This is why you should visit Germany in 2024

Germany never fails to entice visitors year-round – from winter’s enchanting Christmas markets to summer’s snow-free alpine trails. Let’s not forget its countless city breaks that always deliver on cultural splendours and are fantastic for foodies. But if there was ever a year to explore the country deeper, 2024 would be it.

From the excitement of a major football tournament bringing an added buzz to its urban areas, to a brand new World Heritage Site, here’s why you should be planning a German break for 2024.

You don't need to be a football fanatic to enjoy the electric atmosphere of when an international tournament arrives in town. In summer 2024, Germany will host the UEFA European Championships across ten of its cities, drawing the attention of people across the world to Berlin, Münich, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Leipzig. Each urban destination will use the opportunity to showcase their cultural treasures, from Düsseldorf’s characterful Old Town to Leipzig’s industrial architecture. And if you do fancy catching the footy, you won’t need a ticket – public viewing zones will be available, and we're sure there'll be plenty of German beer flowing.

On 9 November 1989, after nearly 30 years of separation between East and West Germany, the iron curtain collapsed after numerous peaceful protests took place, marking the first steps towards German reunification. In 2024, those who are into their history can celebrate the anniversary by visiting several key sites and exhibitions across the country. In Berlin, head to the East Side Gallery for the longest remaining part of the 155km wall, Checkpoint Charlie for the most famous border crossing point, and the Wall Memorial, which commemorates those who lost their lives during the unrest. In Leipzig is St. Nicholas Church, where the first Monday demonstrations took place, and the Round Corner Museum exhibits the structure and methods used by the East Germany secret service, and how they upheld order.

It may still be a year until this eastern German city takes over the title as one of Europe’s Capital of Culture 2025, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to visit. Located in Saxony, the city offers more than 200 years of industrial history, and has approximately 1,000 cultural events taking place per annum. Among those events are Ibug festival for urban artists; Hat Festival for street artists; Day of Jewish Culture, Museum Night (where museums across the city open with special exhibits), and plenty more occasions that celebrate the art, design, music and heritage that pours out of the region. More permanent cultural attractions include the Saxon Industrial Museum, the Kaßberg Art Nouveau district, and the Chemnitz Opera House.

Erfurt is the capital of Germany’s Thuringia region. Late in 2023, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) revealed the new sites joining its prestigious World Heritage list, and part of the Erfurt’s medieval historical centre made the cut. The listing includes three historic structures that are a testament to the city’s important Jewish heritage: they are the Mikveh, the Stone House, and the Old Synagogue. The latter has architectural features that dates back to the 11^th century and its considered one of the best-preserved synagogues in Europe. Since 2009, it has housed a museum displaying local Jewish history, including the Erfurt Treasure exhibit – a collection of medieval coins and jewellery that were hidden in a wall by a Jewish person in the 1300s, only rediscovered less than 30 years ago.

In December 2023, Nightjet relaunched its sleeper train from Berlin-Paris and Berlin-Brussels – a service that has been out of action for nine years. It returns due to increased demand for travelling by rail, with night trains being especially popular and romanticised. It currently runs three times a week, but by summer 2024 its expected to increase to a daily service. Additionally, Nightjet is also running a sleeper train from Vienna to Hamburg, and Eurostar will offer bookings from trains between Brussels and Aachen. It’s shaping up to be a great year for hitting the tracks and having some spectacular city breaks.