Highlights & Events 2025/26

The Museum Island - one of Berlin's main attractions and one of the top museum districts in the world - is a unique urban ensemble and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 25 years. To mark its 200th anniversary, the Museum Island will be celebrating this unique location for five years from summer 2025 with special exhibitions, events, open-air exhibitions, concerts and UFA film nights with milestones of early film art in the city's most beautiful open-air cinema.

It is one of the most elaborate and popular light art festivals in the world. Every year in October, the German capital is transformed into a fantastic stage of light with the participation of national and international artists. Magnificent light productions, beautiful building illuminations and impressive light art installations immerse Berlin's landmarks, monuments, houses, streets and squares in a magical world of wonder.

The award-winning Museum Deutsches Auswanderungshaus in Bremerhaven, a city that was one of the largest emigration ports in continental Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries, presents the history of the people who made their way to the New World. Experience the journey of the German and Eastern European emigrants from their departure to their arrival and the challenges they faced in impressive exhibitions, such as the detailed replica of a row of stores in Grand Central Terminal in New York and real family stories. The museum also offers the possibility of family research.

Indulge in culinary delights. From February 20 to March 8, one of the world's most renowned gourmet festivals will take place in the Rheingau, one of Germany's most important wine regions. In the idyllic village of Hattenheim, not far from Frankfurt, top chefs from the international gastronomy scene and renowned winemakers and winery owners from Germany and abroad will come together. The highlight of the event is the rare wine dinner on March 1, 2026, with the theme “Burgundy” and a tasting of the most exclusive and expensive wines in the world.

From the end of February and throughout March, Munich celebrates its so-called “fifth season” with its traditional strong beer festivals. This tradition, which dates back over 500 years, originates from the monastery brewery of the Paulaner monks, who brewed a particularly strong, nutritious beer for Lent. This tradition remains very popular to this day, and many Munich brewery restaurants organize special strong beer festivals. Be a guest at one of these festivals and enjoy Bavarian conviviality, a unique atmosphere, customs, and a hearty beer.

Every year in May, Hamburg hosts one of the world's largest maritime festivals, impressively showcasing the city's close connection to seafaring. From May 8 to 10, 2026, the Hamburg Port Anniversary invites visitors to enjoy a varied program with extraordinary attractions: the grand arrival parade with majestic tall ships, the legendary tugboat ballet, evening light tours through the port, and a magnificent fireworks display. For families, there are interesting workshops and experiences on the topics of seafaring and sustainability for the protection of the oceans.

For opera and Richard Wagner lovers: In 2026, Bayreuth will celebrate its 150th anniversary from July 24 to August 26. Wagner's controversial early work “Rienzi” will be performed in Bayreuth for the first time, and Christian Thielemann will conduct the ceremony with Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th Symphony and also the “Ring” in 2026.

Please note that tickets for the festival can only be reserved and purchased in person (online reservation is now available). Pure Germany will be happy to organize your accommodation and tour around the festival.