster rivers, in historic churches, sleepy canals, lively squares and romantic corners of the Hanseatic city. Hamburg shines in festive splendour and offers many Christmas markets for every taste – from modern, urban markets to traditional ones with a nostalgic flair.
It is the vastness of the sea, coupled with a visit to places of longing around the world, that fascinates cruise fans and dream ship newcomers alike: during the Hamburg Cruise Days, the ocean liners transform the port of Hamburg into a spectacular maritime promenade for a weekend. Innovation and environmental protection are major and important topics for which the event is also intended to be a source of inspiration and a platform for dialogue. The harbour is the impressive runway for the world’s most beautiful cruise liners.
Lübeck, the “Christmas City of the North”, invites you to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the festively illuminated old town around Lübeck Town Hall. Christmas crafts, Christmas tree decorations, sweets and savoury treats have been sold here since 1648. At the arts and crafts market in the 13th-century Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, artisans exhibit their most beautiful works in the tiny cabins of the historic nave and show the whole variety of old and new handicraft techniques. The arts and crafts markets in St Peter’s and the Hoghehus are also unique and definitely worth a visit.
Every year in May, Hamburg is turned upside down for three days when the Hanseatic city celebrates the Port Anniversary. Every year, around 1.5 million well-wishers experience the world’s largest harbour festival on the 3.5-kilometre-long harbour mile between HafenCity and the Museum Harbour. In addition to the grand entry parade, highlights include the traditional tugboat ballet and the grand fireworks display on Saturday evening. The annually changing partner cities or countries are very popular with the many visitors. The cruise ships arriving during the festival are also among the guests’ favourites.
Christmas markets with maritime charm against a historic city backdrop, such as in Kiel, Husum or Flensburg, herald the most wonderful time of the year. If you are spending your holiday in the true north, you can get into the festive spirit in many towns and villages. Whether it’s cosy, rustic craft markets on old estates or the cold sea air mixed with the scent of sweet Christmas biscuits and mulled wine – in the true north, no one can escape the magic of Advent.
The Festspielfrühling Rügen is the spring festival of the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and invites you to musical discoveries and personal concerts with exquisite artists over ten days in March. Prizewinners of the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern take over the artistic direction of the Festspielfrühling Rügen and create tailor-made programmes for the island together with musician friends and companions.
When the first Advent light is switched on, the season of festive Christmas markets in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern begins again. From the Baltic Sea to the Lake District in Hanseatic towns with maritime flair, in front of romantic castles or in historic barns, the varied markets brighten up the Advent season. The delicious aroma of Christmas baked goods and regional specialities such as the popular sea buckthorn wine give the Advent markets a special charm. In combination with festive music and atmospheric light decorations, the numerous Christmas markets in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are always worth a visit.
Every year in October, the fifth season begins in Bremen. Streamers and balloons, fragrant gingerbread hearts and bright red candy apples, smiling people and a desire to have fun. In Bremen, this means: “Ischa Freimaak!”. This is when the scent of candy floss and roasted almonds fills the air and fairground rides get the adrenaline pumping. The city has been celebrating its “market fair” year after year since 1035 and thus maintains one of the longest folk festival traditions in Germany.
Electro and jazz, acrobatics and concerts. Between the large tents and small stalls, Bremen comes together for a colourful and airy spectacle at the Weserwiesen, with over 100 bands playing and the attractive culinary offerings from regional organic producers in the eco-village on the Weser growing in popularity from year to year.
The most beautiful sailing regatta in the world takes place every year at the end of July in the Bay of Lübeck off Travemünde. Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel here to experience the unique combination of top-level international sailing sport and a maritime festival mile. Cocktails and wine bars, dancing on the beach until midnight and live music from numerous stages in front of the arriving and departing ferries.
Every two years the HanseKulturFestival takes place in one of the districts of Lübeck’s old town. Strolling through the lovingly decorated streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can enjoy music and regional food and find hidden treasures in the green residential streets and monastery courtyards. Many residents of the old town open up their gardens and living rooms and invite you to a typical North German coffee klatch.
Kiel Week is the biggest sailing event in the world! For 10 days, the city of Kiel is in a state of emergency. Sailing regattas, culinary specialities from all over the world, concerts, parties, arts and crafts and acrobatics, a colourful children’s programme and much more make a visit to this unique event unforgettable!
Every year, the festival transforms numerous locations in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg into a large classical music concert stage. Well over a hundred thousand fans attend the concerts in castles, manor houses, barns and shipyard halls or airport terminals. Every year, the festival is dedicated to a different theme or composer and thus always offers new highlights. The concerts in the manor houses and castles are particularly popular, with picnics in the sunshine beforehand.
JazzBaltica is one of the most renowned jazz festivals in the world. Every year in June, world-famous jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent perform and offer an unforgettable experience. Thousands of listeners flock to Timmendorfer Strand every year to enjoy the concerts by the sea, which are organised by Swedish trombonist and singer Nils Landgren as artistic director.
On five occasions each year, the world’s best pyrotechnicians light up the evening sky above the impressive backdrop of the Herrenhausen Gardens. There is also a supporting programme at many locations in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen in Hanover. From theatre and cabaret to folklore and colourful entertainment for young and old. The fireworks displays by renowned pyrotechnic artists are accompanied by music and judged by an independent panel of experts.
The Hanse Sail Rostock is one of the world’s largest gatherings of traditional sailing ships and museum ships. The maritime festival has been held every year on the second weekend in August since 1991. Around 250 participating ships, together with cruise ships, ferries and naval vessels, offer a lively maritime world exhibition. The event attracts around one million visitors every year.
Opera under the stars in one of the most beautiful squares in northern Germany – this has long since become the hallmark of the Schlossfestspiele Schwerin. What began as an insider tip among opera lovers in the castle courtyard has now developed into an internationally renowned festival that attracts numerous visitors every year in June and July.
With inspiring free photo shows, XXL open-air installations, workshops and multimedia shows, the programme offers a broad spectrum of photography at an international level. The evening flood of images and bird of prey shows are also part of the diverse programme for the festival week. The photo market on the second weekend of the festival is an attractive venue, modern marketplace and creative playground.
